Yarn weight determines how thick or thin your finished fabric will be. Choose the right weight for your pattern and desired drape.
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn strand, not how much it weighs. The Craft Yarn Council standardizes weight categories from 0 (lace) to 7 (jumbo). Always check your pattern's recommended weight and gauge to ensure the best results.
The finest yarn for delicate shawls, intricate lacework, and heirloom pieces. Requires patience but creates stunning, lightweight fabric. Typically knit on US 000-1 needles.
Perfect for socks, lightweight shawls, and detailed colorwork. Fine enough for intricate patterns but substantial enough for everyday wear. Uses US 1-3 needles.
Versatile middle-weight yarn ideal for light sweaters, baby items, and accessories. Offers good stitch definition with reasonable project speed. Uses US 3-6 needles.
The most popular yarn weight. Great for sweaters, hats, scarves, and blankets. Works up quickly while still showing stitch detail. Uses US 7-9 needles.
Thick yarn for quick, cozy projects. Perfect for warm accessories, chunky sweaters, and fast blankets. Great for beginners. Uses US 9-11 needles.
The thickest yarns for arm knitting, giant blankets, and statement pieces. Projects finish in hours, not days. Uses US 11-17+ needles or arms.
| Weight Category | Also Called | Knit Gauge (4") | Needle Size | Common Projects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - Lace | Thread, Cobweb | 33-40 sts | US 000-1 | Lace shawls, doilies |
| 1 - Fingering | Sock, Baby | 27-32 sts | US 1-3 | Socks, lightweight shawls |
| 2 - Sport | Baby, Fine | 23-26 sts | US 3-5 | Baby items, light sweaters |
| 3 - DK | Light Worsted | 21-24 sts | US 5-7 | Sweaters, accessories |
| 4 - Worsted | Aran, Medium | 16-20 sts | US 7-9 | Most projects, blankets |
| 5 - Bulky | Chunky, Craft | 12-15 sts | US 9-11 | Quick accessories, rugs |
| 6 - Super Bulky | Roving | 7-11 sts | US 11-17 | Chunky blankets, cowls |
| 7 - Jumbo | Roving, Giant | 6 sts or fewer | US 17+ | Arm knitting, decor |
Always use the weight specified in your pattern for best results. Substituting weights changes the size, drape, and yardage requirements. If substituting, swatch carefully and adjust needle size to match gauge.
Start with worsted or bulky weight yarn. The thicker strands are easier to see and work with, making it simpler to identify mistakes. Light colors also help you see your stitches clearly.
Choose bulky or super bulky weights when you want fast results. A chunky cowl or hat can be finished in an evening. Arm-knit blankets can be completed in just a few hours.
Finer weights like fingering and lace show intricate stitch patterns beautifully. Cables, lace, and colorwork all benefit from lighter weight yarns that create crisp definition.