Yarn Weight Chart - Reference Guide
Welcome to Paradise Fibers' 🧶 Complete Guide to Yarn Weights 🐑
Understanding yarn weights is key to a successful project whether you’re a knitter, crocheter, spinner, or weaver. At Paradise Fibers, we believe that crafting should feel intuitive and joyful—not 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. Let’s dive in!
Yarn Weight Basics: What Does "Weight" Mean?
"Yarn weight" refers to the thickness of the yarn strand—not 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.
Here’s a quick overview:
| 🧶 Yarn Weight | 🌀 Wraps per Inch (WPI) | 🧵 Knitting Needle Size (US) | 🪝 Crochet Hook Size (US) | ✨ Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🐇 Lace | 18+ | 000–1 | Steel 6–8 / B-1 | Doilies, lace shawls, heirloom pieces |
| 🐥 Fingering | 14–17 | 1–3 | B-1 to E-4 | Socks, baby clothes, lightweight shawls |
| 🐿️ Sport | 12–14 | 3–5 | E-4 to G-6 | Lightweight garments, accessories |
| 🐐 DK (Double Knit) | 11–13 | 5–7 | G-6 to I-9 | Sweaters, scarves, baby blankets |
| 🐏 Worsted | 9–11 | 7–9 | I-9 to K-10.5 | Blankets, sweaters, hats |
| 🐮 Aran | 8–10 | 8–10 | K-10.5 to M-13 | Outerwear, cozy afghans |
| 🐻 Bulky | 7–9 | 9–11 | L-11 to M-13 | Chunky scarves, hats, blankets |
| 🦙 Super Bulky | 5–6 | 11–17 | M-13 and up | Fast projects, oversized pieces |
| 🐘 Jumbo | 1–4 | 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 décor: Bulky and jumbo work great for cozy items like throws.
Check the Pattern: Most patterns specify the recommended weight. Match it for the best results—or swatch and adjust accordingly.
Gauge Matters: Your personal tension may differ. Always swatch to get the right gauge, especially for garments!
🧺 Spinner’s 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 gauge—even at the same WPI!
🧵 Weaver’s 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:
| 🧶 Yarn Weight | 📏 Recommended Sett (Plain Weave) | 📐 Recommended Sett (Twill) |
| 🐥 Fingering | 16–20 epi | 20–24 epi |
| 🐿️ Sport | 12–16 epi | 16–20 epi |
| 🐐 DK | 10–14 epi | 14–18 epi |
| 🐏 Worsted | 8–12 epi | 12–16 epi |
| 🐻 Bulky | 6–10 epi | 10–12 epi |
Quick Yarn Weight Comparison Chart 🧶
For easy reference:
| ✨ Weight Name | 🇬🇧 UK Term | 🇦🇺 AUS Term | 🌀 WPI | 🧶 Best For |
| 🐇 Lace | 1 ply | 2 ply | 18+ | Lacework, shawls |
| 🐥 Fingering | 4 ply | 4 ply | 14–17 | Socks, babywear |
| 🐿️ Sport | 5 ply | 5 ply | 12–14 | Light garments |
| 🐐 DK | 8 ply | 8 ply | 11–13 | Sweaters, baby items |
| 🐏 Worsted | 10 ply | 10–12 ply | 9–11 | Blankets, scarves |
| 🐻 Bulky | 12 ply | 12–14 ply | 7–9 | Cozy winter items |
| 🦙 Super Bulky | N/A | N/A | 5–6 | Fast, chunky knits |
🐑 Paradise Fibers' Yarn Weight Takeaways
- There’s no universal standard—use WPI and swatching to guide you.
- Fiber content and spin method can shift how a yarn behaves.
- Always check your pattern but don’t 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, 💗 The Paradise Fibers Team