Yarn weights chart
Yarn weight means thickness. The standard US system numbers yarns from 0, the finest, to 7, the thickest, and suggests typical needle and hook sizes for each. Medium (4) is the easiest weight to learn with.
| Weight | Also called | Good for | Knitting needles | Crochet hook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 Lace | Fingering, 10-count crochet thread | Lace shawls, doilies | US 000 to 1 (1.5 to 2.25 mm) | Steel hooks, or B-1 (2.25 mm) |
| 1 Super fine | Sock, fingering, baby | Socks, baby clothes, light shawls | US 1 to 3 (2.25 to 3.25 mm) | B-1 to E-4 (2.25 to 3.5 mm) |
| 2 Fine | Sport, baby | Light sweaters, baby things | US 3 to 5 (3.25 to 3.75 mm) | E-4 to 7 (3.5 to 4.5 mm) |
| 3 Light | DK, light worsted | Sweaters, hats, light blankets | US 5 to 7 (3.75 to 4.5 mm) | 7 to I-9 (4.5 to 5.5 mm) |
| 4 Medium | Worsted, afghan, aran | Blankets, scarves, hats; best for learning | US 7 to 9 (4.5 to 5.5 mm) | I-9 to K-10½ (5.5 to 6.5 mm) |
| 5 Bulky | Chunky, craft, rug | Warm hats, quick blankets | US 9 to 11 (5.5 to 8 mm) | K-10½ to M-13 (6.5 to 9 mm) |
| 6 Super bulky | Super chunky, roving | Very quick, thick projects | US 11 to 17 (8 to 12.75 mm) | M-13 to Q (9 to 15 mm) |
| 7 Jumbo | Jumbo, roving | Arm knitting, chunky throws | US 17 and up (12.75 mm and up) | Q and up (15 mm and up) |
Typical ranges based on the Craft Yarn Council's standard yarn weight system. Your yarn label and pattern come first, and your own gauge may need a different size.
Choosing yarn
Learning?
Medium (4) in a smooth, light-colored yarn.
Match the pattern
Use the weight it calls for, then swatch.
One dye lot
Buy all the skeins for a project together.
Check the care
Wool may need hand washing; acrylic usually doesn't.
Read yarn weights explained and yarn fibers, or work out how much you need with the yarn calculator.