Yarn Weight Chart - Reference Guide
Welcome to Paradise Fibers' ๐งถ Complete Guide to Yarn Weights ๐
Understanding yarn weights is key to a successful project whether youโre a knitter, crocheter, spinner, or weaver. At Paradise Fibers, we believe that crafting should feel intuitive and joyfulโnot confusing! This guide will help you decode yarn weights, pick the perfect one for your project, and even understand how they translate across different crafts. Letโs dive in!
Yarn Weight Basics: What Does "Weight" Mean?
"Yarn weight" refers to the thickness of the yarn strandโnot how much it weighs on a scale. It affects everything from the drape and warmth of your project to how long it takes to finish.
Hereโs a quick overview:
๐งถ Yarn Weight | ๐ Wraps per Inch (WPI) | ๐งต Knitting Needle Size (US) | ๐ช Crochet Hook Size (US) | โจ Common Uses |
---|---|---|---|---|
๐ Lace | 18+ | 000โ1 | Steel 6โ8 / B-1 | Doilies, lace shawls, heirloom pieces |
๐ฅ Fingering | 14โ17 | 1โ3 | B-1 to E-4 | Socks, baby clothes, lightweight shawls |
๐ฟ๏ธ Sport | 12โ14 | 3โ5 | E-4 to G-6 | Lightweight garments, accessories |
๐ DK (Double Knit) | 11โ13 | 5โ7 | G-6 to I-9 | Sweaters, scarves, baby blankets |
๐ Worsted | 9โ11 | 7โ9 | I-9 to K-10.5 | Blankets, sweaters, hats |
๐ฎ Aran | 8โ10 | 8โ10 | K-10.5 to M-13 | Outerwear, cozy afghans |
๐ป Bulky | 7โ9 | 9โ11 | L-11 to M-13 | Chunky scarves, hats, blankets |
๐ฆ Super Bulky | 5โ6 | 11โ17 | M-13 and up | Fast projects, oversized pieces |
๐ Jumbo | 1โ4 | 17+ | Q and up | Arm knitting, rugs, statement pieces |
How to Choose the Right Yarn Weight
Consider Your Project:
- Garments: DK and worsted are versatile go-tos.
- Accessories: Fingering to bulky depending on warmth and drape.
- Home dรฉcor: Bulky and jumbo work great for cozy items like throws.
Check the Pattern: Most patterns specify the recommended weight. Match it for the best resultsโor swatch and adjust accordingly.
Gauge Matters: Your personal tension may differ. Always swatch to get the right gauge, especially for garments!
๐งบ Spinnerโs Tip: Handspun Yarn and WPI
If you're spinning your own yarn, the best way to determine the weight is by measuring wraps per inch (WPI). Here's how:
- Wrap yarn around a pencil or WPI tool without overlapping.
- Count the number of wraps within one inch.
- Compare to the chart above.
Note: Fiber type, ply structure, and finish can affect the final gaugeโeven at the same WPI!
๐งต Weaverโs Note: Yarn Weight in Weaving
Weaving requires a bit more nuance. Consider:
- Sett (epi): Use yarn weight and fiber to estimate ends per inch.
- Tension: Thicker yarns require looser tension.
- Fiber Content: Cotton behaves differently than wool or alpaca.
Use this as a general weaving reference:
๐งถ Yarn Weight | ๐ Recommended Sett (Plain Weave) | ๐ Recommended Sett (Twill) |
๐ฅ Fingering | 16โ20 epi | 20โ24 epi |
๐ฟ๏ธ Sport | 12โ16 epi | 16โ20 epi |
๐ DK | 10โ14 epi | 14โ18 epi |
๐ Worsted | 8โ12 epi | 12โ16 epi |
๐ป Bulky | 6โ10 epi | 10โ12 epi |
Quick Yarn Weight Comparison Chart ๐งถ
For easy reference:
โจ Weight Name | ๐ฌ๐ง UK Term | ๐ฆ๐บ AUS Term | ๐ WPI | ๐งถ Best For |
๐ Lace | 1 ply | 2 ply | 18+ | Lacework, shawls |
๐ฅ Fingering | 4 ply | 4 ply | 14โ17 | Socks, babywear |
๐ฟ๏ธ Sport | 5 ply | 5 ply | 12โ14 | Light garments |
๐ DK | 8 ply | 8 ply | 11โ13 | Sweaters, baby items |
๐ Worsted | 10 ply | 10โ12 ply | 9โ11 | Blankets, scarves |
๐ป Bulky | 12 ply | 12โ14 ply | 7โ9 | Cozy winter items |
๐ฆ Super Bulky | N/A | N/A | 5โ6 | Fast, chunky knits |
๐ Paradise Fibers' Yarn Weight Takeaways
- Thereโs no universal standardโuse WPI and swatching to guide you.
- Fiber content and spin method can shift how a yarn behaves.
- Always check your pattern but donโt be afraid to experiment.
Still unsure? Reach out to our fiber experts! We love helping you find the perfect yarn for your next masterpiece.
Happy crafting, ๐ The Paradise Fibers Team