Yarn weight chart
Typical gauge and tool sizes per yarn weight category. Gauge is stitches per 4 inches (10 cm).
| Weight | Yarn types | Knit gauge (stockinette) | Needles | Crochet gauge (sc) | Hooks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 Lace | Fingering, 10-count crochet thread | 33–40 | 1.5–2.25 mm (US 000–1) | 32–42 dc | Steel 1.4–1.6 mm (steel 6, 7, 8); regular 2.25 mm (B-1) |
| 1 Super fine | Sock, fingering, baby | 27–32 | 2.25–3.25 mm (US 1–3) | 21–32 | 2.25–3.5 mm (B-1 to E-4) |
| 2 Fine | Sport, baby | 23–26 | 3.25–3.75 mm (US 3–5) | 16–20 | 3.5–4.5 mm (E-4 to 7) |
| 3 Light | DK, light worsted | 21–24 | 3.75–4.5 mm (US 5–7) | 12–17 | 4.5–5.5 mm (7 to I-9) |
| 4 Medium | Worsted, afghan, aran | 16–20 | 4.5–5.5 mm (US 7–9) | 11–14 | 5.5–6.5 mm (I-9 to K-10½) |
| 5 Bulky | Chunky, craft, rug | 12–15 | 5.5–8 mm (US 9–11) | 8–11 | 6.5–9 mm (K-10½ to M-13) |
| 6 Super bulky | Super bulky, roving | 7–11 | 8–12.75 mm (US 11–17) | 7–9 | 9–15 mm (M-13 to Q) |
| 7 Jumbo | Jumbo, roving | 6 and fewer | 12.75 mm and larger (US 17+) | 6 and fewer | 15 mm and larger (Q+) |
Guidelines only: your pattern’s gauge always wins. Source: Craft Yarn Council’s www.YarnStandards.com.
Frequently asked questions
What weight is worsted yarn?
Worsted is category 4 (medium), typically 16–20 stitches per 4 inches in stockinette on 4.5–5.5 mm needles.
Is DK the same as light worsted?
Both are in category 3 (light) in the Craft Yarn Council system.
Size charts
- Knitting needle size chart
- Crochet hook size chart
- Knitting needle to crochet hook sizes
- Baby and child size chart
- Adult sweater size chart
- Hat, mitten and sock size chart
- Wraps per inch (WPI) chart
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