Yarn Weight Chart (+ Conversion Guide For Beginners)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.If you’re new to knitting or crochet, yarn weights can feel confusing at first.
You might fall in love with a beautiful skein of yarn, bring it home, and then wonder what you can actually make with it.
Or you might find a pattern that asks for DK, worsted, aran, chunky, or fingering yarn and have no idea what that means.
This beginner-friendly yarn weight guide will help you understand yarn categories, ply, WPI, needle sizes, crochet hook sizes, and common yarn weight conversions.
You’ll also find a yarn weight conversion chart so you can compare common UK, US, and Australian yarn terms more easily.
Quick Answer: What Is Yarn Weight?
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn strand, not how heavy the ball or skein feels.
The thinner the yarn, the smaller the stitches and the lighter the fabric.
The thicker the yarn, the bigger the stitches and the chunkier the finished project.
Most yarn labels use a numbered yarn weight system from 0 to 7, starting with fine lace yarn and moving up to jumbo yarn.
As a quick guide:
- 0 Lace – very fine yarn for delicate shawls and lace projects.
- 1 Super Fine – sock, fingering, and baby yarn.
- 2 Fine – sport and baby yarn.
- 3 Light – DK and light worsted yarn.
- 4 Medium – worsted, aran, and afghan yarn.
- 5 Bulky – chunky, craft, and rug yarn.
- 6 Super Bulky – super chunky and roving yarn.
- 7 Jumbo – extra thick yarn for arm knitting and oversized projects.
Some newer yarn standards may also include Size 8 for extremely thick yarns, but most yarn labels and patterns still commonly use categories 0–7.
Yarn Weight Conversion Chart
Use this yarn weight conversion chart as a quick reference when you are comparing yarn terms from different countries or pattern sources.
Yarn names can vary between the UK, US, Australia, and other places, so this chart gives you a general guide.
These conversions are approximate because yarn terms are not always used consistently across brands.
For example, aran and worsted yarns are often grouped together as medium-weight yarns, but aran can sometimes be slightly heavier than worsted.
Because of this, always check the yarn label, yardage, gauge, and pattern requirements before substituting yarn.
Yarn Weight Chart
- Yarn weights are usually grouped into numbered categories.
- These categories help you choose the right yarn for your knitting or crochet project.
- The yarn label may show a small skein symbol with a number inside it.
- That number tells you the yarn weight category.
- These needle and hook sizes are general recommendations.
- Your pattern, yarn label, and personal tension may suggest a different size.
- If you want your finished project to match the pattern measurements, always make a gauge swatch.
What Do Yarn Weight Numbers Mean?
Yarn weight numbers show the thickness category of the yarn.
The smaller the number, the finer the yarn.
The larger the number, the thicker the yarn.
For example, a 0 lace weight yarn is very fine and often used for delicate shawls.
A 6 super bulky yarn is very thick and works well for warm blankets, quick scarves, and oversized accessories.
These numbers are helpful because yarn names can vary depending on where you live.
For example:
- DK yarn is usually category 3.
- Worsted-weight yarn is usually category 4.
- Aran weight yarn is often category 4.
- Bulky or chunky yarn is usually category 5.
- Super bulky or super chunky yarn is usually category 6.
When in doubt, look for the yarn weight number on the label.
Related Post: How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)
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What Is The Best Yarn Weight For Beginners?
For beginner knitters and crocheters, medium-weight yarn is usually the easiest place to start.
That means:
- Category 4 worsted weight yarn
- Category 4 aran weight yarn
- sometimes Category 3 DK yarn
These yarns are not too thin and not too thick, so the stitches are easy to see.
Worsted or aran yarn is a great choice for beginner projects like:
- scarves,
- dishcloths,
- hats,
- simple blankets,
- cowls,
- beginner sweaters,
- crochet granny squares.
DK yarn is also beginner-friendly, especially for baby patterns, lightweight scarves, and garments.
Very fine yarns can be slower and harder to see, while very chunky yarns can feel awkward if you are still learning how to control your tension.
