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Hooked Goodies

Yarn Weights, Numbers and Names

Find any yarn weight by the name on its label (DK, 8 ply, worsted, aran, chunky), by wraps per inch, or by number, with the hook size and gauge to use.

The yarn weight chart

Tap a weight for its details. Gauge is over 4 inches (10 cm).

  1. Also called
    Lace, cobweb, crochet thread, 10 count thread, light fingering
    UK / Australia
    1–2 ply · 2 ply
    Crochet gauge (4 in / 10 cm)
    32–42 double crochets*
    Hook
    1.4–2.25 mm (steel hooks to B-1)
    Wraps per inch
    35 or more
    Good for
    Doilies, lace shawls, edgings, thread jewellery
  2. Also called
    Sock, fingering, baby, 3 ply, 4 ply
    UK / Australia
    3–4 ply · 3–4 ply
    Crochet gauge (4 in / 10 cm)
    21–32 single crochets
    Hook
    2.25–3.5 mm (B-1 to E-4)
    Wraps per inch
    19–22
    Good for
    Socks, fine shawls, baby clothes, small amigurumi
  3. Also called
    Sport, baby, 5 ply
    UK / Australia
    5 ply · 5 ply
    Crochet gauge (4 in / 10 cm)
    16–20 single crochets
    Hook
    3.5–4.5 mm (E-4 to 7)
    Wraps per inch
    15–18
    Good for
    Light sweaters, baby blankets, accessories
  4. Also called
    DK, double knit, double knitting, light worsted, 8 ply
    UK / Australia
    Double knitting (DK) · 8 ply
    Crochet gauge (4 in / 10 cm)
    12–17 single crochets
    Hook
    4.5–5.5 mm (7 to I-9)
    Wraps per inch
    12–14
    Good for
    Garments, toys, lightweight blankets
  5. Also called
    Worsted, afghan, aran, 10 ply
    UK / Australia
    Aran · 10 ply
    Crochet gauge (4 in / 10 cm)
    11–14 single crochets
    Hook
    5.5–6.5 mm (I-9 to K-10½)
    Wraps per inch
    9–11
    Good for
    Blankets, hats, scarves, bags: the everyday weight
  6. Also called
    Chunky, craft, rug, 12 ply
    UK / Australia
    Chunky · 12 ply
    Crochet gauge (4 in / 10 cm)
    8–11 single crochets
    Hook
    6.5–9 mm (K-10½ to M-13)
    Wraps per inch
    7–8
    Good for
    Quick blankets, cowls, rugs, winter hats
  7. Also called
    Super bulky, super chunky, roving, 14 ply
    UK / Australia
    Super chunky · 14 ply
    Crochet gauge (4 in / 10 cm)
    7–9 single crochets
    Hook
    9–15 mm (M-13 to Q)
    Wraps per inch
    5–6
    Good for
    Chunky throws, rugs, baskets
  8. Also called
    Jumbo, roving, arm knitting
    UK / Australia
    Ultra chunky · 16 ply and up
    Crochet gauge (4 in / 10 cm)
    6 single crochets and fewer
    Hook
    15 mm and larger (Q and up)
    Wraps per inch
    1–4
    Good for
    Giant blankets, poufs, statement rugs

How to read a yarn label

Most labels show a weight number from 0 to 7 inside a little skein symbol. That number is the quickest way to match yarn to a pattern. If there's no number, look for a name: UK and US labels use names like DK, aran or worsted, and Australian and New Zealand labels use plies.

Measuring wraps per inch

Wrap the yarn round a ruler or pencil, side by side without stretching or overlapping, for one inch. The number of wraps tells you the weight, which helps with yarn that has lost its label.

* Lace weight is usually measured in double crochet. Ranges follow the Craft Yarn Council's standards; the gauge in your pattern always comes first.

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