About Sport & DK Weight Yarn

Sport (category 2) and DK (category 3) weights sit between fingering and worsted, offering a sweet spot of stitch definition and reasonable knitting time. DK stands for "double knitting" and is one of the most popular weights in Europe. These yarns create lightweight but warm garments with excellent drape.

Sport/DK Weight Specifications

Sport Gauge: 23-26 sts/4" | DK Gauge: 21-24 sts/4" | Needle Size: US 3-7 (3.25-4.5mm)

Best For

  • Lightweight sweaters
  • Baby garments
  • Year-round accessories
  • Colorwork projects
  • Layering pieces

Considerations

  • Slower than worsted weight
  • May need pattern adjustment
  • Less common in US craft stores
  • Requires more skeins for large projects

Our Top Sport & DK Weight Picks

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Cascade

220 Superwash Sport

100% Superwash

The sport weight version of the classic 220. Machine washable with hundreds of colors available.

Rowan

Felted Tweed DK

Wool/Alpaca/Viscose

Iconic tweedy yarn with beautiful depth. 50% merino, 25% alpaca, 25% viscose. Perfect for colorwork.

Malabrigo

Rios

100% Merino

Plush superwash merino in stunning hand-dyed colors. 210 yards per skein. A favorite for sweaters.

Drops

Baby Merino

100% Merino

Budget-friendly baby merino, perfect for baby items. Soft enough for sensitive skin.

Brooklyn Tweed

Arbor

100% US Wool

American Targhee-Columbia wool. Lofty and springy with beautiful stitch definition.

Lion Brand

Superwash Merino DK

100% Merino

Budget superwash merino. Great value for baby items and gifts that need to be machine washable.

Sport vs DK: What's the Difference?

Sport Weight

Slightly finer than DK. 23-26 stitches per 4". Great for lightweight baby items, detailed colorwork, and projects where you want more drape.

DK Weight

Between sport and worsted. 21-24 stitches per 4". More common in European patterns. Perfect for sweaters and year-round garments.