Yarn Weight and Gauge Chart with Helpful Explanations

Summary

Yarn Weight Chart

Yarn weight can sometimes feel like a maze of numbers and terms, but with a little guidance, you’ll quickly master the basics. This guide will walk you through the different yarn weights, helping you understand gauge, needle sizes, hook sizes, and best project uses.  

Using this yarn weight chart as a reference, you’ll have all the information you need to select the ideal yarn for any knitting or crocheting project.

Yarn Weights Comparison

Here’s a breakdown of the major yarn weight categories, including lace, super fine, fine, light, medium, bulky, super bulky, and jumbo. Each category has its unique properties and is ideal for different types of projects.

Lace Weight Yarn

Description: Lace weight yarn is extremely fine and lightweight. Often seen as 1-2 ply, it creates delicate, airy fabrics with excellent stitch definition. Ideal for lace shawls and intricate patterns, lace weight yarn allows for an ethereal, soft texture.

Best Uses: Ideal for shawls, wraps, and delicate lace projects, lace weight yarn is perfect for items where you want a soft drape and a luxurious feel. Due to its fine nature, it is typically used for detailed, intricate patterns that benefit from a light and airy texture.

Super Fine Weight Yarn

Fine Weight Yarn

Description: Fine weight yarn, also known as sport weight yarn, is slightly thicker than super fine yarn and is frequently used for lightweight garments and accessories. This yarn strikes a great balance between warmth and lightness.

Best Uses: Popular for lightweight tops, baby clothes, and light sweaters, fine weight yarn is a great choice for summer projects and other pieces that need to breathe while providing a bit of warmth. Sport weight yarn made from cotton is perfect for summer knits due to its breathable, soft nature.

Light Weight Yarn

Description: Known as DK (Double Knitting) yarn, lightweight yarn is versatile and suited to a wide range of projects. It provides a bit more thickness than fine weight, creating fabrics with good body and warmth.

Best Uses: DK weight yarn is great for projects like cardigans, shawls, and lightweight sweaters. It’s also fantastic for mid-weight blankets, scarves, and hats, especially in DK yarn weight cotton for a summery feel. The DK yarn gauge provides enough substance for textured stitches while remaining light.

Medium Weight Yarn

Description: Often called worsted weight yarn or Aran wool weight in the UK, medium weight yarn is the workhorse of the yarn world. It’s thick enough for warm winter projects but not too bulky, making it suitable for a wide range of items. 

If you would like to learn more about this then read our helpful guide What is Worsted Weight Yarn? Everything You Need to Know.

Best Uses: Medium weight yarn is ideal for blankets, winter sweaters, and accessories like hats and mittens. It’s commonly used for Afghans and heavier garments due to its excellent warmth and durability. Worsted weight wool works up quickly while providing plenty of structure for textured stitch patterns.

Bulky Weight Yarn

Best Uses: Perfect for chunky sweaters, thick blankets, and cosy hats, bulky weight yarn adds substantial warmth and weight to a project. It’s also great for quick projects because the thick yarn works up fast, creating durable, insulating fabrics.

Super Bulky Weight Yarn

Description: Super bulky yarn is even thicker than bulky weight and provides maximum warmth. It’s commonly used for items that need to be extremely warm, such as winter accessories and heavy blankets.

Best Uses: Super bulky yarn is excellent for thick cowls, quick-knit blankets, and oversized winter hats. It works up quickly and is perfect for arm knitting and chunky knitting projects that make a big, cosy statement.

Jumbo Weight Yarn

Description: Jumbo weight yarn is the thickest of all yarns, often used for arm knitting. Its extreme thickness makes it ideal for statement pieces with dramatic texture and weight.

Best Uses: Jumbo yarn is perfect for oversized blankets, floor cushions, and bold statement scarves. This yarn is popular for extreme knitting, often using just the hands or oversized needles, which is fun for fast, impactful projects.

Conclusion

Understanding yarn weights, especially worsted weight yarn, is crucial for any knitting or crochet project. Its versatility, durability, and ability to showcase stitches make it a favourite among crafters. Whether you’re knitting a cosy sweater or a stylish accessory, worsted weight yarn is a reliable and beautiful choice.

If you would like to continue your yarn discovery journey, then read our Comprehensive Guide on Wool and Yarn: All You Need to Know to find the perfect yarn for your next project.