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What Yarn To Use For Crochet

Yarn Weight

The first thing to consider when choosing the ideal yarn for your crochet project is what weight of yarn you will use. The weight of the yarn refers to the thickness of the strand of yarn, and how many times it can be wrapped around a 1 inch section of a ruler (wraps per inch). Yarn labels always list the weight of the yarn to help you match it to your pattern. The yarn weight combined with the crochet hook size you use will affect the project’s drape.

When you decide to crochet a project, the pattern will typically list the weight of yarn. If you use a large yarn for a pattern written for a smaller yarn, your project will end up much larger than expected and it might be hard to use or wear. For best results, follow the suggested yarn weight when making a crochet pattern and be sure to check your crochet gauge.

Yarn Weight Terminology

Across the crochet community, there are some differences in yarn weight terminology. The Craft Yarn Council has put forward a standard system for yarn weights that many yarn companies and crochet designers have adopted. This standardization is based on a number system that corresponds to a common descriptive term that is used to describe a yarn weight; the higher the number, the thicker the yarn. These terms apply whether you are a crocheter or a knitter!

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Here is a handy chart to help you visualize various yarn weights.

Yarn Weight Standards Chart

Yarn Weight Guide Infographic

Yarn comes in a variety of weights, starting from the number 0 (smallest) and ranging through number 7 (bulkiest):

0 Lace Weight (which is very thin and fine): 16+ wraps per inch

1 Fingering Weight (which is slightly thicker): 14-16 wraps per inch

2 Sport Weight: 12 wraps per inch

3 DK Weight, Light Worsted Weight: 10-11 wraps per inch

4 Worsted, Aran/Heavy Worsted: 8-9 wraps per inch

5 Bulky: 7 wraps per inch

6 Super-Bulky: 5-6 wraps per inch

7 Jumbo (very large, like wool roving): 4 or fewer wraps per inch

Yarn Weight Identification Tip:

If you are unsure of a yarn’s weight, for instance if you have yarn that lost its label, you can still determine the yarn’s weight by using a yarn gauge tool. This small tool has a 1 inch groove in it that you can wrap the yarn around, along with a legend telling you how many wraps per inch for each yarn weight. Wrap your unidentified yarn around the tool, and count the wraps to identify the yarn’s weight.

You can also achieve this same effect by using a standard ruler and carefully wrapping the yarn around a one inch section and then counting the wraps per inch.

Now let’s talk more about each yarn weight and our favorite yarns in each weight.

Yarn Size 0: Lace Weight

Lace weight is extremely fine in thickness, which helps it create the delicate openwork textures of lace crochet. Lace weight yarn is often used to crochet shawls, lightweight garments, and accessories. You can also hold lace weight yarn double and crochet with two strands to make it more substantial. Lace weight yarn can be made of silk, mohair, wool, cotton, alpaca, or other fibers.

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Whew. Now you know so much about yarn weight! Let’s talk about the next thing to consider when you’re choosing the best yarn for crochet projects: fiber!

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