All About Yarn Weight and Why It Matters

0 Lace (Crochet thread)

Laceweight yarns are the finest and lightest weight of yarn, producing an airy, lacy, and drapey fabric that is wearable even on warmer days.

• Ideal for: Doilies, beach cover-ups, cowls, and shawls
• Recommended crochet hook size: US Steel hook (6, 7, 8) / 1.6mm to 1.4mm (Regular 2.25mm)
• Recommended needle size: US 000-1 / 1.5mm to 2.25mm

Yarn examples:

1. DMC, Cebelia Crochet Cotton, Ecru, Size 20: This double-mercerized combed cotton promises a smooth and elegant finish, making it a luxurious and durable choice for intricate projects.
2. Malabrigo, Mechita: Get your hands on this super-soft single-ply fingering weight yarn; great for making lightweight garments with its beautiful hand-dyed colors and amazing drape.

Project Examples:

Stormy Sky Shawl

This shawl offers the perfect blend of elegance and coziness with its asymmetrical design, knitted from the corner to form a triangle with tassels on the corners.

Crochet Doily Pattern

Customize your pineapple doily by placing the puff stitches at different rounds of the project, or add colorwork for a unique design. 

1 Super Fine (Fingering, Sock, Baby)

Super fine-weight yarn is slightly thicker than lace, making it suitable for lightweight garments and accessories with fine stitch definition.

• Ideal for: Socks, shawls, summer tops, bralettes, and cover-ups.
• Recommended crochet hook size: US B-1 to E-4 / 2.25mm to 3.5mm
• Recommended needle size: US 1 to 3 / 2.25mm to 3.25mm

Yarn examples:

1. Cascade, Heritage: This luxurious superwash merino wool and nylon blend boasts softness and durability, showing excellent stitch definition.
2. Patons, Kroy Socks: With its dynamic self-striping hues, this versatile fingering weight yarn adds a playful touch to your sock and accessory projects.

Project examples:

Crochet Lace Scarf Pattern

Explore the beauty of broomstick lace with this free scarf pattern; it’s lightweight, breathable, and elegant!

Ebun Headband Pattern

If you’re up for a challenge, try this two-colored Tunisian crochet pattern, crafted using a lightweight yarn that ensures comfort and easy care.

3 Light (DK, Light worsted)

Lightweight yarns are a step up in terms of thickness, making them ideal for projects requiring a bit more warmth without too much bulk.

• Ideal for: Home decor, clothing, stuffed toys (amigurumi), or accessories
• Recommended crochet hook size:  US 7 to I-9 / 4.5mm to 5.5mm
• Recommended needle size: US 5 to 7 / 3.75mm to 4.5mm

Yarn examples:

1. Bernat Softee Baby: This gentle and versatile baby yarn is known for its soft, lightweight feel and easy-care characteristics; it’s also for the little one’s sensitive skin.
2. Lion Brand, 24/7 Cotton DK: This 100% cotton yarn is versatile, perfect for creating comfortable and breathable garments in various vibrant colors.

Project examples:

Crochet Sailor Bear Pattern

Set sail with Craft Passion’s adorable sailor bear, offering a detailed guide to crafting adorable attire for stuffed toys or your little ones.

Bobble Crochet Baby Blanket (+7 Bonus Sizes)

Craft personalized gifts for the little ones with this soft, cozy, textured bobble stitch blanket.

Project examples:

Bernat Garter Knit Basket

This type of yarn makes any project extra soft and squishy, perfect for creating cozy and functional baskets.

Crochet Weighted Blanket

Indulge in this yarn’s plush texture and vibrant colors as you craft snug blankets perfect for chilly evenings.

Yarn Weight Chart & Conversion

What is WPI and How to Measure It

WPI stands for “wraps per inch,” and it’s a measurement used to determine the thickness or diameter of yarn.

If you come across mystery yarn without labels, you can use the WPI method to help you determine the yarn weight. It’s very simple; all you need is a ruler!

How to measure WPI using a ruler:

1. Grab a ruler and a section of the yarn;
2. Start at the beginning of the ruler and wrap the yarn snugly around it without overlapping;
3. Count the number of times the yarn wraps around the ruler or tool within one inch. Each wrap represents one WPI;
4. Compare the number of wraps per inch to the conversion chart above to determine the yarn category.

You could also purchase a WPI tool to measure the thickness of your yarn. However, I’ve found that the ruler method is more effective and doesn’t cost anything!

What does PLY mean?

Ply is the number of individual strands twisted together to form a single yarn. This determines the yarn’s thickness and texture in a finished project. Yarns with a higher ply count are more durable and provide better stitch definition. A lower ply count results in a softer, more delicate yarn.

However, ply can have different meanings depending on the context in which it’s used.

In the UK and Australia, “ply” refers to the thickness or weight of the yarn. For example, 4-ply yarn would typically be a finer-weight yarn. However, this measurement doesn’t directly correlate with the yarn weight chart above.

Common mistakes to avoid when choosing yarn weight:

1. Ignoring pattern recommendations:
   This can lead to a difference in the size, fit, and drape of the finished project. Unless you have a specific idea in mind, always stick to the original hook/needle size and yarn weight for the best results.
2. Skipping gauge swatches:
   Making a swatch ensures your project turns out the same as expected, especially for wearable items. Failure to do so can result in unexpected size variations.
3. Neglecting hand tension:
   Understanding and adjusting your hand tension for different yarn weights is crucial for achieving the desired outcome.

Yarn Weight and Gauge 

In this section, we delve into the bond between yarn weight and gauge, discussing why achieving the correct gauge is important for the success of your project and offering tips on adjusting the gauge when working with different yarn weights.

How does yarn weight affect the gauge?

Yarn weight is pivotal in determining gauge, which is the number of stitches and rows per inch in a knitted or crocheted fabric.

Thicker yarns typically result in fewer stitches per inch, producing a fabric with a lower stitch count per square inch.

On the contrary, finer yarns result in more stitches per inch, requiring more crochet stitches to achieve the same size as thicker yarns.

In simpler terms, thicker yarn will create a larger piece with the same number of stitches and rows as thinner yarn.

Why is it important to achieve the correct gauge?

Getting the correct gauge ensures that your finished project aligns with the pattern’s intended size and outlook. This is vital for projects like garments, where precise sizing is essential for a comfortable fit. Stay tuned as we delve into the details of the Crochet Tension Gauge in another post.

Choosing the Right Yarn Weight for Your Project

When choosing yarn weight, it is important to consider the nature of your project. Here are a few ways to determine which type of yarn is right for you!

Factors to consider

• Project type:
  – Intricate projects go best with lightweight yarn like lace and fingering.
  – Chunkier yarns, like worsted-weight yarn or bulky, are for cozy blankets and winter wear. 

• Stitch pattern:
  – Threadwork or openwork is better paired with fine yarns to showcase its decorative elements.
  – Combining thick yarn with stitches like seed stitch, basketweave, cable stitch, or moss stitch can enhance your project’s overall appearance.

• Drape:
  – Lightweight yarns have a lovely flow and allow for an elegant drape.
  – A heavy, warm blanket will benefit from the weight and structure provided by a bulky yarn.

Key Takeaways & FAQ

Here is a quick recap of some of the questions about yarn weights: