What Does Worsted-Weight Yarn Mean, Anyway?
Wed, Feb 07, 18
Everything You Wanted To Know About Worsted Weight Yarn
Many times we are asked the question, "What does worsted weight mean?" It's a good question! There are several thicknesses of yarn, which we refer to as weight.Don't confuse this with the actual gram or ounce weight listed on the label, which reflects the heaviness of the yarn. I am referring to weight as it is called for in a pattern, such as sock-weight, worsted-weight or bulky-weight, to name a few. It can be a mind boggling affair and it is not uncommon for two experienced knitters to disagree about the weight of any particular yarn they are considering.
Enter The Craft Yarn Council of America! This fine institution has for many years now made a valiant attempt to standardize the craft yarn industry. Many yarn companies and publishers use this standardized system when labeling yarn and patterns. Here's how it works:
Standard Yarn Weight System
Categories of yarn, gauge ranges, and recommended needle and hook sizes
| Yarn Weight Symbol & Category Names | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Yarns in Category | Fingering 10-count crochet thread | Sock, Fingering, Baby | Sport, Baby | DK, Light Worsted | Worsted, Afghan, Aran | Chunky, Craft, Rug | Bulky, Roving |
| Knit Gauge Range* in Stockinette Stitch to 4 inches | 33–40** sts | 27–32 sts | 23–26 sts | 21–24 st | 16–20 sts | 12–15 sts | 6–11 sts |
| Recommended Needle in Metric Size Range | 1.5–2.25 mm | 2.25— 3.25 mm | 3.25— 3.75 mm | 3.75— 4.5 mm | 4.5— 5.5 mm | 5.5— 8 mm | 8 mm and larger |
| Recommended Needle U.S. Size Range | 000–1 | 1 to 3 | 3 to 5 | 5 to 7 | 7 to 9 | 9 to 11 | 11 and larger |
| Crochet Gauge* Ranges in Single Crochet to 4 inch | 32–42 double crochets** | 21–32 sts | 16–20 sts | 12–17 sts | 11–14 sts | 8–11 sts | 5–9 sts |
| Recommended Hook in Metric Size Range | Steel*** 1.6–1.4 mm | 2.25— 3.5 mm | 3.5— 4.5 mm | 4.5— 5.5 mm | 5.5— 6.5 mm | 6.5— 9 mm | 9 mm and larger |
| Recommended Hook U.S. Size Range | Steel*** 6, 7, 8 Regular hook B–1 | B–1 to E–4 | E–4 to 7 | 7 to I–9 | I–9 to K–10 1⁄2 | K–10 1⁄2 to M–13 | M–13 and larger |
| 1. GUIDELINES ONLY: The above reflect the most commonly used gauges and needle or hook sizes for specific yarn categories. 2. Lace weight yarns are usually knitted or crocheted on larger needles and hooks to create lacy, openwork patterns. Accordingly, a gauge range is difficult to determine. Always follow the gauge stated in your pattern. 3. Steel crochet hooks are sized differently from regular hooks—the higher the number, the smaller the hook, which is the reverse of regular hook sizing. Try our handy needle and hook gauge to choose the proper sized needle. |
Print out this handy guide out and tuck it into your pocketbook. You will always be able to figure out what yarn you need or want based on the information here, even if it isn't marked with the standardized system.
Alpaca Direct has incorporated the Standard Yarn Weight System into our website; what a great resource when shopping for yarn.
We have a large selection of worsted weight yarn in a variety of brands and colors.
Want To Learn More About Knitting?
If you are just getting started with knitting, this video on how to knit a scarf for beginners using worsted weight yarn will help!
Happy Knitting!