Related Post: Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers
Yarn Weight By Project Type
Different projects work best with different yarn weights.
Use this guide when choosing yarn for your next knitting or crochet project.
| Project Type | Suggested Yarn Weight |
| Lace shawls | Lace, fingering, sport |
| Socks | Fingering, sock, sport |
| Baby clothes | Fingering, sport, DK |
| Baby blankets | DK, worsted, aran |
| Dishcloths | DK, worsted, cotton yarn |
| Scarves | DK, worsted, aran, chunky |
| Hats | Worsted, aran, bulky, super bulky |
| Sweaters | DK, worsted, aran, bulky |
| Cardigans | DK, worsted, aran |
| Blankets | Worsted, aran, bulky, super bulky |
| Rugs | Bulky, super bulky, jumbo |
| Arm knitting | Jumbo yarn |
These are general suggestions.
You can use different yarn weights depending on the look, drape, warmth, and texture you want.
A chunky scarf will look very different from a fingering-weight scarf, even if both use the same stitch pattern.
What Is Ply?
Ply refers to the number of strands twisted together to make a yarn.
For example, a 2-ply yarn has two strands twisted together, while a 4-ply yarn has four strands twisted together.
Years ago, ply was often used to describe yarn thickness.
In some countries, especially the UK and Australia, you may still see yarn described as 4 ply, 8 ply, 10 ply, or 12 ply.
However, ply does not always match yarn thickness perfectly anymore.
Some modern yarns may have only one or two plies but still be very thick.
Others may have many fine plies twisted together and still be quite lightweight.
So, while ply can be helpful, it is best to also check the yarn weight category, gauge, WPI, and yardage.
Yarn Ply Conversion Chart
Use this ply conversion chart as a general guide.
| Ply | Approximate Yarn Weight | Common Name |
| 1 ply | 0 | Lace |
| 2 ply | 0 | Lace |
| 3 ply | 1 | Super fine / light fingering |
| 4 ply | 1 | Fingering / sock |
| 5 ply | 2 | Sport / baby |
| 8 ply | 3 | DK / light worsted |
| 10 ply | 4 | Worsted / aran |
| 12 ply | 5 | Bulky / chunky |
| 14 ply+ | 6 | Super bulky / super chunky |
| 16 ply+ | 7 | Jumbo |
This chart is approximate, so check your yarn label before starting a project.
For example, one brand’s 8 ply yarn may feel slightly different from another brand’s DK yarn.
If you are substituting yarn, gauge matters more than the name alone.
What Is WPI?
- WPI means wraps per inch.
- It is a way to measure yarn thickness, especially if you have yarn without a label.
- To measure WPI, wrap the yarn around a ruler, pencil, or WPI tool without stretching it.
- Then count how many wraps fit into one inch.
- Finer yarns will have more wraps per inch.
- Thicker yarns will have fewer wraps per inch.
As a rough guide:
| Yarn Weight | Approximate WPI |
| Lace | 30+ WPI |
| Fingering / super fine | 14–30 WPI |
| Sport / fine | 12–18 WPI |
| DK / light | 11–15 WPI |
| Worsted / medium | 9–12 WPI |
| Bulky / chunky | 6–9 WPI |
| Super bulky | 5–6 WPI |
| Jumbo | 1–4 WPI |
WPI is helpful when you are working with mystery yarn from your stash.
However, it is still only a guide.
Fiber content, twist, texture, and how tightly you wrap the yarn can change the result.
How To Measure Yarn Weight Without A Label
If you have yarn with no label, there are a few ways to work out the yarn weight.
1. Use WPI
Wrap the yarn around a ruler or WPI tool and count the wraps in one inch.
Then compare your number with a WPI chart.
2. Make A Gauge Swatch
Knit or crochet a small swatch with the yarn and a needle or hook size that feels comfortable.
Then measure how many stitches and rows fit into 4 inches / 10 cm.
Compare this with common gauge ranges for different yarn weights.
3. Compare It With Labeled Yarn
Place your mystery yarn beside yarns that still have labels.
If it looks similar in thickness to a DK yarn, worsted yarn, or bulky yarn you already own, that can give you a starting point.
