Complete Yarn Weight Guide
Master yarn categories, understand gauge relationships, and choose the perfect yarn for every knitting project.
Lace
GAUGE (4 inches)
33-40 sts
NEEDLE SIZES
US 000-1 (1.5-2.25mm)
TYPICAL YARDAGE
400-800 yds per 50g
BEST FOR
Lace shawls, doilies, fine baby items
Fingering/Sock
GAUGE (4 inches)
27-32 sts
NEEDLE SIZES
US 1-3 (2.25-3.25mm)
TYPICAL YARDAGE
350-450 yds per 50g
BEST FOR
Socks, baby items, lightweight sweaters
Sport
GAUGE (4 inches)
23-26 sts
NEEDLE SIZES
US 3-6 (3.25-4mm)
TYPICAL YARDAGE
250-350 yds per 50g
BEST FOR
Baby clothes, lightweight sweaters, blankets
DK (Double Knitting)
GAUGE (4 inches)
21-24 sts
NEEDLE SIZES
US 6 (4-4.5mm)
TYPICAL YARDAGE
200-250 yds per 50g
BEST FOR
Sweaters, cardigans, blankets, hats
Worsted/Aran
GAUGE (4 inches)
16-20 sts
NEEDLE SIZES
US 7-9 (4.5-5.5mm)
TYPICAL YARDAGE
150-200 yds per 50g
BEST FOR
Sweaters, afghans, mittens, hats
Chunky
GAUGE (4 inches)
12-15 sts
NEEDLE SIZES
US 10-13 (6-9mm)
TYPICAL YARDAGE
100-150 yds per 50g
BEST FOR
Quick sweaters, blankets, hats, scarves
Super Chunky
GAUGE (4 inches)
7-11 sts
NEEDLE SIZES
US 15-17 (10-12.75mm)
TYPICAL YARDAGE
50-100 yds per 50g
BEST FOR
Quick accessories, rugs, wall hangings
Jumbo
GAUGE (4 inches)
6 sts or fewer
NEEDLE SIZES
US 17+ (12.75mm+)
TYPICAL YARDAGE
25-50 yds per 50g
BEST FOR
Arm knitting, quick blankets, rugs
When Substituting Yarn:
- • Match the yarn weight category first
- • Check the recommended gauge range
- • Consider fiber content and care instructions
- • Calculate total yardage needed, not just skeins
- • Always knit a gauge swatch with new yarn
Need help calculating yarn amounts? Our professional yarn calculator accounts for different yarn weights and project requirements.
Needle Selection Tips:
- • Start with yarn label recommendations
- • Adjust based on your knitting tension
- • Use smaller needles for tighter fabric
- • Use larger needles for drapier fabric
- • Consider needle material (metal, wood, bamboo)
Confused about needle sizes? Check our needle size conversion tool to convert between US, UK, and metric measurements.
Quick Projects (Lace - Sport)
- • Delicate shawls and wraps
- • Fine baby garments
- • Lightweight summer tops
- • Intricate lace patterns
Versatile Projects (DK - Worsted)
- • Classic sweaters and cardigans
- • Cozy blankets and throws
- • Everyday accessories
- • Children's clothing
Quick Projects (Bulky+)
- • Weekend sweater projects
- • Chunky scarves and cowls
- • Home decor items
- • Beginner-friendly projects
Ready to start your project? Use our stitch calculation tools for increases and decreases, or try our pattern resizing calculator to adjust any pattern for your preferred yarn weight.