English Yarn Weights: Simply Explained
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Time to read 3 min
Have you never really understood the yarn weights in English patterns? Then you’re in the right place: I explain all the terms briefly and clearly.
Since I love knitting from English patterns and sometimes look for alternative yarns based on the instructions, I’ve always wondered which knitting terms actually refer to which yarn weights.
I was missing a clear table with all terms and explanations along with the corresponding gauge and yardage. That’s why I thoroughly researched and now offer you the perfect overview in this article.
Below you’ll find a handy PDF that you can print out and keep in your project bag—so you have all the terms right at hand.
For all yarn weights, you’ll find the US and UK terms as well as other commonly used words. Additionally, each English yarn weight term includes information on gauge and yardage. This way, you have all the info conveniently at a glance.
What you should pay attention to:
The terms for yarn weights often differ between the US and UK; don’t let this confuse you.
Don’t be afraid of the abbreviations; it looks more complicated than it is.
When choosing your yarn, make sure both are correct: both the gauge and the yardage should match so the knitted piece turns out exactly as described.
Contents
"My tip: don’t be confused by the different terms; often the same yarn weights have different names."
English Yarn Weights in Gauge and Yardage
Overview of Yarn Weights with US and UK Terms:
| US | UK | Gauge Swatch | Yardage per 100g | 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 Translation Table
Here are all the English yarn weights with translations and all terms. Super clear!
| US | UK | other terms |
| 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 terms for yarn weight explained
Individual terms for yarn weight appear in almost every pattern. If you understand what they mean, it will definitely be easier for you to choose the right yarn.
-ply:
Ply refers to the number of twisted strands in 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 great for a wide variety of projects.
Fingering:
Fingering refers to the classic sock yarn weight. However, this does not mean it is composed like a sock yarn. The name Fingering refers exclusively to the weight and denotes a thin yarn with about 300 to 400 meters length per 100 grams.
Conclusion
The terms for English yarn weights can be confusing because they are not standardized.
With the translation table for yarn weights, you can easily keep track and definitely find the perfect dream yarn for your project!
Try to memorize the most important yarn weights; once you have internalized the order of yarn weights, it becomes very easy.
Your dream yarn will surely make you happy. The international designs are often beautiful, and with the help of my translation table, you can easily find the right yarn.
Post by Rabea
I am Rabea, actually an architect and passionate knitter. Since 2023, my husband Christoph and I have been fully dedicated to our online shop.
