Yarn weights

0 Weight or Lace weight is the lightest weight of yarn. Lace weight produces an extremely fine gauge fabric. Lace weight yarns are often knit or crocheted on larger needles and hooks to create lacy, openwork patterns. Accordingly, gauge range is difficult to determine. Lace weight yarns are often used for delicate shawls and wraps.

Recommended Knitting Needle Size: 1.5mm - 2.25mm/US000-1

Recommended Crochet Hook Size: 1.6mm-1.4mm or regular 2.2

Common Gauge over 4 inches:

Knitting Stockinette: 33-40 stitches/ Crochet Single: 32-42 stitches

Super Fine (1) Weight Yarn Icon

Fingering or Sock

Often called fingering weight yarn, 1 weight is a little heavier than lace and makes a more solid fabric. It's super fine and can make awesome openwork projects. Use it for socks, shawls, baby, and adult clothes, and accessories.

Recommended Knitting Needle Size: US 1-3 or 2.25- 3.25mm

Recommended Crochet Hook Size: B-1 to E-4 or 2.25mm – 3.5mm

Common Gauge over 4 inches:
Knitting Stockinette: 27-32 stitches Crochet Single Crochet: 21-32 stitches

Sport

2 Weight yarn is often called sport or baby weight. Slightly heavier than fingering weight, sport weight yarns are great for colorwork, textured fabric, and cabling. Great yarn for cozy socks, as well as sweaters with great ease and drape.

Recommended Knitting Needle Size: US 3-5 or 3.25-3.75mm

Recommended Crochet Hook Size: E-4 to 7 or 3.5mm – 4.5mm

Common Gauge over 4 inches:
Knitting Stockinette: 23-26 stitches Crochet Single Crochet: 16-20 stitches

Light Weight - Double Knit (DK Yarn)

DK or double knit weight yarn, also known as light worsted yarn, is one of the most popular weights as it’s very versatile and works for a wide range of projects. It’s heavier than sport weight but lighter than worsted and is commonly used for sweaters, shirts, garments, and accessories such as scarves, hats, mittens.

Recommended Knitting Needle Size: US 5-7 or 3.75mm-4.5mm

Recommended Crochet Hook Size: 7 to I-9 or 4.5mm – 5.5mm

Common Gauge over 4 inches:

Knitting Stockinette: 21-24 stitches Crochet Single Crochet: 12-17 stitches

Medium Weight - Worsted/Aran

4 Weight yarn, more commonly known as worsted weight, is the workhorse yarn of the knitting and crochet world, for good reason. This yarn weight is very popular because it can be used for just about anything, from garments to accessories to home décor. Bridging the gap between lighter and heavier weight yarns, 4 weight is perfect for beginners of either craft.

Recommended Knitting Needle Size: US 7-9 or 4.5mm-5.5mm

Recommended Crochet Hook Size: I-9 to K-10 ½ or 5.5mm – 6.5mm

Common Gauge over 4 inches:

Knitting Stockinette: 16-20 stitches/Crochet Single Crochet: 11-14 stitches

Bulky Weight

Bulky or 5 weight yarn is approximately twice as thick as worsted weight yarn. Sometimes referred to as chunky, craft, or rug yarn, it usually works up quickly using larger needles or hooks. This yarn is great for a heavier, cozy sweater, or for rugs and throws.

Recommended Knitting Needle Size: US 9-11 or 5.5mm-8mm

Recommended Crochet Hook Size: K-10 ½ to M-13 or 6.5mm – 9mm

Common Gauge over 4 inches:

Knitting Stockinette: 12-15 stitches Crochet Single Crochet: 8-11 stitches

Super Bulky

Super Bulky or 6 weight yarn is a very thick yarn that works up quickly on large needles and hooks. Most often it is used for cowls, scarves, and hats.

Recommended Knitting Needle Size: US 11-17 or 8mm-12.75mm

Recommended Crochet Hook Size: M-13 to Q or 9mm – 15mm

Common Gauge over 4 inches:

Knitting Stockinette: 7-11 stitches Crochet Single Crochet: 7-9 stitches

Jumbo

The thickest yarn weight currently is Jumbo or 7 weight. These super thick yarns are used in any big stitch projects or for arm knit or crochet. Jumbo yarn works up super fast into big stitch cowls, scarves, hats, or blankets.

Recommended Knitting Needle Size: US 17 and larger or 15 mm and larger

Recommended Crochet Hook Size: Q and larger or 15mm and larger

Common Gauge over 4 inches:

Knitting Stockinette: 6 stitches and fewer Crochet Single Crochet: 6 stitches and fewer.