Understanding yarn weight is key to achieving the right look and feel for your finished project. Keep reading to learn how to tell the weight of yarn, the best choices for specific projects, and more to make informed decisions that bring your creative vision to life.
What Is Yarn Weight?
Yarn weight refers to the thickness or thinness of a yarn strand. It’s a system used to classify yarn based on its thickness. In this system, yarns can be classified as (from lightest to heaviest): lace, fingering, sport, worsted, bulky, and super bulky.
Different weights of yarn are suited for various types of projects, so knowing the weight helps you select the ideal yarn for your creation. For example, you would not want to use lace (super-fine yarn) to crochet a rug. The project would not be durable for its intended purpose. Instead, you might opt for yarn that is labeled bulky or super bulky.
How to Measure Yarn Weight
Yarns are classified using a standardized system of numbers, symbols, and names established by the Craft Yarn Council (CYC), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting yarn enthusiasts, knitters, crocheters, and other fiber crafters. Thanks to the CYC, most crafters don’t need to worry about how to tell the weight of a yarn. This system ensures consistency, making it easier to follow patterns and identify the exact yarn weight you’re working with. Yarn manufacturing companies use this weight system on their product labels, helping you quickly select the right yarn for your project.
However, if you are wondering how to measure yarn weight when you don’t have a label, you can use yarn gauges or a Wraps Per Inch tool. Simply wrap the yarn and count the strands per inch to determine its weight. These tools can be purchased from craft stores and many online retailers.
Yarn Weight Categories
The best way to ensure consistency in your projects is to pay close attention to the yarn weight category printed on each label. Many crafters find using a yarn size chart to be helpful when choosing the right yarn for their project. Below are details of each yarn size provided by the experts at Meridian Mill House:
Lace Weight
Category: 0
Common Name(s): Ultra fine, Crochet thread
Stitches/Inch: Knit 7-8, Crochet 8-10
Recommended Needle Size: 000-2
Wraps/Inch (WPI): 18+
Common Uses: Lace yarn is incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of projects, both delicate and intricate. Many crafters use lace-weight yarn to make beautiful shawls, dollies, and table runners.
Super Fine Weight
Category: 1
Common Name(s): Fingering, Sock
Stitches/Inch: Knit 6-7, Crochet 5-8
Recommended Needle Size: 1-3
Wraps/Inch (WPI): 16
Common Uses: Super fine yarn is often used for socks, hats, lightweight sweaters, or newborn baby blankets.
Fine Weight
Category: 2
Common Name(s): Sport
Stitches/Inch: Knit 5-6, Crochet 4-5
Recommended Needle Size: 3-5
Wraps/Inch (WPI): 14
Common Uses: Many crafters use fine yarn for projects that require a balance between lightness and durability. This might include baby accessories, lightweight toys, or tunics.
Light Weight
Category: 3
Common Name(s): Light worsted, DK (Double Knitting)
Stitches/Inch: Knit 5, Crochet 3-4
Recommended Needle Size: 5-7
Wraps/Inch (WPI): 13
Common Uses: Light yarn works well for projects that balance warmth and comfort without being too heavy. It works well for medium-weight sweaters used for layering, cozy scarves, or cushion covers.
Medium Weight
Category: 4
Common Name(s): Worsted, Aran
Stitches/Inch: Knit 4-5, Crochet 3
Recommended Needle Size: 7-9
Wraps/Inch (WPI): 10-12
Common Uses: Medium yarn is one of the most versatile and commonly used yarn types. It is an excellent choice for creating warm hats and sweaters, blankets, purses, and more.
Bulky Weight
Category: 5
Common Name(s): Chunky, Craft
Stitches/Inch: Knit 4, Crochet 2-3
Recommended Needle Size: 9-11
Wraps/Inch (WPI): 10
Common Uses: Bulky yarn is perfect for projects that need to be completed quickly or that require a thick, cozy feel. Consider using it for your next chunky sweater, oversized blanket, or cozy mittens.
Super Bulky Weight
Category: 6
Common Name(s): Super Chunky
Stitches/Inch: Knit 3-4, Crochet 2
Recommended Needle Size: 11+
Wraps/Inch (WPI): 9-10
Common Uses: Super bulky yarn is all about comfort, texture, and speed. It is ideal for a statement piece jacket, holiday decorations, oversized scarves, and more.
How Yarn Weight Affects Knitting Projects
The more projects you complete, the more you will notice how yarn weight plays a crucial role in determining the texture, drape, and overall structure of a finished piece. For example, lighter yarns (lace or fingering weight) create delicate, airy fabrics suitable for detailed shawls or lace garments. Heavier yarns (worsted or bulky weight like wool yarn) yield thicker, cozier fabrics perfect for blankets, scarves, and sweaters.
The weight of the yarn also affects the project’s speed – lighter yarns take longer to knit, while heavier yarns are great for fast projects or those requiring more warmth. Additionally, choosing the correct fiber will have a large impact on the finished project.
Explore Meridian Mill House Yarns
Before you start your next project, ensure you use the appropriate yarn sizes to yield the best results. At Meridian Mill House, our yarn mill specializes in high-quality, readily available natural and dyed yarn products in all sizes. Shop our yarn today to find the perfect specialty yarn for your project.
