A Guide to Different Yarn Weights

107

Yarn weight not only determines the thickness of the yarn but also influences the drape (how something lays, falls), texture, and overall appearance of your finished piece. Your yarn label identifies the weight of your yarn with a number. In this guide, we’ll discuss different yarn weights and explore how to use them in your projects.

Lace Weight:

Lace weight yarn is the lightest yarn category. It’s represented on your yarn label with the number 0. It’s known for being really thin, almost like thread. Crocheters typically use it for intricate lace and doily patterns, sometimes shawls and other delicate accessories. Lace weight yarn requires very fine crochet hooks to achieve a delicate drape. The delicate nature of lace weight yarn demands precision and patience. Usually more experienced crocheters use this weight. It can be intimidating, as a three decade fiber artists, I’ve never tried this weight of yarn but love watching others use it on social media.

Fingering or Sock Weight:

Fingering weight yarn, also known as sock weight or super fine yarn, is popular for its versatility. You’ll know it’s super fine yarn by finding the number 1 on your yarn label. It’s slightly thicker than lace weight and is ideal for creating lightweight garments such as socks and baby clothing. Fingering weight yarn allows for intricate stitch definition and is available in a wide range of fibers, including wool, cotton, and blends. Anyone can work with sock weight yarn but it requires a little extra effort so beginners may shy away from it.

Sport Weight:

Sport weight yarn is a great balance between lightweight and medium-weight yarns. It’s also called fine yarn and is represented with the number 2 on your yarn label. It’s great for lightweight garments like sweaters, shawls, and accessories, sport weight yarn is good for patterns that need yarn that provides both warmth and drape. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced crocheters.

DK Weight:

DK Weight Yarn, called DK for double knit and also called light weight, is represented by the number 3. Experienced crocheters tend to reach for this most often for clothing items because it drapes beautifully and feels nice in your hands.

Worsted Weight:

Worsted weight yarn is one of the most popular choices among because it’s really versatile and easy to use. You’ll sometimes hear it referred to as medium or aran. It shows up as the number 4 on your yarn label. It is a little bit thicker than sport weight yarn but not as bulky as chunky yarn, making it suitable for a variety of projects, including scarves, hats, and blankets. Worsted weight yarn is great for all level of crocheter.

Bulky Weight:

Bulky weight yarn is thick and quick to work up, making it an excellent choice for cozy winter projects like blankets, shawls, sweaters, and even hats. We sometimes call this chunky yarn. Find the number 5 symbol on your yarn label. It’s thickness provides warmth and helps projects come together really quickly. It requires larger crochet hooks but it’s ability to work up quickly makes it a great choice for last minute gifts.

Super Bulky Weight:

Super bulky weight yarn is an even chunkier option, referenced by the number 6. It’s perfect for those looking to create plush, warm projects in a short amount of time. Like regular bulky yarn, super use bulky to create scarves, hats, blankets, and more. Because it works up so quickly, it’s instantly gratifying.

Jumbo Yarn Weight:

Jumbo is the heaviest yarn weight. You’ll know it’s a jumbo yarn just by looking at it, but you’ll also find the number 7 on your yarn label. You’ll use this yarn for household projects like big chunky comforters, arm knitting and other non-crochet crafts.

Refer to your pattern to learn what weight of yarn, how many yards, and what hook size you need to complete your project.