What Is Worsted Weight Yarn?
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this blog post, you will see answers to the question – What is worsted weight yarn?
There are thousands of yarns out there waiting for you to choose what you want and turn them into beautiful knit or crochet items.
In order to pick the right yarn for your project, they are separated into categories taking their weight into consideration.
But, in yarn terminology when we are talking about yarn weight, we are referring more to the thickness of the yarn strand than its actual weight.
What Is Worsted Weight Yarn?
Worsted weight yarn is classed as a medium-weight yarn according to the standard yarn weight system from the Craft Yarn Council.
When you buy worsted-weight yarn it will normally say the weight of yarn, needle size, crochet hook size, and tension on the yarn label (or ball band).
There are many different fibers you can get including; wool, alpaca, acrylic, cotton, and blends.
Learn how to read a yarn label here – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)
Great for accessories using various stitches
The knitted fabric often gives crafters a great definition of stitching.
There are many knitting projects you can try using this yarn, either knit with a single strand of yarn or with two strands together to make a heavier weight.
Even beginner knitters can use this yarn to make a number of projects like dishcloths, shawls, garments, and more.
Best to always make a gauge swatch before beginning a project to check you have the correct number of stitches that the gauge information on your pattern requires.
Related Post: How To Measure Gauge In Knitting
My favorite worsted weight yarns
There are so many worsted weight yarns you can explore for your next project.
Some of my favorites are :
- Dishie by Knit Picks: A great choice for dishcloths. This natural fiber yarn (100% cotton) is ideal for all summer projects.
- Malabrigo Rios: It’s soft and washable, perfect for garments, cowls, scarves, and more. There is a wide range of colors.
- Cascade 220: A beautiful wool yarn that’s ideal for all of your fall and winter projects.
- Paintbox Yarns Wool Blend Worsted: This worsted-weight yarn is the perfect choice for all of your knitting and crochet projects. There are many beautiful colors at affordable prices.
- Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino Wool: This worsted wool yarn is a good choice for colorwork and Fair Isle patterns.
- Daily Wool by Purl Soho: An amazing all purpose yarn for a variety of projects.
If you are in the market for new yarns, these are excellent choices.
Free Patterns
Worsted weight yarn is a versatile choice that’s perfect for a wide range of crochet and knitting projects.
In the list below, you’ll find free patterns to make cozy socks, warm shawls, and snug gloves—all ideal for adding comfort and style to your handmade wardrobe.
Whether you’re looking for a quick project or something more detailed, worsted weight yarn offers the perfect balance of warmth, structure, and ease of use.
What Can I Make With Worsted Weight Yarn?
If you want to try a medium weight yarn/worsted weight yarn and start your own knitting or crochet project with it, take a look at the free patterns below and see what you can make next!
Striped Socks Knitting Pattern
Knit a cute pair of socks in three different colors of worsted-weight yarn.
There are a few sizes to make, for yourself or as a gift.
Claire's Rent Shawl Knitting Pattern
Claire's Rent shawl will allow you to create a large triangle shawl with two different colored stripes in the design.
This shawl is seen in Outlander season 1 episode 5 ‘Rent’ worn over a tartan dress when Claire attends to the clan MacKenzie.
Knowledge of intarsia – working with more than one color is needed for this pattern.
You will need worsted weight yarn and 5 mm circular needles.
Knitted Wrist Warmers With Hearts
Arm warmers that use two colors of worsted weight yarn - using the intarsia technique.
Knit flat following a chart these are a great project for intermediate knitters.
The Sea Glass Shawl Knitting Pattern
Knit a beautiful colorful shawl using medium-weight yarn to complete all your spring/summer outfits.
Coraline Wrist Warmers Knitting Pattern
Knit a pretty pair of wrist warmers for you or your friends using this quick and easy pattern.
A pair of wrist warmers are perfect for the fall or early spring but even in the winter if your hands get cold but you still want to type or scroll on your phone or tablet.
Celtic Cable Fingerless Gloves Pattern
This Celtic cable fingerless gloves pattern will allow you to create a complicated design while knitting in the round.
