Woolly Weightlifting: The Heavy and Light of Yarn Weights

If you're new to knitting, understanding the different weights of wool can be a bit overwhelming. But don't worry, it's actually pretty straightforward.

Wool weight refers to the thickness of the yarn. The thicker the yarn, the heavier the weight. That’s it! Well, almost…

Yarn weight is usually classified using a numbered system ranging from 0 to 7, with 0 being the thinnest and 7 being the thickest.

Here's a breakdown of the different wool weights and how you will see them referred to:

Lace weight (0):

The thinnest yarn weight and is often used for delicate shawls and intricate lacework. Also known as crochet thread.

Fingering weight (1):

A thin yarn weight that's commonly used for socks and light sweaters. Also known as super fine, 4-ply, sock or baby weight.

Sport weight (2):

A medium weight yarn that's great for baby garments, lightweight sweaters, and hats. Also known as fine, 4-ply or baby weight.

DK weight (3):

Perfect for heavier sweaters and scarves. Also known as 8-ply, light or light worsted.

Worsted weight (4):

The most commonly used weight of yarn and is great for a wide range of projects, including blankets, scarves, and hats. Also known as 10-ply, worsted or aran.

Bulky weight (5):

Thick and great for quick projects, like chunky scarves and blankets. Also known as chunky or craft.

Super bulky weight (6):

Very thick weight of yarn and is great for statement pieces. Also known as super chunky or roving.

Jumbo weight (7):

The heaviest weight of yarn, again great for accent pieces. Also known as ultra or roving.

When starting out, it's best to choose a yarn that's recommended for your project and follow the pattern's suggested yarn weight. As you gain more experience, you can experiment with different weights and find what works best for you.

Happy knitting!