Weight Classes of Yarn

Yarn Weights from YarnStandards.com

Yarns come in six major weight sizes in the United States. It's important to use the correct weight of yarn for your project in order to obtain the right gauge. Many yarns are marked on the band with the icons to the right (from YarnStandards.com) but different brands use the same name for the different classes. Because of this, it's important to understand what each weight is used for and to become familiar with them by feel. The tabs below explain what each weight is used for and the typical loom gauge used to get the correct gauge for the yarn. The stitch used for the gauge is the k tbl (e-wrap) stitch, the most common stitch used on the loom. UK/Australian approximate equivalents are also given. An overview chart is given under Loom Gauge as well. More information is given under Gauge.

See the links section of resources for links to articles and websites on yarn.

Super Fine (1)
Fine (2)
Light (3)
Medium (4)
Bulky (5)
Super Bulky (6)
Loom Gauge
Super Fine (1) yarn is a very lightweight and the smallest weight available. It is generally used in baby clothes, socks and lace.

Recommended Loom Gauge

  • Fine
  • Extra Fine

Also Known As

  • Baby
  • Fingering
  • Lace
  • Sock

UK/Australia Equivalent

  • 3 ply
  • 4 ply
  • 5 ply
  • Jumper

Suggested Projects

  • Garments (baby)
  • Lace
  • Socks
Fine (2) yarn weight is lightweight and commonly used for baby clothes, spring and summer adult sweaters, light throws and socks. This weight is also great for making children's and pet's toys.

Recommended Loom Gauge

  • Fine
  • Extra Fine

Also Known As

  • Baby
  • Fingering
  • Sock
  • Sport

UK/Australia Equivalent

  • 5 ply
  • 8 ply

Suggested Projects

  • Blankets
  • Garments (baby)
  • Garments (adult, light-weight)
  • Socks
  • Throws
  • Toys
Light (3) yarn weight is commonly used for baby clothes and light-weight adult clothes used in the spring and fall. Because the yarn is thin, it can be used for stitch definition in larger projects (such as blankets, throws, etc.) but still fine enough for smaller projects.

Recommended Loom Gauge

  • Small ( 2 strands working a double stitch)
  • Extra Small Gauge (2 strands)
  • Fine (1 strand working a double stitch)

Also Known As

  • Baby
  • DK (Double Knit)
  • Fine
  • Light Worsted
  • Sport

UK/Australia Equivalent

  • 8 ply
  • DK (Double Knit)

Suggested Projects

  • Blankets
  • Garments (baby)
  • Garments (adult, light-weight)
  • Hats
  • Mittens
  • Scarves
  • Throws
Medium (4) yarn is the most popular weight for knitting. It is a heavy yarn, heavier than worsted weight. If you are new to knitting, this is a wonderful yarn to start with since the stitches can be easily seen.

Recommended Loom Gauge

  • Large (2 strands working a double stitch)
  • Regular (2 strands)
  • Small (1 strand working a double stitch)
  • Extra Small Gauge

Also Known As

  • Afghan
  • Aran
  • Worsted
  • Rug

UK/Australia Equivalent

  • 10 ply
  • Aran
  • DK (Double Knit)

Suggested Projects

  • Afghans
  • Bags
  • Blankets
  • Garments (adult) such as sweaters
  • Hats
  • Mittens
  • Purses
  • Rugs
  • Scarves
  • Throws
Bulky (5) yarn is a heavy yarn, heavier than worsted weight. Because it is so thick, it makes projects the quickly, especially on larger gauge looms. This yarn is a good choice for a project that is thick and warm but you want to complete quickly.

Recommended Loom Gauge

  • Large
  • Regular

Also Known As

  • Bulky
  • Chunky
  • Craft
  • Rug

UK/Australia Equivalent

  • 13 ply

Suggested Projects

  • Bags
  • Hats
  • Purses
  • Rugs
  • Scarves
  • Throws
Super Bulky (6) yarn is a very heavy, thick yarn about twice as heavy as worsted weight. Because it is so thick, it makes projects the fastest.

Recommended Loom Gauge

  • Large

Also Known As

  • Bulky
  • Chunky
  • Roving
  • Super Bulky
  • Super Chunky

UK/Australia Equivalent

  • 14 ply

Suggested Projects

  • Bags
  • Blankets
  • Purses
  • Shawls
  • Throws
Here's a review of the loom gauges, the yarn used and the stitches per inch. Remember that the gauge on a loom is measured from the center of each peg.

Loom Gauges
Gauge Peg Dist. Stitches
per Inch		 Yarn Recommendations
Large 5/8" 2.5 1 strand of Super Bulky (6)
1 strand of Bulky (5)
2 strands of Medium (4)
Regular 1/2" 3 1 strand of Bulky (5)
2 strands of Medium (4)
Small 4/9" 3.5 1 strand of Medium (4)
2 strands of Light (3)
Extra Small 3/8" 4 1 strand of Medium (4)
2 strands of Light (3)
Fine 1/4" 5 1 strand of Light (3)
1-2 strands of Fine (2)
2 strands of Super Fine (1)
Extra Fine 3/16" 7-8 1 strand of Fine (2)
1 strand of Super Fine (1)