Coraline Gloves Knitting Pattern
Inspired by the striped gloves Coraline Jones wears in the animated film Coraline, this pattern uses four colors of worsted-weight yarn.
Fraser's Ridge Mittens Crochet Pattern
An easy pattern for crocheters of all skill levels.
Made with worsted weight yarn and a 5 mm crochet hook.
Skinny Scarf Crochet Pattern (Beginner Friendly!)
Whether you’re a self-taught beginner or one of those lifelong crocheters, this simple yet trendy design will appeal to all skill levels.
Plus, there is a video tutorial to help you along.
Ice Cream Cozy Free Crochet Pattern (Pint Size)
In this post, you will see an ice cream cozy crochet pattern that will help you practice basic crochet stitches.
Pint cozies are a great first crochet project, as they are small and easy to make.
Worsted Weight Yarn FAQs
How Do I Know If It’s Worsted Weight Yarn?
The yarn weights vary from lace to jumbo yarn (0-7), and worsted yarn falls right in the middle; it’s a medium weight yarn (4).
Thicker than lace-weight and DK weight (double knitting) yarn (3) but thinner than bulky yarn (5), also in the same medium group, we will find other yarns such as Aran weight yarn and afghan which are a little heavier than worsted but not enough to move into the next group.
The worsted yarn has a knitting gauge of 16-20 sts per 4 inches using 7-9 (US) knitting needles.
Learn everything about the different yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide (+ Conversion Chart)
What Kind Of Yarn Is Worsted Weight?
The name “worsted” comes from Worstead, a village in Norfolk, England, where artisans produced woven textiles between the 1200s and 1800s.
They called the cloth made there “worsted.
Depending on where you live in the world, you can hear different names for worsted yarn, which is this medium yarn’s American name.
In the UK and Europe, yarns are called by their symbol number, so the worsted yarn would be number 4.
If you live in Australia or New Zealand where they call yarns by their ply then the worsted yarn would be 10-ply yarn.
What Is Worsted Yarn Used For?
Worsted yarn is one of the most famous yarns as its medium weight makes it easy to work with, you can knit up your project quickly without adding bulk which also makes it perfect if you are new to the knitting and crochet world.
Also one of the perks of its popularity is that is very easy to substitute if you choose a pattern to follow that requires worsted yarn.
But, if you don’t have access to this particular yarn or you just don’t like it, there are hundreds of other yarns of the same weight for you to choose from.
You can knit or crochet pretty much anything with it, a pair of mittens, dishcloths, blankets, baby blankets, sweaters, scarves, shawls, and a pair of socks, the prospects of this yarn are pretty much endless.
What Is A Substitute For Worsted Weight Yarn?
A good substitute for worsted weight yarn depends on the desired fabric and drape of your project.
If you need a slightly lighter option, DK yarn (double knitting) held double can closely match the thickness of worsted.
If you prefer a heavier alternative, Aran weight yarn—which is slightly thicker than worsted—can often work with minor gauge adjustments.
For a yarn artist who loves using finer yarns, sport weight yarn or fingering weight yarns held double can approximate worsted weight.
When substituting, always check the weight of yarn, gauge, and fiber content to ensure your fabric behaves similarly, whether you’re knitting jumpers, cardigans, vests, wraps, or lightweight sweaters.
Learn everything about yarn substitution here – How To Substitute Yarn In A Knitting Pattern (An Easy Guide)
How To Tell Yarn Weight Without A Label?
If your yarn doesn’t have a label, you can figure out whether it’s worsted weight by using a few simple methods.
Start by checking the wraps per inch (WPI).
Wrap the yarn around a ruler or pencil without overlapping, then count how many wraps fit into one inch—worsted weight yarn usually measures 9–12 WPI.
You can also knit a gauge swatch using US size 7–9 (4.5–5.5 mm) needles.
If you get 16–20 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm), you’re likely working with worsted weight yarn.
Another option is to compare the yarn’s thickness to a known DK, Aran, or sport weight yarn.
If it looks slightly thicker than DK but thinner than Aran, it’s probably worsted.
