Yarn weight? Your questions answered

CYC yarn weight symbols

You have a pattern that calls for a DK weight, or Worsted weight, Lace weight, Sport weight or Super Fine, what is that size in relation to the Craft Yarn Council markings that are on commercially made yarns. These posted sizes (thicknesses) are using the Craft Yarn Council standard numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

When I first started crocheting I did not know the difference between weights of yarn all I knew was I could use the one with the 4 on the label. In the 30 years I have been crocheting I have learned to read patterns, write patterns, what yarn weight means within a pattern and how to adjust a pattern because I really like this other weight of yarn better.

The uniform numerical and picture weights you see below are from the Craft Yarn Council. The Craft Yarn Council (CYC) is the representation of yarn companies, magazine, book publishers and accessory manufacturers within the yarn industry. To learn more about the CYC please visit their website at www.craftyarncouncil.com

CYC 0 weight

Called Lace weight, Cobweb weight, Crochet Thread, Fingering weight, and 10-count crochet thread. This weight of yarn is often used for doilies and shawls. It is delicate sized yarn that the thin size gives your projects definition in their stitches. Crochet hooks 1.50 mm, 2.25 mm and 2.5 mm or No. 1, No. 2, or B-1 and needle sizes 1.5 mm to 2.25 mm also sized as 000 to 1.

CYC 1 weight

Called Super Fine, Sock, Fingering, and Baby. This weight of yarn is often used for items that need to be lightweight such as baby items, socks or shawls. Crochet hook sizes from 2.25 mm up to 3.5 mm also known as B-1, C-2, D-3, to E-4 Hooks. Knitting Needle sizes from 2.25 to 3.25 mm or sizes 1, 2, and 3. While still a thinner yarn your stitches will be less defined depending upon your yarn choice.

CYC 2 weight

Called Fine, Sport and Baby. This weight of yarn is used for socks, sweaters, wraps and accessories. Crochet hook sizes from 3.25 mm to 3.75 mm or D-3, E-4, and F-5. Knitting needle sizes 3.25 to 3.75 mm or sizes 3, 4, and 5.

CYC 3 weight

Called Light, DK weight, and Light Worsted. This weight of yarn is often used for items you are going to wear and some baby items that are a little heavier. Crochet hook sizes 4.0 mm to 5.5 mm or sizes G-6, G-7, or H-8. Knitting needle sizes 3.25 mm to 4.5 mm or sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6.

CYC 4 weight

Called Medium, Worsted, Afghan, or Aran. This weight of yarn is the most commonly used yarn weight, it is easy to work with especially beginners and the best weight for afghans. Crochet hook sizes 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm or sizes I-9, J-10, and K-11. Knitting needle sizes 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm or sizes 7, 8, and 9.

CYC 5 weight

Called Bulky, Chunky, Craft, and Rug. This weight of yarn is made for large hooks and needles and is ideal for outer garments such as Sweaters and Scarves. Some even use this yarn weight to make rugs and throws. Crochet hook sizes 6.5 mm to 9 mm or K-11, L, M and N. Knitting needle sizes 5.5 mm to 8 mm or sizes 9, 10, 10.5 and 11.

CYC 6 weight

Called Super Bulky, or Roving weight. This weight often works up really quickly and is used for scarves, hats and cowls. Crochet hook sizes 9 mm to 15 mm or sizes M/N and N/M sized hooks. Knitting needle sizes 8 mm to 12.75 mm or sizes 11, 13, 15 and 17.

CYC 7 weight

Called Jumbo and Roving. This yarn is the thickest weight and is a relatively new addition to the weights from 2014 when very thick yarns hit the market. These yarns work up quickly and are often seen in pictures of arm knitting. Crochet hook sizes 15 mm or larger and P/Q, Q, and S. Knitting needle sizes 12.75 mm and larger or sizes 17, 19, 35, 36 and 50.

Source: Craft Yarn Council of America's www.YarnStandards.com