4. Check Yardage Per Weight
If you know the skein weight and yardage, this can also give clues.
Finer yarns usually have more yards per 100g.
Thicker yarns usually have fewer yards per 100g.
Yarn Weight And Needle / Hook Size
Yarn weight affects which knitting needle or crochet hook size you use.
In general:
- thinner yarns use smaller needles and hooks,
- thicker yarns use larger needles and hooks.
However, this is only a starting point.
The best size depends on:
- the yarn,
- the pattern,
- your tension,
- the stitch pattern,
- the fabric you want to create.
For example, you might use a larger hook with DK yarn to create a loose, drapey shawl.
Or you might use a smaller needle with worsted yarn to create a firm fabric for a hat.
Always check your pattern and yarn label first.
Then make a gauge swatch if size matters.
Why Are Yarn Weights Important?
Yarn weight matters because it affects the size, texture, drape, and feel of your finished project.
If a pattern asks for DK yarn and you use super bulky yarn instead, the finished project will be much larger, thicker, and heavier.
If a pattern asks for worsted yarn and you use fingering yarn, the finished project will be much smaller unless you adjust the pattern.
Yarn weight also affects:
- how many stitches you need,
- how quickly the project works up,
- how much yarn you need,
- the needle or hook size,
- the finished fabric,
- the warmth and drape.
This is especially important for garments, baby clothes, hats, socks, and anything that needs to fit.
For blankets, scarves, shawls, and dishcloths, you may have more flexibility, but yarn weight still changes the finished look and size.
How To Substitute Yarn In A Pattern
Yarn substitution means using a different yarn from the one suggested in a pattern.
This can be useful if the original yarn is discontinued, too expensive, unavailable in your country, or not the fiber you want to use.
Here’s how to choose a substitute yarn.
1. Check The Yarn Weight
Start by choosing a yarn in the same weight category.
For example, if the pattern uses worsted-weight yarn, look for another worsted or medium-weight yarn.
2. Check The Gauge
Gauge is more important than the yarn name.
Make a swatch and compare it with the gauge listed in the pattern.
If your gauge is too tight, try a larger needle or hook.
If your gauge is too loose, try a smaller needle or hook.
Learn how to measure gauge here – How To Measure Gauge In Knitting
3. Compare Yardage
Check how many yards or meters are in each skein.
You need to match the total yardage, not only the number of skeins.
For example, if the pattern uses 5 skeins of yarn at 200 yards each, the total is 1,000 yards.
If your substitute yarn has 150 yards per skein, you will need more than 5 skeins.
4. Check Fiber Content
Fiber affects how the finished project looks and feels.
Wool, cotton, acrylic, alpaca, bamboo, and blends all behave differently.
For example, cotton can feel heavier and less stretchy than wool. Alpaca can drape more and may grow with wear. Acrylic is often easy-care and washable.
5. Buy Extra Yarn
If you are unsure, buy extra yarn.
This is especially important if the yarn has a dye lot, as colors can vary between batches.
DK vs Worsted vs Aran Yarn
DK, worsted, and aran are some of the most searched-for yarn terms, and they can be confusing because the names vary by country.
DK Yarn
DK stands for double knitting.
It is usually a category 3 light yarn.
DK yarn is commonly used for baby items, lightweight sweaters, cardigans, scarves, and blankets.
It is thinner than worsted or aran yarn.
Related Post: What Is DK Weight Yarn?
Worsted Weight Yarn
Worsted weight yarn is usually a category 4 medium yarn.
It is very common in US patterns and is often used for sweaters, hats, scarves, blankets, mittens, and home decor.
Worsted yarn is thicker than DK yarn but thinner than bulky yarn.
Related Post: What Is Worsted Weight Yarn?
Aran Yarn
Aran yarn is also usually considered a category 4 medium yarn.
It is commonly used in UK patterns and can be slightly heavier than worsted yarn, depending on the brand.
Aran yarn works well for sweaters, cables, blankets, scarves, hats, and textured patterns.
Can You Substitute DK For Worsted?
