Yarn Weights
I'm sure you've seen the labels for yarn weights, but do you understand what they mean?
The Craft Yarn Council of America developed a modern numbering system to describe yarn thickness. It sets a standard so that it's easier to switch between brands when you're adapting a pattern.
0 - Crochet Thread and Lace Yarn
Crochet thread and lace yarn are used for delicate projects such as doilies, shawls, and wraps.
1 - Fingering Yarn
Fingering yarn is super fine. It's used for socks, gloves, and baby clothes.
2 - Baby Yarn and Sport Weight Yarn
Baby yarn or sport yarn is fine. It's used for lightweight sweaters and vests, perfect for layering.
3 - DK Yarn or Double Knitting Yarn
DK yarn is light. It can be used for a wide range of projects and is comfortable to wear.
4 - Worsted Yarn
Worsted yarn is commonly used for afghans and a variety of crochet and knitting projects.
5 - Bulky Yarn
Bulky yarn is chunky. It's good to use for making a thick warm scarf.
6 - Super Bulky Yarn
Super bulky yarn is the thickest. It's great to use in rugs whether you're weaving, crocheting, or knitting.
If you are using handspun yarn, you can figure out the appropriate size using the number of wraps per inch (wpi).
Wraps Per Inch
- Lace
- 18 or more wpi
- Fingering
- 16 wpi
- Sport
- 14 wpi
- Worsted
- 12 wpi
- Bulky
- 10 wpi
- Super bulky
- 8 or fewer wpi
To determine the wpi of a yarn, wrap it around a ruler with the strands side by side. Count how many wraps it takes to fill an inch.
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