What Is DK Weight Yarn? (Your Guide To Double Knitting 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.
Double knitting yarn falls in the lighter yarns group at the standard yarn weight system
And it’s the ideal weight for a variety of projects, from baby items to garments, and accessories.
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.
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.
When we are talking about yarn weight it has less to do with the actual weight of the yarn and more about the thickness of the yarn.
According to the Craft Yarn Council, Yarn weights range from lace weight yarn to super bulky yarn, 0-7 the higher the number the fewer stitches you get per inch.
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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”, ”lightweight yarn”, ”light worsted 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 merino wool, Swish DK, merino wool, Bernat Softee baby, and Baby alpaca. 
DK yarn has a gauge of 21-24 stitches per 4 inches using the 5-7 US needles and UK 4 mm or 4.5 mm knitting needle size.
The most commonly used knitting needles are 3.75-4.5 mm needles (US 5-7) and 4.5-5.5 mm (7 to I/9 US size) hook sizes.
There is no general rule that you cannot use larger needles and the needle size depends mostly on the pattern you will choose to make.
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.
Ply basically refers to the number of strands plied together to make yarn. It’s another way to describe the yarn’s weight and it’s mainly used in Australia, New Zealand, and in the UK.
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.
For more information and to see a yarn weight chart please read this post – Yarn Weights | A Beginners Guide.
This is an 8-Ply 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 ( a light weight yarn) on projects such as baby blankets, spring cardigans, shawls, arm warmers, scarves, and cowls.
Everything you need to know about your yarn, you will find on the yarn label.
The yarn manufacturer provides all the necessary details about your yarn.
From the weight, the yardage, the fiber content, and the size of hooks, and needles you will need for this specific yarn.
Check out how to read a yarn label here.
TIP – If you end up throwing away the label, just Google the yarn and you will find everything you need on the brand’s website.
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 on the type of fiber you use also – for example, wool, cotton, or acrylic yarn.
My Favorite DK Weight Yarns
If you are looking to add some double-knitting yarn to your yarn stash these are some of my personal favorites.
Berroco Modern Cotton DK by Berroco
This is a DK version of Berroco’s classic Modern Cotton yarn.
It’s available in a huge range of fresh colors, and its Pima cotton blend makes it gorgeous on the skin.
An excellent choice if you need cotton yarn.
Deramores Studio DK Acrylic by Deramores
Deramores Studio DK is a wonderfully soft acrylic yarn that has been developed with anti-pilling technology.
The most popular choice for knitting or crocheting garments, toys, accessories, and blankets.
Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK by Paintbox Yarns
Paintbox Yarns have created a huge palette of 56 colors in their Cotton DK range of yarns.
Made from 100% cotton, there is an enormous choice of colors on offer, and you are sure to find the perfect combination for your next knitting project.
Ideal for colorful stripes, intarsia, fair isle, or knitted toys.
Cascade 220 Superwash by Cascade Yarns
Cascade 220 yarn is the perfect combination of affordability, quality, and versatility that can be used for a huge range of projects.
Cascade Ultra Pima by Cascade Yarns
Ultra Pima offers a stunning range of shades in 100% Pima cotton.
Cascade Ulta Pima’s beautiful cotton will be perfect for most DK patterns.
It has a dreamy, light texture, perfect for summery cover-ups and shawls, and super-soft babywear.
Malabrigo Dos Tierras By Malabrigo
The kettle-dyed semi-solid and variegated shades will inspire you to knit the most exquisite shawls, wraps, and accessories you can imagine.
Malabrigo yarn is hand-dyed, meaning that each beautiful skein is unique.
DK Yarn Knitting And Crochet Patterns
If you are ready to start your DK yarn / double knitting yarn adventures check out the knitting and crochet patterns below and you might find your next project.
Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern {Straight Needles}
Make a dog sweater with an interesting stitch pattern called the grid stitch with this free knitting pattern.
Apothecary Outlander Fingerless Gloves Pattern
Inspired by Claire’s mitts from Outlander Season 5 (Seen worn by Claire in episode 10 ‘Mercy shall follow me’) the apothecary Outlander fingerless gloves pattern will allow you to create an interesting slipped stitch design.
Tea Cosy Knitting Pattern
The design is simple, with pleated panels in two colors that are stitched together leaving openings for the handle and spout.