Sometimes, but not without checking your gauge.
DK yarn is thinner than worsted yarn, so if you use DK in a worsted weight pattern, your project may turn out smaller.
You may be able to hold two strands of DK yarn together to get closer to worsted weight, but you still need to swatch.
Can You Substitute Aran For Worsted?
Often, yes, because aran and worsted are both usually category 4 medium-weight yarns.
However, aran can be a little heavier than worsted, so always check the gauge and yardage before starting.
Common Yarn Weight Questions
FAQ Video
There is a video in this post that answers the Yarn weights FAQ.
You can also watch it on my YouTube channel here.
Worsted weight yarn is usually similar to 10 ply yarn.
It is a category 4 medium weight yarn.
However, ply conversions are approximate, so check the yarn label, gauge, and yardage before substituting.
DK yarn is usually similar to 8 ply yarn.
It is a category 3 light weight yarn.
DK is thinner than worsted or aran yarn and thicker than sport or fingering yarn.
Aran weight yarn is usually equivalent to a category 4 medium weight yarn.
It is often compared with worsted weight yarn, although aran can sometimes be slightly heavier.
Sport weight yarn is usually a category 2 fine yarn.
It is heavier than fingering yarn and lighter than DK yarn.
Sport weight yarn is often used for baby items, lightweight sweaters, shawls, and accessories.
Bulky yarn is usually a category 5 yarn.
It may also be called chunky yarn, craft yarn, or rug yarn.
It is thicker than worsted or aran yarn and works up quickly.
Yarn Weights Made Easy: Common Uses
Here is a simple guide to common uses for each yarn weight.
0 Lace Weight Yarn
Lace weight yarn is very fine.
Use it for:
- lace shawls,
- delicate scarves,
- fine crochet,
- lightweight wraps,
- detailed openwork patterns.
1 Super Fine / Fingering Yarn
Super fine yarn includes fingering, sock, and baby yarn.
Use it for:
- socks,
- lightweight shawls,
- baby garments,
- fine accessories,
- delicate sweaters.
2 Fine / Sport Weight Yarn
Fine yarn includes sport and baby yarn.
Use it for:
- baby sweaters,
- lightweight cardigans,
- shawls,
- accessories,
- light blankets.
3 Light / DK Weight Yarn
Light yarn includes DK and light worsted yarn.
Use it for:
- sweaters,
- baby blankets,
- scarves,
- hats,
- cardigans,
- lightweight garments.
4 Medium / Worsted / Aran Yarn
Medium yarn includes worsted, aran, and afghan yarn.
Use it for:
- hats,
- scarves,
- blankets,
- sweaters,
- mittens,
- cowls,
- home decor.
5 Bulky / Chunky Yarn
Bulky yarn includes chunky, craft, and rug yarn.
Use it for:
- quick hats,
- warm scarves,
- cowls,
- jackets,
- blankets,
- cushions,
- rugs.
6 Super Bulky / Super Chunky Yarn
Super bulky yarn is thick and warm.
Use it for:
- chunky blankets,
- oversized scarves,
- winter hats,
- rugs,
- quick sweaters,
- statement accessories.
7 Jumbo Yarn
Jumbo yarn is extremely thick.
Use it for:
- oversized accessories.
- arm knitting,
- giant blankets,
- chunky rugs,
- statement home decor,
Yarn Weight FAQs
What Is Yarn Weight?
Yarn weight is the thickness of the yarn strand.
It does not mean the weight of the ball or skein in grams or ounces.
A thicker yarn creates larger stitches and a chunkier fabric, while a thinner yarn creates smaller stitches and a lighter fabric.
What Is A Yarn Weight Chart?
A yarn weight chart compares the different yarn categories, names, ply counts, WPI, and recommended needle or hook sizes.
It helps you choose the right yarn for a knitting or crochet project.
What Is A Yarn Conversion Chart?
A yarn conversion chart helps you compare yarn terms used in different countries.
For example, it can help you see that DK is often similar to 8 ply, worsted is often similar to 10 ply, and chunky yarn is often similar to bulky yarn.
