Beginner’s Guide to Yarn Weight, Knitting Needle and Crochet Hook Sizes

It's important to understand that yarn weight and hook or needle size determine the success of any craft. As a beginner, you might be overwhelmed with the variety of yarns but may get confused when looking at the yarn weight guide. When you start your craft journey, you might focus only on the hooks and needles but forget the essential part- yarn. Understanding the yarn weights will significantly affect the texture, appearance, and project size. This post will give a clear picture of the yarn weights and sizes which will help you to make unique and versatile projects.

 

WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY YARN WEIGHT?

Yarn weight is not related to the physical weight of yarn but refers to the thickness of the yarn strands. These yarns are available in different weights. The yarn is categorized by the numbering system ranging from 0-7. The size 0 (lace yarn) represents the smallest weight (thickness), while the size 7 is the largest. However, always follow the gauge stated in your pattern. It is measured by wraps per inch (WPI). Remember, the higher the WPI, the finer the yarn while the lower WPI will indicate the thick yarn.

WHY YARN WEIGHT IS IMPORTANT IN CRAFTS?

Do you know, that the appearance, texture, and looks of fabric completely depend on the yarn weight? Hence, it's important to understand the concept clearly. Here are some reasons:

●   It is crucial to achieve the correct tension or gauge for the project, for that it's crucial to understand the yarn weight.

 

●  Once you know, the different yarn weight categories it will help you to select the suitable yarn for your project. For example, for creating baby projects, you need soft yarn because of their delicate skin.

●  Suppose you are not able to find the correct yarn weight as per pattern instructions, you can use different yarn in the same category to achieve the same result.

 CROCHET HOOK AND KNITTING NEEDLES SIZES 

Sometimes it is easy to get confused with needles, and hook sizes terms because of the different numbering systems used worldwide. The UK and the rest of the world use the metric system, so the smallest size is 2mm, and the largest is 10mm or more. The American uses their own numbering system, in this system, a 2mm needle is size 0, and as the needle size increases the number will go up. The crochet hook in the UK, refers to a number or an alphabetic metric system.

YARN WEIGHT TABLE

The below yarn weight table will help the crafters in selecting the right yarns, needles, or hooks for their project.

Yarn Name	Weight	Needle size	Hook size	Gauge (knit St)	Gauge (crochet St)
Lace	0	1.5 to 2.25 mm	2.25 mm	33 -40	32-42
Super Fine	1	2.25 to 3.25mm	2.25 to 3.5 mm, or sizes B-1 to E-4	27-32	21-32
Fine	2	3.25 to 3.75 mm	3.5 to 4.5 mm, or sizes E-4 to 7	23-26	16-20
Light	3	3.75 to 4.5 mm	4.5 to 5.5 mm, or sizes 7 to I-9	21-24	12-17
Medium (worsted)	4	4.5 to 5.5 mm	5.5 to 6.5 mm, or sizes I–9 to K–10 1⁄2	16-20	11-14
Bulky Yarn	5	5.5 to 8 mm	6.5 to 9mm, or sizes K–10 1⁄2 to M–13	12-15	8-11
Super Bulky	6	8 to 12.75 mm	9 to 15 mm, or sizes M–13 to Q	7-11	7-9
Jumbo	7	12.75 mm	15 mm and larger, or sizes Q and larger	6 or fewer	6 or fewer

Grab your yarn, needles, or hooks and start making creative designs.

Check out the Most Common Weight Categories

●       Fingering weight yarn is also known as sock yarn. It is the thinnest yarn and is often used to create lightweight items like socks and shawls. The Tera yarn combines premium quality of Merino wool & Polyamide Fingering.

●      DK weight yarn is perfect for creating lightweight, and breathable fabric. It is a popular choice for beginners due to its ease of use and it is ideal for making sweaters, shawls, hats, and scarves.

Lastly, knowing how to choose and measure the yarn weight, is the foundation for any successful project. In the above article, we have explained in detail. So, grab your yarn, hooks, and needles and start making unique items.

Before you head to buy the yarn, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Related articles:

Yarn Weights: A Complete Guide for Beginners!

The Ultimate Guide to Yarn Weights: Fingering, DK (Double Knit) vs Worsted