Yarn Weights

The Standard Yarn Weight System

Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn. You'll find yarn that ranges from lace to jumbo. There are eight different categories of yarn weights, and according to the Craft Yarn Council, specific weights of yarn should produce a somewhat predictable number of stitches when using a particular-size crochet hook or knitting needle.

The higher the number, the heavier the yarn and the fewer stitches per inch you will get.

Why Standards Matter

If you know that every bulky yarn is going to give you around the same number of stitches (in this case, 12 to 15 stitches in 4 inches on a 6.5mm crochet hook) and you have a pattern that uses bulky yarn and size 6.5mm hook, you can buy any kind of bulky yarn and get a similar result.

Note: that you should still crochet a gauge swatch before you start working on your project, especially those that would involve sizes like a sweater. For a blanket this may be less important.

Determining Yarn Weight

Most yarn manufacturers make it easy for you to determine the weight of a particular yarn. Many of the mass-produced yarns use the yarn standards ranking system and will have the number and weight printed right on the label.

Yarn Weights

Lace Weight Yarn:

(0) Lace Weight: 33-40 stitches to 4 inches. Categories: Lace and Fingering 10 Count Crochet Thread Hook Sizes (US): A steel hook sizes 6 or 1.8 mm, 7 or 1.65 mm, and 8 or 1.5 mm is commonly used. Also up to B/1 or 2.25 mm standard hook. Projects: Light and delicate crochet pieces are created using this yarn weight.

Super Fine Weight Yarn:

(1) Super Fine Weight: 27-32 stitches to 4 inches. Categories: Baby, Sock, and Fingering Hook Sizes (US): B/1 or 2.25 mm, C/2 or 2.75 mm, D/3 or 3.25 mm, and E/4 or 3.5 mm hooks are most commonly used. Projects: These light yarns are used for baby and delicate items.

Sport Weight/Fine Weight Yarn:

(2) Sport Weight/Fine Weight: 23-26 stitches to 4 inches. Categories: Baby and Sport Hook Sizes (US): E/4 or 3.5 mm, F/5 or 3.75 mm, G/6 or 4 mm, and 7 or 4.5mm are most commonly used. Projects: This yarn weight is used for more intricate patterns and for projects such as socks.

Light/DK Weight Yarn:

(3) Light/DK Weight: 21-24 stitches to 4 inches. Categories: Double Knit, Light, and Worsted Weight Hook Sizes (US): 7 or 4.5mm, H/8 or 5 mm, and I/9 or 5.5 mm hooks are most commonly used. Projects: These yarns are often used for lighter, summer-weight garments and many baby items.

Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran Weight Yarn:

(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran Weight: 16-20 stitches to 4 inches. Categories: Afghan, Aran, and Worsted Weight Hook Sizes (US): I/9 or 5.5 mm, J/10 or 6 mm, and K/10.5 or 6.5 mm hooks are most commonly used. Projects: These are the most popular weight yarns for a variety of projects.

Bulky/Chunky Weight Yarn:

(5) Bulky/Chunky Weight: 12-15 stitches for 4 inches. Categories: Chunky, Rugs, and Craft Hook Sizes (US): K/10.5 or 6.5 mm, L/11 or 8 mm, and M/13 or 9 mm hooks are most commonly used. Projects: These yarns are used for scarves, afghans, and other projects.

Super Bulky/Super Chunky Weight Yarn:

(6) Super Bulky/Super Chunky Weight: 4-11 stitches for 4 inches. Categories: Bulky and Roving Hook Sizes (US): M/13 or 9 mm, N/15 or 10 mm, P/16 or 11.5 mm, and Q or 16mm hooks are the most commonly used. Projects: These yarns yield the fastest projects with the fewest number of stitches.