What Is The Most Common Yarn Weight?
Worsted weight yarn is one of the most common yarn weights, especially in US knitting and crochet patterns.
DK yarn is also very common, especially in UK patterns.
Both are good choices for beginners.
What Is The Best Yarn Weight For Beginners?
Worsted weight yarn is often the best yarn weight for beginners because it is easy to see, easy to hold, and works up at a comfortable pace.
DK and aran yarns are also beginner-friendly.
Is DK The Same As Worsted?
No, DK and worsted yarn are not the same.
DK is usually category 3 light yarn, while worsted is usually category 4 medium yarn.
Worsted yarn is thicker than DK yarn.
Is Aran The Same As Worsted?
Aran and worsted are both usually category 4 medium weight yarns, but they are not always exactly the same.
Aran yarn can be slightly heavier than worsted yarn depending on the brand.
Always check gauge before substituting one for the other.
What Does Ply Mean In Yarn?
Ply refers to the number of strands twisted together to make a yarn.
For example, a 4-ply yarn has four strands twisted together.
However, ply does not always match yarn weight perfectly, so it is best to check the yarn label and gauge.
What Does WPI Mean?
WPI means wraps per inch.
It is a way to measure yarn thickness by wrapping yarn around a ruler or WPI tool and counting how many wraps fit into one inch.
WPI is useful when you have yarn without a label.
Can I Use A Different Yarn Weight Than The Pattern Says?
You can, but the finished size, drape, and gauge may change.
If the project needs to fit, such as a sweater, hat, socks, or baby garment, it is best to use the yarn weight recommended in the pattern or make a gauge swatch before substituting.
Does Yarn Fiber Affect Yarn Weight?
Fiber does not change the yarn weight category, but it can affect how the yarn behaves.
For example, cotton can feel heavier and less stretchy, wool is elastic and warm, alpaca can drape more, and acrylic is often easy-care.
So, two yarns may be the same weight but create different finished fabrics.
How Do I Know What Yarn Weight I Have?
Check the yarn label first.
Look for the yarn weight number, yarn name, recommended needle or hook size, gauge, and yardage.
If the label is missing, use WPI, make a gauge swatch, and compare the yarn to other labeled yarns in your stash.
Helpful Yarn Guides
If you want to learn more about yarn weights and yarn types, these guides may help:
Patterns You May Be Interested In
Once you understand yarn weights, choosing a pattern becomes much easier.
Here are a few pattern collections and tutorials you may enjoy next:
- How To Knit A Hat For Complete Beginners (+ Video Tutorial)
- 20 Temperature Blanket Patterns (The Ultimate Guide)
- How To Knit A Hat With Circular Needles (Step-By-Step)
- 31 Free Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns (Easy Knit Blankets)
- How To Knit Baby Booties (Step-By-Step)
- Knitted Dog Sweater Pattern (3 Sizes)
- 12 Simple Knitting Stitches For Beginners
- Free Knitted Dishcloth Patterns
- 37+ Patterns To Use Up Your Yarn Stash (Small Projects)
- Free Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern (Straight Needles)
- Super Easy Corner To Corner Baby Blanket Pattern (Knit)
- Easy Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern For Beginners
- How To Knit A Baby Hat (Straight Needles)
- Pumpkin Knitting Pattern (Beginner Friendly!)
- 8 Cable Stitch Knitting Patterns
- Free Knitted Heart Pattern (Easy + Quick Project)
- 20+ Fall Oversized Knits (Sweater Knitting Patterns)
- Ribbed Beanie Knitting Pattern (Unisex Mariner’s Hat)
Final Thoughts
Understanding yarn weights makes knitting and crocheting so much easier.
Once you know how to read yarn labels, compare yarn weight numbers, understand ply, and check gauge, you’ll feel much more confident choosing yarn for your projects.
Use the yarn weight chart and conversion guide above as a starting point, then check your pattern and yarn label before you begin.
And when in doubt, make a swatch. It’s not glamorous, but it can save you from the deeply dramatic plot twist of a sweater turning out doll-sized.