What Is The Difference Between Worsted And Light Worsted Yarn?
The difference between worsted weight yarn and light worsted yarn mainly lies in thickness and gauge.
Worsted weight yarn is a medium-weight yarn (category 4) that typically knits up at 16-20 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm) using US size 7-9 (4.5-5.5 mm) needles.
Light worsted yarn, sometimes classified as heavy DK yarn, falls between DK yarn (category 3) and worsted weight yarn.
It is slightly thinner than standard worsted but thicker than DK, often producing a slightly finer fabric with more drape.
It works well with US size 6-8 (4.0-5.0 mm) needles and is great for lace wraps, lightweight sweaters, and short-sleeved knits.
If a pattern calls for worsted but you only have light worsted, you may need to adjust your gauge swatch or needle size to achieve the correct fabric density.
What Is The Difference Between Worsted-Weight Yarn And Heavy Worsted-Weight Yarn?
The difference between heavy worsted weight yarn and standard worsted weight yarn lies in thickness and gauge.
Heavy worsted-weight yarn is slightly thicker and closer to Aran weight yarn, while regular worsted-weight yarn is more of a true medium-weight yarn (category 4).
What Crochet Hook For Worsted Weight Yarn?
For worsted weight yarn (also known as category 4 or Aran weight yarn), the recommended crochet hook size typically ranges from 5.0 mm (H-8) to 6.5 mm (K-10.5), depending on the stitch pattern and desired fabric density.
A 5.5 mm (I-9) hook is a common choice for standard projects like jumpers, cardigans, vests, wraps, and lightweight sweaters, providing a balanced fabric that isn’t too stiff or too loose.
If using a tighter stitch pattern (like amigurumi or detailed lace wraps), a smaller hook (4.5-5.0 mm) may work better, while looser stitches for wraps or blankets may benefit from a larger hook (6.0-6.5 mm).
Always check your gauge swatch to ensure the correct fabric texture and drape.
Related Post: Crochet Hook Sizes Chart (A Free Conversion Guide)
What Size Knitting Needles For Worsted Weight Yarn?
For worsted weight yarn the recommended knitting needle size typically ranges from US 7 (4.5 mm) to US 9 (5.5 mm), depending on the desired fabric and stitch pattern.
A US 8 (5.0 mm) needle is a common choice for balanced gauge and drape in projects like jumpers, cardigans, vests, wraps, and lightweight sweaters.
If you want a denser fabric (for items like hats or structured garments), use US 7 (4.5 mm), while a looser, more relaxed drape (for lace wraps or cozy scarves) may work better with US 9 (5.5 mm) or a larger needle.
Related Post: Knitting Needle Sizes + Conversion Chart (Free Printable)
Is it Durable?
Yes, worsted weight yarn is generally quite durable, making it a popular choice for a variety of project
Its durability depends on the fiber content—cotton and acrylic worsted weight yarns are particularly strong and long-lasting, while wool worsted weight yarn provides warmth and resilience but may require more delicate care.
Acrylic yarns are highly durable and machine-washable, making them ideal for frequently worn or washed items.
If you need extra durability, look for worsted weight yarn blends that combine natural fibers like wool or cotton with synthetic fibers for added strength.
Proper care, such as washing according to fiber recommendations, helps maintain the weight of yarn and longevity of your knitted or crocheted items.
Related Post: Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers
What Is The Knitting And The Crochet Gauge?
The gauge of worsted weight yarn depends on whether you’re knitting or crocheting and the needle or hook size used.
Knitting Gauge
- Stitch Gauge: Typically 16-20 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm)
- Row Gauge: Around 22-28 rows per 4 inches (10 cm)
- Recommended Needle Size: US 7-9 (4.5-5.5 mm)
Crochet Gauge
- Stitch Gauge: Typically 11-14 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet (sc)
- Row Gauge: Around 12-16 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet
- Recommended Hook Size: 5.0 mm (H-8) to 6.5 mm (K-10.5)
Since gauge varies based on stitch patterns and individual tension, always make a gauge swatch to match your pattern’s requirements so your final project turns out exactly as you want it to!
