It has been quite a while since I wrote a blog about yarn weights so I thought it was time to have a look at this again. I often have people getting confused by the different ways we describe yarn weights, for example DK, 8 ply, Light Worsted and CYC 3 are all the same weight (it is no wonder that it is confusing). Choosing the right yarn weight is essential for any knitting or crochet project. Yarn weight affects how your project looks, feels, and functions. Whether you’re crafting a delicate lace shawl or a chunky winter blanket, knowing your yarn weights will help you achieve the perfect results.
In this guide, we’ll cover yarn weights—from Lace (0) to Jumbo (7)—and include recommended hook and needle sizes, common uses, and both US and UK terminology.
Understanding Yarn Weights
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn strand. The Craft Yarn Council of America(CYC) has standardised weights into seven categories, ranging from Lace (0) to Jumbo (7). You will often see these on ball or skein bands of yarns that come from America such as Lion Brand etc.
Here in Australia we tend to use UK terminology more and will talk about ply or the UK terms such as DK or Double Knit weight. So what happens
Yarn Weight Chart
|
Weight |
CYC Number |
UK Term |
US Term |
Hook Size (mm) |
Needle Size (mm) |
Best For |
|
Lace |
0 |
Cobweb |
Lace |
1.5–2.25mm |
1.5–2.25mm |
Lace shawls, doilies, heirloom projects |
|
Super Fine |
1 |
2-Ply Lace |
Fingering |
2.25–3.25mm |
2.25–3.25mm |
Socks, lightweight scarves, baby clothes |
|
Fine |
2 |
4-Ply Fingering, Sock, Sport |
Sport |
3.25–3.75mm |
3.25–3.75mm |
Baby blankets, light sweaters, shawls |
|
Light |
3 |
DK (Double Knit) 8-Ply |
Light Worsted |
3.75–4.5mm |
3.75–4.5mm |
Garments, hats, lightweight blankets |
|
Medium |
4 |
Aran 10-Ply |
Worsted |
4.5–5.5mm |
4.5–5.5mm |
Afghans, sweaters, scarves, home décor |
|
Bulky |
5 |
Chunky 12-Ply |
Bulky |
5.5–8mm |
5.5–8mm |
Thick sweaters, blankets, warm accessories |
|
Super Bulky |
6 |
Super Chunky 14-Ply |
Super Bulky |
8–12mm |
8–12mm |
Quick projects, heavy scarves, throws |
|
Jumbo |
7 |
Mega Chunky 16-ply |
Jumbo |
12mm+ |
12mm+ |
Arm knitting, large-scale projects |
(Save the infographic above for a visual reference!)
Exploring Each Yarn Weight
1. Lace/Cobweb (0) – The Finest Yarn
Lace weight yarn is extremely fine and delicate, making it ideal for intricate projects.
🧶 Best for: Lace shawls, wedding veils, doilies
🧷 Hook Size (US/UK): 1.5–2.25mm
🪡 Needle Size (US/UK): 1.5–2.25mm
2. Super Fine/Lace/2ply (1)
Slightly thicker than lace, this weight is perfect for socks and lightweight garments.
🧶 Best for: fine garments, intricate motifs
🧷 Hook Size (US/UK): 2.25–3.25mm
🪡 Needle Size (US/UK): 2.25–3.25mm
3. Fine/Fingering/Sock/Sport /4 ply (2)
A great middle-ground weight that works well for both baby clothes and lightweight garments.
🧶 Best for: Baby blankets, shawls, light sweaters, socks
🧷 Hook Size (US/UK): 3.25–3.75mm
🪡 Needle Size (US/UK): 3.25–3.75mm
4. Light/Light Worsted/DK/8 ply (3)
One of the most versatile weights, perfect for garments and home accessories.
🧶 Best for: Sweaters, hats, lightweight scarves
🧷 Hook Size (US/UK): 3.75–4.5mm
🪡 Needle Size (US/UK): 3.75–4.5mm
5. Medium/Worsted/Aran/10 ply (4)
A commonly used weight, ideal for warm and sturdy projects.
🧶 Best for: Afghans, warm sweaters, scarves
🧷 Hook Size (US/UK): 4.5–5.5mm
🪡 Needle Size (US/UK): 4.5–5.5mm
6. Bulky/Chunky/12 ply (5)
Great for quick projects and cold-weather accessories.
🧶 Best for: Thick scarves, winter garments, cozy blankets
🧷 Hook Size (US/UK): 5.5–8mm
🪡 Needle Size (US/UK): 5.5–8mm
7. Super Bulky/ Super Chunky/14 ply (6)
This thick yarn creates oversized, cozy items with a bold texture.
🧶 Best for: Quick blankets, oversized scarves, heavy-duty winterwear
🧷 Hook Size (US/UK): 8–12mm
🪡 Needle Size (US/UK): 8–12mm
8. Jumbo/Mega Chunky/16 ply (7)
The thickest yarn available, often used for arm knitting and extreme crochet.
🧶 Best for: Arm knitting, thick blankets, rugs
🧷 Hook Size (US/UK): 12mm+
🪡 Needle Size (US/UK): 12mm+ or hands!
Choosing the Right Yarn Weight for Your Project
✅ Project Type – Lace yarns for delicate work, bulky yarns for warm accessories.
✅ Season & Wearability – Light yarns for summer, thick yarns for winter.
✅ Texture & Drape – Lighter yarns have better drape, thicker yarns add structure.
✅ Time & Effort – Bulky and super bulky yarns work up quickly, while fine yarns require patience.
Final Thoughts
Understanding yarn weights is crucial for creating the perfect crochet or knitting project. Whether you prefer delicate lace or chunky blankets, knowing how different yarn weights work will help you choose the best materials for your next project.
What’s your favorite yarn weight? Let me know in the comments!
Happy stitching! 🧶✨
Andrea xx