Happy making!
What size needles do you need for 2-ply, fine WRI 6 yarn?
Hello Louise, you will need – 1.25mm – 3.0mm (US 2.5) size needles for 2 ply yarn. I hope that helps 🙂
what is the brand/name of the yarn in the photo – the multi-coloured yarn (middle one in the top photo) or the one in her hands in the 2nd photo? It’s beautiful – pink/blue…
Hello Grae, sorry I don’t know which brand of yarn that is, they are stock images.
It looks similar to hand-dyed yarns or graduated yarns that you can find from Lion Brand or Rico yarns.
In the beginners cardigan (all knit) you double up the wool and I would rather not do this for ease so could I still use 8mm needles and Chunky weight yarn please advise.
Many thanks
Helen
Hello Helen, if you don’t want to knit with two strands together, you can use any yarn suitable for 8mm (US 11) needles.
This is a bulky weight yarn 05 / chunky – knit with one strand only.
I hope that helps,
Louise 🙂
I’m ordering yarn for the Outlander Capelet Pattern. Please confirm if I am doing the math correctly, I want to use a single color yarn, which is bulky 1.8 oz./ 98 yards. Your pattern calls for (4) 100 g(109 yards) skeins. So I was going to order 8 skeins, just multiplying the weight by 2 ( to get to 3.5 oz.). Or do I only need 5 skeins going only by yardage? Thanks for your help.
Hello Tamara, if you are making the small/medium size then yes around 5 100g skeins at 98 yards will be fine to use.
If you are making a larger size, then you could order 6+ skeins.
You would only need to order 8 skeins if you want to knit with two strands together.
Because that would be too many for single-strand knitting for the small/ medium size.
I hope that helps,
Louise 🙂
Thank you! That was very helpful!
Thanks Louise. Enjoyed reading your guidelines. Many thanks for the fantastic info.
Hello, I would like to knit a granny type blanket/throw with 8 inch squares using DK wool. The pattern I have is for Aran wool. Will this different wool be suitable please?
Many thanks, Annie Dunn
Hello Annie, if you use Aran yarn instead of double knitting yarn then your squares will be thicker and larger, as this is a heavier weight yarn.
But if you use a hook suitable for Aran yarn and make one square as a sample – you will see how that turns out and if you think it will look good for your blanket.
I hope that helps!
Louise 🙂
Dear Louise
Many thanks for your helpful info. As I have bought so many colours of DK wool I have decided to put two colours together which I believe equals Arran wool and I have bought 5mm needles. I would like to knit 6 inch squares and wondered if you can tell me how many stitches I need and will always knitting or purling the first stitch give a neat edge? Thanks again..
Annie Dunn in the UK
Hello Annie,
For a 6 inch square, you could try casting on 30 or 32 stitches.
You may have to adjust your stitch count to the pattern you’re using.
If you want a really neat selvedge edge you can slip the first stitch of each row purlwise.
I hope that helps!
Louise
Hi Louise, I am using 2 strands of Lion Brand Wool Ease #4 size yarn for Outlander Shawl Pattern. You list using Classic Alize Lanagold 100g for same pattern. Is this acceptable for the same end result? I just love that shawl on Claire! Thanks
Hello Linda,
For the Outlander Shawl Pattern – if you are using two strands of the Lion Brand Wool-Ease together and that works for size 8mm (US 11) needles then yes that will be fine!
You will see when you start knitting if the density of the knitted fabric is to your liking, but I would think it will have a very similar result to the yarn that I used as they are of similar weight.
I think it will work well!
