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Yarn Weight Classes for Knitting & Crochet
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items Yarn comes in strands of various thicknesses. Yarn thickness is divided into weight classes based on the size of the yarn strand, not the actual weight of the yarn. Each weight class is numbered 0-7 from thinnest to thickest sizes. Here are some grap...
Sections
9
Resources
0 - Lace
1 - Superfine
2 - Fine
3 - Light
4 - Medium
Resources
Free charts and graphics
A basic chart which includes recommended knitting needle sizes for each category
A Simple Guide to Understanding Yarn Weights
Crochet hook size recommendations for yarn weights and more detailed info in general
Yarn Weight Chart & Guide to Yarn Sizes/Types | Jo to the World Creations
A detailed chart with more detail & knitting needle and crochet hook recommendations per weight all together in one spot
Standard Yarn Weight System | Welcome to the Craft Yarn Council
A chart that generally describes which projects are preferred for each weight class
Lion Brand Yarn Weight Classes
A very helpful guide for crochet thread thickness which has a different size scale than regular yarn
Understanding Crochet Thread Sizes | Thread Collective Australia
If you would like to make some yarn substitutions for a project or figure out a yarn weight you are unsure of this article can help you learn how.
Crochet Thread Weight vs. Yarn Weight: Wraps Per Inch Compared
0 - Lace
Lace weight yarn or thread
The most classic of cotton crochet thread
Aunt Lydia's® Classic Cotton Crochet Thread
Crochet thread has a different weight class system and can include very delicate thin yarn which is good for things like doilies and home decor, or fashion accessories
Aunt Lydia's Extra Fine Crochet Thread Size 30
Just another recommended standard cotton crochet thread in more color options, I also like the Michael's Loops and Threads brand rolls.
Rainbow Lace
Embroidery floss can be used for small projects and accents. You can separate or add strands to create lace to fingering weight yarn equivalents easily, or just add one or two strands to another yarn. Metallic and regular floss differ in thickness.
DMC® 6 Strand Embroidery Floss, Teal
1 - Superfine
Baby, Fingering and Sock weight yarns
While crochet has a size range numbering system of it's own this Fashion 3 can be considered part of the 1/Superfine weight class of yarn
Aunt Lydia's® Fashion Crochet Cotton Thread
There are many types of sock yarn but I really like Patons for a reliable, standard sock yarn size.
Patons® Kroy Socks™ Yarn
Sometimes superfine may also be labeled as baby yarn. Yarn for creating baby items is often softer and thinner, most often found in weights 1-3, not all "baby" yarn is the same weight so make sure you check the label
Baby Cotton Organic
Fingering Weight yarn is another term for a member of the superfine family. At times yarn can vary in size even within a category. A yarn may be labelled fingering weight and be thin enough to reside in the lace weight category as well.
Rainbow Cotton 8/4 Print
Sock yarns don't just have to be for socks. I like using them for gloves and the strands can be combined to create a higher yarn weights like DK & worsted.
Silly Socks
Yarn weight is not the actual weight of the yarn. A pattern may call for a certain amount (weight) of yarn in grams or ounces, or a yarn label may say the amount of yarn in g or oz, but this isn't related to the yarn weight class
Universe
2 - Fine
Baby & Sport weight yarns
Fine or sport weight yarn can look more polished than thicker yarns and create refined looking garments.
Metallico Fine
Sometimes people find working in certain weights more comfortable or difficult than others. Thinner yarns can be more difficult for beginners but as you become more comfortable with your craft you can work your way down.
Sultan Shadow
If you ever want to substitute yarns in a pattern, it's best not to simply trust weight labels. Make a swatch to see if it's really the same gauge even if it's the same yarn weight so you will have the right size and shape in the end.
Eddie Bauer Adventurer 590yds Fine Cotton Yarn | JOANN
3 - Light
DK & Light Worsted weight yarns
DK & Light Worsted weight yarns are some of the most frequently used in patterns. Baby yarn is most often in this category.
Bernat Baby Big Ball Sport Light Weight Acrylic Yarn | JOANN
Just a very standard DK (double knit) weight that should be easy for beginners. In some older patterns DK weight yarn may be referred to as Double Knit Wool.
Delicate DK™ Yarn by Loops & Threads®
This is a great weight class to make baby blankets and garments for all with, so the softer the better.
Silky Soft™ Yarn by Loops & Threads®
This weight class is great for shawls and scarves. If you want a colorful accessory you might want a yarn that changes hues throughout for less ends to deal with
Caron® Skinny Cakes™ Yarn
Lion Brand is my go to brand
Lion Brand Ice Cream 394yds Light Weight Acrylic Yarn | JOANN
For garments meant to be close to the skin this yarn is a wonderful choice for it's texture and softness. Coboo (cotton/ bamboo) is another light yarn in this family that is used for the knitted knockers projects.
