Double Knitting Yarn – What Is DK Weight Yarn?
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, we will look at DK weight yarn or double knitting yarn.
When we are talking about yarn weight it has less to do with the actual weight of the yarn and more about how thick the string of the yarn is.
Yarn weights range from lace to super bulky, 0-7 the higher the number has the fewer stitches you get per inch.
Know Your Yarn Weights
Being savvy about yarn weight can come a long way in your projects.
Knowing the yarn weight you need for a pattern and the approximate stitches you get from yarn per inch can help you to substitute the yarn suggested in a pattern.
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It’s highly recommended to make a gauge swatch before starting a project that requires sizing.
This is because not all yarns of a certain weight are exactly the same and it’s really important to have the correct sizing if you are making a sweater for example.
DK Yarn FAQ’s
Double knitting yarn is a 3 Light yarn weight along with light worsted yarns.
It’s heavier than 2 Fine yarns (aka sport weight yarn) and thinner than 4 medium yarns (aka worsted weight yarn).
You might hear DK weight yarn called “baby yarn” or “light yarn”.
Originally it was used for double knitting with a nice color design on both sides.
There are many yarns that are DK/Light Worsted/8 Ply including pima cotton, superwash wool, and baby alpaca. 
You could also use two strands of DK weight yarn together while knitting or crocheting to substitute a worsted weight yarn.
Be sure to make a knitting gauge swatch or crochet gauge swatch before starting your project.
The gauge may vary depending o the type of fiber you use also – for example, wool, cotton, or acrylic yarn.
DK yarn has a symbol of 3 and a gauge of 21–24 stitches per 4 inches using 5-7 US needles and UK 4mm or 4.5mm knitting needle size.
Sometimes people ask – ‘Is worsted weight the same as 8 ply yarn?’ and the answer is no.
8 ply would normally refer to double knitting yarn.
Depending on which country you are in, there are many different terms for yarn weights.
In the USA you would probably see this called a medium weight yarn or DK yarn, in the UK DK yarn or 8 ply, and in Australia also 8 ply.
This is an 8ply yarn below:
Double knitting yarn is perfect for any kind of knitting project as it is easy to knit and works up faster than superfine yarns.
Due to its light weight, it’s ideal for a good stitch definition in a big project like a blanket or a long summer cardigan and still thin enough for small projects like baby socks.
You can use DK yarn on projects such as baby blankets, spring cardigans, shawls, and cowls.
DK Yarn Patterns
Take a look at this round-up of knitting and crochet patterns that use DK or double knitting yarn.
Make this pretty hat with DK yarn for all the family as this free pattern comes in all sizes from
baby to adult.
Make this amazing wrap using DK yarn with this free pattern!
You can find this pattern at The Two Of Wands website.
Make this unbelievably cute squid using DK yarn with this free pattern.
Available for download on Ravelry.
Knit this cute cardigan to complete all of your spring outfits with this free pattern using double knitting yarn.
This is pattern is available at the Hook Nook blog.
Make a dog sweater with an interesting stitch pattern called the grid stitch with this free knitting pattern.
Aztec Tile Blanket Knit-Along by Lynne Rowe in Deramores Studio DK & Rowan Summerlite DK
Make this stylish throw blanket using DK yarn with this free pattern to up your living room’s style!
Make a knitted dog sweater with stripes with this free pattern that used double knitting yarn.
This baby sweater is knit in one piece using cotton but can be substituted with any double knitting yarn.