I hope you enjoy knitting the shawl 🙂
Louise
Your information is invaluable. thank you so much for posting. I have a question: I went to a creative arts festival and bought some beautiful very large skeins of a cotton “yarn.” its thicker than crochet cotton (like for doilies) but its not classified with the typical numbering system or even the abbreviations (sock, fingering, etc). Its produced in the U.S.A. I emailed the manufacturer (Newton) and asked what weight it is and he responded that its “SK” – can you even try to guess at what that is? I have a dress I wanted to make and the gauge swatch was coming out right BUT it was rather “holey” due to the hook size. I ended up buying the exact yarn called for because once I got it, it was pretty clear that my cotton “SK” yarn was about half the thickness of the one (a pima cotton) called for. So. Can you take a guess at what SK might stand for? sock weight? its def not a sport weight. You know, if you’re going to produce fibers for knitters, etc., you’d think you’d be able to classify it. I’m thinking I’m going to have to do the wrap test and see what comes out of that. I’d be willing to mail you a bit of it for you to look at. I bought a ton of the stuff because I loved it…I just need to know what it is so that i can use it.
Hello Sherrie,
I haven’t heard of a yarn that is SK weight – maybe this could be some sort of sock yarn or fingering?
I did some google searching and couldn’t find out anything.
If it is half the thickness of a Pima cotton, then it is very fine – a wrap test sounds like a great idea.
You could also test out a few sample swatches with various size hooks to see which one you like best and that may also help you to decide what you can make with it.
Or work with a few strands together?
Lots of possibilities!
Good luck and happy making!
Louise 🙂
Hi I am in uk and would like to know how many 100g balls I will need for 3 skeins to knit the Harry Potter dog jumper. The Sirdar Hayfield Super Chunky with wool in the uk is 100g ball is 79 yards long. I’m thinking 6 of Hollyhocks and 1 of HayBail? Thanks so much. Mandy
Hello Mandy,
I would suggest around 3 balls of the 100g Sirdar hayfield chunky for the dog sweater in the colour Hollyhocks.
For the letter in the mustard coloured yarn – you don’t need a full 100g ball, so if you have around 20-30g of scrap yarn that can be used or you may need to buy 1 ball of a coordinating colour.
I hope that helps!
Louise
Hi Louise. I’ve been knitting for many years but I had a break for about 20yrs. The kids grew up, I worked full-time & I didn’t have time to knit for myself. Grand children have arrived and I have returned to knitting and love it more than I can explain! Thank you so very much for your easy to understand break down of yarn weights. I used to go by the plies when I knitted. After returning to knitting, I realised things had changed in the yarn industry! I really needed to learn about yarn weights! So I have been googling non stop for information that made sense to me. Your newsletter arrived in my emails this week and when I opened it, i lost myself in your website. Lol! Handylittleme.com has everything I needed to know! I think i discovered Handylittleme.com on Pintrest. I signed up for your newsletter & here i am. As happy as can be! Lol! Again, thank you so much Louise.
How would I know how many balls to buy for a project
Hello Soveyda,
Normally in the pattern, you are working from it will tell you how much yarn you will need for the project.
If you don’t have a pattern and just want to make something from looking at an item – this will take some guesswork!
If you don’t kniw the exact amount and are taking a guestimate, then I would suggest buying more than you think you need, just to make sure you have enough yarn.
I hope that helps!
Louise
If I need 400gr of 4ply yarn how many oz do I need
Hello Betty,
If you google a gram to oz converter you can enter the amount and it will give you a number.
I did that and 400g = 14.1096 oz.
I hope that helps!
Louise
Hi, I had ordered several packages of #3 baby alpaca wool and didn’t discover until 75% done with the garment that the company sent me one package of #1 yarn. It’s exactly the right color, which is no longer available in #3. Is there any way I can ‘salvage’ this #1 yarn to finish the garment in the right color? Thanks for any help!
Hello Andrea,
Perhaps you can try knitting with two strands together in the #1 yarn to match the weight of the main yarn (#3)?
That might work.
Louise
Hi. I have a pattern that calls for 4mm yarn. I’m wondering what type of yarn that is?
Hello M,
This looks like it could mean it is yarn to be used with 4mm needles, making it either 4 Ply yarn or DK yarn.
There is not a yarn weight category that is classed as 4mm.
Only 4 Ply yarn (UK) which is Fine (2) in the US.
I hope that helps!
Louise
I can’t find a #5 yarn I’m crazy about. What weights of yarn can I combine to equal #5, bulky?
Hello Regan,
You could try using two strands of worsted weight or Aran weight yarn knit together to make up a bulky weight.
