Are you looking for a quick explanation of what yarn weight is? Maybe you are wondering what the numbers on the size of your yarn label mean too? Either way, I can help!
Below I will explain what yarn weight means, what the numbers are on the label, show you how to find crochet patterns that will work with the weight of yarn you have plus more!
What Does Weight Mean in Yarn?
Yarn weight has nothing to do with how much it weighs but actually with how thick or thin the strand of yarn is.
You may be wondering why there are so many yarn weight names to begin with. One example is that a blanket needs a different weight (sometimes referred to as it’s size) than appliquéing, and these different yarn sizes account for those differences.
The yarn weight can usually be found on the side of most yarn packages. You will see a number ranging from zero to seven which will be the weight of the yarn. Learn more about each weight size below.
Yarn Weight Descriptions
Yarn weights go by so many names, it can be really difficult to keep track of what’s what. Use the yarn types chart below as a guide to determine what yarn weight needs to be used according to what the crochet pattern asks for.
The weights explained below are based on the CYC Standard weight System.
Weight #0 or Lace includes yarn type fingering 10-count crochet thread. This weight of yarn is usually crocheted using the US hook size of 6/7/8 (steel) and B-1 of regular. The metric equivalent is 1.6-1.4mm for steel and the regular metric hook size of 2.25mm.
Weight #1 or Super Fine includes yarn types of sock, fingering and baby. This weight of yarn is usually crocheted using the US hook sizes of B-1 to E-4 and the metric sizes of 2.25 – 3.5 mm.
Weight #2 or Fine includes yarn types of sport and baby. This weight of yarn is usually crocheted using the US hook sizes of E-4 to 7 and the metric sizes of 3.5 – 4.5 mm.
Weight #3 or Light yarn includes the yarn types of DK and light worsted. This weight of yarn is usually crocheted using the US hook sizes of 7 to I-9 and the metric sizes of 4.5 – 5.5 mm
Weight #4 or Medium yarn includes the yarn types of worsted, afghan and aran. This weight of yarn is usually crocheted using the US hook sizes of I-9 to K-10 1/2 and the metric sizes of 5.5 – 6.5 mm.
Weight #5 or Bulky yarn includes the yarn types of chunky, craft and rug. This weight of yarn is usually crocheted using the US hook sizes of K-10.5 to M-13 and the metric sizes of 6.5 to 9 mm.
Weight #6 or Super Bulky includes the yarn types of super bulky and roving. This weight of yarn is usually crocheted using the US hook sizes of M-13 to Q and the metric sizes of 9 to 15 mm.
Weight #7 or Jumbo includes the yarn types of jumbo and roving. This weight of yarn is usually crocheted using the US hook sizes of Q (and larger) and the metric sizes 15 mm and up.
Crochet Patterns by Yarn Weight
All of our free crochet patterns are broken down by these same weight classifications. You can click on each weight name, and see all the free patterns we’ve created for that particular yarn weight class.
Yarn Weight Conversion Chart
I get a lot of questions about yarn weights in my patterns but more specifically how to use a yarn that is in US terms vs UK terms vs Australian terms.
This US to UK yarn weights vs Australia yarn weight comparison chart below will help you worked out yarn sizes when you don’t have access to the yarn the pattern calls for.
Whether you are crocheting or knitting this yarn size chart can help!
Below in the yarn weight chart, the standard US yarn weight terms are side-by-side with their equivalent United Kingdom and Australian terms.
| USA | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| #0 – Lace / Fingering | 1 ply | 2 ply |
| #1 – Super Fine / Sock / Fingering | 2 ply | 3 ply |
| #2 – Fine / Baby | 3 ply | 3 ply |
| #2 – Sport | 4 ply | 5 ply |
| #3 – DK / Light Worsted | DK | 8 ply |
| #4 – Worsted | Aran | 10 ply |
| #5 – Bulky | Chunky | 12 ply |
| #6 – Super Bulky | Super Chunky | 14 ply |
| #7 – Jumbo / Roving | n/a | n/a |
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