This would be suitable for an advanced beginner as well as a seasoned knitter!
Craigh na Dun Cable Fingerless Mittens Knitting Pattern
The Craigh na Dun Cable Fingerless Mittens Knitting Pattern has been inspired by the grey gloves Claire is seen wearing in Outlander season 1 from episode 8 ‘Both Sides Now’.
This pattern will allow you to create fingerless mittens with the intricate staghorn cable design.
Baby Sweater Pattern
This baby sweater is knit in one piece using cotton but can be substituted with any double knitting yarn.
Fluffy Brioche Hat by PurlSoho
Make this pretty hat with DK yarn for all the family as this free pattern comes in all sizes from baby to adult.
Stuffed Bunny Pattern {With Crochet Overalls}
Make your little one a bunny toy they will cherish with this free stuffed bunny pattern.
These little bunnies make great gifts for kids or to give as a baby shower gift.
Java Wrap Pattern by Alexandra Tavel
Make this amazing wrap using DK yarn with this free pattern!
You can find this pattern on The Two Of Wands website.
Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern
Make a knitted dog sweater with stripes with this free pattern that used double knitting yarn.
Ivy Cardigan pattern by The Blue Mouse
Knit this cute cardigan to complete all of your spring outfits with this free pattern using double-knitting yarn.
This is pattern is available on the Hook Nook blog.
Knitted Tea Cosy Pattern | Ice Cream Swirl
Fancy making something delicious-looking for your teapot? For a little afternoon tea?
The ice cream swirl tea cosy is made in two striped pieces and then stitched together leaving openings for the handle and spout.
Knitted Pumpkin Pattern (Small + Quick)
This is an easy pattern for those of you who are advanced beginner level, and the techniques you will need to know are knit, purl, k2tog, and knitting in the round.
Bunny Slippers For Baby (Perfect For Easter!)
Make a sweet pair of bunny slippers for your baby this Easter.
This pattern is fairly easy, with the booties and ears knit flat and then seamed.
They also knit up fairly quickly, so if you have an afternoon spare one weekend, you can make them in around 3-4 hours, while watching your current series for a bit of knitflixing!
Easter Bunny Hat {Knit Flat}
This pattern post is for an Easter bunny hat that can be knit flat on two needles.
Made to match up with another pattern I have for bunny slippers, they will look very cute together as a set.
You can make this Easter hat in any color you like, from white and pink to greys or browns.
Red Jamie Cable Knit Fingerless Mittens Pattern
The red Jamie cable knit fingerless mittens pattern is perfect for anyone who loves to knit cables!
The mittens are knit flat, featuring an intricate double cable design.
Striped Beanie Pattern
This striped beanie would make a great holiday accessory for visiting friends or family photographs.
Knit on 4mm circular needles, this hat is a really easy knit, using stocking stitch throughout the pattern.
Sheep Baby Booties Knitting Pattern
These fluffy little baby booties will not only look awesome but will keep the baby’s feet really warm.
Made from a baby yarn called snuggly by Sirdar, they are soft and fluffy to the touch.
Baby knitting is so much fun and when you make cute animal slippers like these knitted baby booties you will want to make more.
Pirate Baby Booties Pattern (3 Sizes)
These pirate baby booties will keep the baby afloat on the high seas and not be afraid of walking the plank!
Made with 100% cotton, these booties have a lightweight yet durable feel and will make any outfit look awesome.
They are easy to make and will take you 1-2 hours to knit and it's an excellent stash buster as you won't need much yarn.
Bunny Booties Knitting Pattern
The bunny booties knitting pattern is for booties to fit babies aged between 6-9 months.
This pattern has full instructions on how to knit the slippers and the ears.
The slippers are knit flat on straight needles, with the ears knit separately and then attached.
Baby Slippers Knitting Pattern
Make your little one a pair of cotton baby shoes with an ankle strap and pom pom decoration for the warmer weather with this easy knitting pattern.
The finished product will be adorable.
Hubble the Squid pattern by Projectarian
Make this unbelievably cute squid using DK yarn with this free pattern.
Available for download on Ravelry.
Crochet Acorn Garland {Fall Decor}
Making this sweet autumn garland will allow you to bring some of those lovely autumnal colors inside.
You can add more or fewer acorns depending on how long you want the garland to be.
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