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Hand Knitters' Guide to Yarn Weights

The actual thickness, i.e yarn weight can vary, especially from one manufacturer to another and depending on the fibre used for the yarn. Therefore, this guide to yarn weight gives a general description of each yarn weight and an indication of the thickness of the yarn.

 

Because of the variations in actual yarn weights, if you are working to a pattern which names a specific brand, you will need to make tension swatch if you are thinking of substituting it for the same weight in a different brand - see All About Tension for more details.


2 ply:
 a very fine yarn made from 2 strands twisted together. Used to make socks and gloves. It requires a lot of patience and needles like tooth picks! and is not as common nowadays as some of the other weights.

Approximate size of knitting needles to use: 2mm

4 ply:

4 strands of fibre twisted together. Baby yarn and designer yarns such as Cashmere, Alpaca and Merino are found in 4 ply and are used for for delicate hand knitting.

Approximate size of knitting needles to use: 3mm

Double Knitting - or DK:

double knitting is approximately double the weight of 4 ply. This used to be the most commonly used yarn. It is a very versatile medium weight yarn and can be used for a wide range of knitted items including baby clothes, sweaters and accessories.

Approximate size of knitting needles to use: 4mm
Aran:

approximately double the weight of double knit. Used originally to make the thick, warm fishermen jumpers which carry this name. Traditionally in a natural cream but now available in a range of colours. It is used just for a wide range of knitting including accessories and thicker jumpers. Ideal for throws.

Approximate size of knitting needles to use: 5.5mm
Chunky Yarn:

this is the next thickness after Aran and is quite a thick yarn - as the name suggests. It is currently a very popular yarn weight, especially with beginners, because of the speed at which it knits up and the colours available. Used for accessories, thick winter woollies and outdoor wear.

Approximate size of knitting needles to use: 7mm

Super Chunky Yarn:

this yarn weight is approximately double the weight of Aran and is a very thick yarn. Increasing in popularity and available in a wide range of colour mixtures and dye techniques. Not many metres to 100g and can be very bulky as a completed item. Used for outdoor wear and very thick winter garments.

Approximate size of knitting needles to use: 8mm and above
Other Yarns:

Tapes, Braids, Ribbons, Boucle: these yarns don’t fall easily into the standard weight categories but are becoming increasingly available.

Approximate size of knitting needles to use: see the yarn label and/or the designer’s pattern instructions.