Yarn Weight Guide
The number in the little skein symbol on a yarn label (0 to 7) tells you how thick the yarn is. Patterns ask for a weight, not a brand — this chart shows what each number means and which hook to start with.
The yarn weight system
| Weight | Also called | Crochet gauge per 4 in (10 cm) | Recommended hook | WPI (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 Lace | Fingering, 10-count crochet thread | 32–42 double crochets* | Steel 1.6–1.4 mm; regular 2.25 mm (B-1) | 30–40+ |
| 1 Super Fine | Sock, fingering, baby | 21–32 sc | 2.25–3.5 mm (B-1 to E-4) | 14–30 |
| 2 Fine | Sport, baby | 16–20 sc | 3.5–4.5 mm (E-4 to 7) | 12–18 |
| 3 Light | DK, light worsted | 12–17 sc | 4.5–5.5 mm (7 to I-9) | 11–15 |
| 4 Medium | Worsted, afghan, aran | 11–14 sc | 5.5–6.5 mm (I-9 to K-10½) | 9–12 |
| 5 Bulky | Chunky, craft, rug | 8–11 sc | 6.5–9 mm (K-10½ to M-13) | 6–9 |
| 6 Super Bulky | Super bulky, roving | 7–9 sc | 9–15 mm (M-13 to Q) | 5–6 |
| 7 Jumbo | Jumbo, roving | 6 sc and fewer | 15 mm and larger (Q and up) | 1–4 |
* Lace weight is usually crocheted on larger hooks for an open fabric, so its gauge is given in double crochets. WPI is a separate identification guide and varies with wrapping tension.
How to find the weight of unlabeled yarn
Wrap the yarn around a ruler or pencil for one inch, side by side without stretching or gaps, and count the wraps — that is the WPI. Compare it with the last column. For a better answer, crochet a swatch with the suggested hook and compare your stitch count with the gauge column.
Choosing a yarn weight for your project
- Amigurumi: worsted (4) or DK (3) cotton or acrylic with a smaller hook than the label — firm fabric, no stuffing showing.
- Baby blankets and clothes: DK (3) or sport (2) in soft, machine-washable fibers.
- Throws and afghans: worsted (4) for a classic drape, bulky (5–6) for a quick, chunky blanket.
- Market bags and baskets: cotton worsted or bulky — cotton holds its shape and does not stretch as much.
- Shawls and lacy tops: fingering (1) or lace (0) with an open stitch.
Substituting yarn
Use the weight number to narrow the options, then compare fiber, construction and yards or meters per gram. Yarns in one category are not guaranteed to behave identically. Buy by the length required by the pattern, not by the number of skeins, and make a finished gauge swatch before starting.
The weight number is only one part of the label: How to crochet shows how to read the whole label: fiber, yardage, gauge, care symbols and dye lots.
Sources: Craft Yarn Council — Standard Yarn Weight System and How to Measure Wraps Per Inch. Source: Craft Yarn Council's www.YarnStandards.com.
Questions
Is DK the same as worsted?
No. DK is light (3) and worsted is medium (4). A DK substitution will usually change gauge and fabric unless the pattern was designed for either option.
What does the number on a yarn label mean?
It is the Craft Yarn Council weight category, from 0 lace through 7 jumbo. It identifies a thickness range, not an exact match between every yarn.
What yarn weight is best for beginners?
A smooth, light-colored medium yarn makes stitches easy to see. Follow the hook range on its label and the gauge in the project.
Can I hold two strands of yarn together?
Yes, but two strands do not equal one fixed weight category. Measure the combined yarn if helpful, then make a gauge swatch to test size and fabric.