I do that sometimes when trying to use up yarn in my stash.
I hope that helps!
Louise
How to convert lace weight to DK?
Hello Mary,
You could try knitting with two strands together to get a weight like DK.
Thanks,
Louise
Thank you so much! This information is wonderful! I do have a question though; I have a pattern that calls for worsted yarn with 200 yards and 80 grams but I am not sure how to change the grams to ounces? Thank you for your help. 😊😊
Hello Janice,
You can search online for a grams to ounces calculator….you should be able to find one.
I hope that helps,
Louise
Hi, as an Aussie, I’m curious about the 3 ply. It’s rare to find 3 ply as a standard weight here, but 4 ply is readily available and used for socks etc. I’ve noticed many charts don’t mention this weight as standard in Australia, but it’s hugely popular. I think it’s time charts were updated to include it for weights used here. An observation from an Aussie. Lol. Cheers.
Addendum to my comment.
3ply is used a lot, just to acknowledge that fact, but I’m just curious why charts don’t include 4ply for Australia when, as I mentioned, it’s used quite a lot. Wanted to correct myself regarding 3ply not being that popular. Great blog, you’ve inspired me to start knitting again after years of a serious crochet addiction. Lol.
Hello Manja-Freya,
I did some research and found this information…
In general, 3-ply yarn in Australia is not the same as 4-ply yarn elsewhere, such as in the UK or the US. Yarn weight and ply can vary between countries and manufacturers, so it’s essential to pay attention to the specific yarn labels and guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
In Australia, yarn is often labeled based on the number of plies, with 3-ply being one of the common categories. However, the weight and thickness of the yarn may not necessarily correspond directly to the ply number. Similarly, in other regions like the UK and the US, yarn is often categorized by weight rather than ply, with 4-ply being a common designation for a lightweight yarn.
To avoid confusion, it’s best to refer to the yarn weight and recommended needle or hook size provided on the yarn label, as well as any additional information provided by the manufacturer or retailer. This ensures that you select the appropriate yarn for your project and achieve the desired outcome in terms of gauge, texture, and drape.
I hope that helps and happy knitting!
Louise
I have a pattern for a hat that calls for #5 yarn. Can I use #4 with 2 strands? What would the difference be? Info on swatch is only 3 stitches different. Thanks for the help.
Hello Peg,
You could try using #4 yarn with two strands and see if the gauge is close.
You could also try going up or down a needle size.
If the gauge swatch is 3 sts out, it should be ok – but it might make it slightly larger size wise when worn, depending on the yarn also.
Happy knitting!
Louise
I have a hat pattern that uses DK weight yarn. I would prefer to knit it with fingering weight. How can I change the pattern to fingering; i.e. how many stitches should I cast on to begin? How much yardage should I purchase if DK calls for 285 yds?
Thanks! Love the info on your website!
Hello Kaye,
Thank you so much for your kind words—I’m so glad you’re enjoying the info on my site! 😊
Switching from DK weight to fingering weight yarn is definitely doable, but it requires a bit of adjustment.
Here’s how you can tackle it:
Gauge Swatch: Start by knitting a gauge swatch with your chosen fingering weight yarn and the needle size you plan to use. Measure how many stitches per inch you’re getting.
Adjust Cast-On Stitches: Compare your fingering weight gauge to the original DK gauge in the pattern. Use this formula to calculate your new cast-on stitches:
(Pattern’s cast-on stitches ÷ DK gauge per inch) × Fingering gauge per inch = New cast-on stitches (round to the nearest multiple of the pattern’s stitch repeat).
Adjust Yardage: Since fingering weight yarn has more yardage per gram than DK, you’ll need more yarn. Multiply the original yardage (285 yds) by 1.33 to get a rough estimate. So, aim for about 380 yards of fingering weight yarn.
Recheck Measurements: Be sure to periodically measure as you go, as the finished size might vary slightly with the yarn weight change.
I hope this helps, and happy knitting! 🧶✨
Louise
Thank you so much for this information!! It is so helpful!!