English Yarn Weights: Simply Explained
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Time to read 3 min
Have you never really understood yarn weights in English patterns? Then you’ve come to the right place: I’ll explain all the terms briefly and clearly.
Since I love knitting English patterns and sometimes look for alternative yarns based on the stated specifications, I’ve always wondered which yarn weights the various knitting terms actually refer to.
I was missing a clear table with all the terms and explanations, along with the corresponding gauges and yardages. So I researched the topic thoroughly and am now offering you the perfect overview in this article.
Further down, you’ll find a handy PDF that you can print out and keep in your project bag—so you’ll always have all the terms at hand.
Here you’ll find the US and UK terms for all yarn weights, as well as other commonly used terms. Each English yarn weight designation also includes the gauge and yardage. This gives you all the information you need at a glance.
Things to look out for:
The terms for yarn weights are often different in the US and UK, so don’t let that confuse you.
Don’t be afraid of the abbreviations; they look more complicated than they are.
When choosing your yarn, make sure both are correct: the gauge and the yardage should match so that the knitted piece can be made exactly as described.
Contents
"My tip: don’t let the different terms confuse you; the same yarn weights are often called different things."
English yarn weights by gauge and yardage
Overview of yarn weights with US and UK terms:
| US | UK | Gauge | Meters per 100 g | Needle size |
| 0: Lace | 1-ply / 2-ply | 34-40 M | 1.000 m | 1,50-2,50 mm |
| 1: Fingering | 4-ply | 32-28 M | 400-500 m | 2,25-3,50 mm |
| 2: Fine | 5-ply | 24-27 M | 300-400 m | 3,50-4,50 mm |
| 3: Light Worsted | Light / DK | 21-24 M | 240-300 m | 4,50-5,50 mm |
| 4: Worsted | Aran | 16-20 M | 120-220 m | 5,50-6,50 mm |
| 5: Bulky | Chunky | 12-16 M | 100-120 m | 6,50-8,00 mm |
| 6: Super Bulky | Super Chunky | 7-11 M | <100 m | 8,50-9,00 mm |
| 7: Jumbo | <100 m | 10,00-15,00 mm |
English yarn weights in a conversion table
Here are all the English yarn weights with their translations and all the names. Super clear!
| US | UK | other names |
| 0: Lace | 1-ply / 2-ply | Cobweb, Thread, Lace, Fine, Fingering |
| 1: Fingering | 4-ply | Super Fine, Sock, Fingering |
| 2: Fine | 5-ply | Sport |
| 3: Light Worsted | Light / DK | DK (Double Knitted), Light Worsted |
| 4: Worsted | Aran | Worsted |
| 5: Bulky | Chunky | Craft, Rug |
| 6: Super Bulky | Super Chunky | Roving |
| 7: Jumbo |
Important yarn weight terms explained
Individual terms for yarn weight appear in almost every pattern. If you understand what they mean, you’ll certainly find it easier to choose the right yarn.
-ply:
Ply refers to the number of plies twisted together to make a yarn. For example, a 4-ply yarn has 4 strands twisted together.
DK:
DK stands for Double Knitting and refers to a medium weight with a particularly good balance between thickness and weight. DK yarns are therefore ideal for a wide range of projects.
Fingering:
Fingering refers to the classic sock-yarn weight. However, this does not mean that it is made like sock yarn. The name fingering refers exclusively to the weight and describes a thin yarn with a yardage of approximately 300 to 400 m.
Conclusion
The names of English yarn weights can be confusing because they are not standardized.
With the yarn weight translation table, you can easily keep track and are sure to find the perfect dream yarn for your project!
Try to memorize the most important weights. Once you’ve internalized the order of yarn weights, it’s very easy.
Your dream yarn is sure to make you happy. International designs are often beautiful, and with the help of my translation table, you’ll easily find a suitable yarn.
Post by Rabea
I’m Rabea, an architect by profession and a passionate knitter. Since 2023, my husband Christoph and I have devoted ourselves entirely to our online shop.