Lion Brand® Truboo Yarn
4 - Medium
Worsted, Aran & Afghan weight yarn
This is one of the most standard weights of yarn around and probably the best weight for beginners to work with.
Soft Classic™ Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads®
The most ultimate 4 weight class yarn of all.
Red Heart® Super Saver® Solid Yarn
Sometimes yarns that share the same weight category can differ in size due to material or texture.
Everyday Cotton™ Yarn by Loops & Threads®
This is an example of a worsted weight yarn that I find to be slightly thinner but not as thin as light worsted. Its still category 4 but might mess with your gauge if you combine with other worsted yarns
Caron® Simply Soft® Solid Yarn
Here is another 4 weight yarn though, as you can see, the strands vary in thickness as they go. Generally they equate to a 4, but again, check your gauge for a specific project substitute
Facets™ Yarn by Loops & Threads®
This is a great yarn for beginners to practice with, there's a lot in one roll so you don't have to feel stingy. It's a slightly lighter worsted weight yarn (still category 4) and my favorite for many projects.
Lion Brand® Pound of Love® Yarn
This yarn is an example of a slightly thicker quarter weight yarn. It is not bulky but it definitely has a thicker feel
Caron® One Pound™ Yarn
5 - Bulky
Chunky, Rug & Other Craft Yarns
Bulky yarns work up quickly and can be good for hats and cowls
Premier Yarns - Puzzle Yarn - Riddle - 7oz 328yds - 5 Bulky Weight - Acrylic
Bulky yarns often have a more noticeable texture and can hold a lot of warmth
Charisma® Yarn by Loops & Threads®
Boucle yarn comes in different sizes, bulkier versions make a more noticeable bumpy texture, thinner sizes have a knobbly texture. I used to have trouble with this yarn as a beginning knitter. It can tangle easily and it's difficult to frog or find m...
Textured Twist™ Yarn by Loops & Threads®
Thick cotton yarn is a good choice for rugs, pet beds, trivets, or coasters.
Bernat Maker 317yds Bulky Cotton Blend Yarn | JOANN
Another cotton choice with 50% acrylic. Even though they are similar, compared to the previous cotton yarn you can tell the same yarn weight class won't guarantee the same results for substitutions
Bulky Twist™ Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads®
Fibrous or hairy yarns might make be easier to work with in a bulky weight class. These types of yarn tend to have fibers that fuse together as you work and it becomes difficult to take out stitches. Larger yarn weight can make it easier to pick apar...
Lion Brand Rewind Tape 219yds Bulky Polyester Yarn | JOANN
6 - Super Bulky
Not the biggest size but close
Super Bulky yarns of category 6 can work up into ultra quick blankets, pillow covers, toys and sweater coats. For some beginners they can be awkward when learning to hold yarn or use larger hooks or needles, but 's all up to your preference and you w...
Lion Brand® Wool-Ease® Thick & Quick® Solid Yarn
Super Bulky yarns often come in fluffy or fuzzy styles. A good thing to keep in mind is, besides the size of your tools, the tension of your work will also make a difference as to gauge and total size. Sometimes larger yarns make it easier to spot di...
Chenille Home Slim™ Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads®
Polyester and cotton filled tube yarn. Does not compress as easily and has a plush feel.
Bungee Mini
This recycled polyester yarn is bulky but unfilled and has a ribbon like appearance. There are ribbon yarns in different materials that will be different weight classes, or you can just choose to use regular ribbon for creative projects.
T-Shirt Jersey 131yds Super Bulky Polyester Yarn by Big Twist | JOANN
Blanket yarn is usually some of the thickest yarn, but not necessarily a specific weight class.
Bernat® Blanket™ Yarn
Chunky is another term for yarn in the 6 weight class.
Happy Chunky Double - 50g
If you use macrame cord, or want to, it equates to the Super Bulky yarn weight class
Macramé Cotton Cord by Loops & Threads®, 50ft.
7 - Jumbo
The largest yarn weight class for the fastest, biggest projects and techniques like arm and hand/finger knitting or crochet
You might find the larger the weight class of a yarn the lower the yardage. Buying enough yarn in the same dye lot for your patterns will save you from frustration later.
Bernat® Blanket Big™ Yarn
If you have difficulty with yarn of a certain weight, particularly larger sizes, make sure you are using a big enough tool and working loosely enough. It can feel like you're fighting your project the whole way when the tool is too small.
Fluffy Chenille™ Yarn by Loops & Threads®
How slippery your yarn is can make a difference when working in different weights as well, especially weights you aren't used to. Larger tools for jumbo yarn can have more weight, or unfamiliar centers of gravity, and slip out of smooth yarn more eas...
Royal Velvet™ Yarn by Loops & Threads®
Some jumbo yarn doesn't even have to be filled to look plush.
Tubular 40.5yds Jumbo Polyester Yarn by Big Twist | JOANN