How do you read yarn for knitting?

What do the symbols on a skein of yarn mean?

Universal care symbols are being used to reduce language on yarn and clothing labels. These symbols indicate how best to care for an item that will be made from the yarn.

What do yarn weight numbers mean?

The first number is the size of each ply that makes up the yarn. The second number is how many plies the yarn has. So 3/2 is two plies of size three yarn and 5/2 is two plies of size five yarn. The number that describes the size is larger the thinner the yarn.

What does number 4 yarn mean?

4—Medium (Worsted, Afghan, Aran) Worsted weight yarn is the most frequently used. It is easy to work with (making it great for beginners), approximately double the weight of DK or sport yarn, and ideal for working up afghans. 5—Bulky (Chunky, Craft, Rug) Bulky yarn is about twice as thick as worsted weight.

How do you label yarn?

How to Read a Yarn Label for Beginners

What's the difference between 4ply and DK?

4ply yarn is 28 stitches and 36 rows, to 10 x 10 cm, over stocking stitch, using 31/4mm needles. Double knitting (DK) yarn is 22 stitches and 28 rows, to 10 x 10 cm, over stocking stitch, using 4mm needles.

What is #2 weight yarn?

Fine weight yarns are lightweight and versatile, ideal for creating a variety of projects including socks, baby items, accessories, and garments in knitting, crocheting, and weaving.

What does the Oz mean in yarn?

In the US yarn is sold by weight, so this skein is 7 ounces or 198 grams. The yardage given is an estimate and is the least amount of yarn you will encounter in the skein; the actual amount may be more. Since yarn is sold by weight and not by yardage no two skeins of yarn will have the exact same yardage.

What weight is 4 ply yarn?

Four-ply yarn is lightweight (also known as DK or double knitting yarn) Aran yarn is not usually specified by ply, but this means worsted or medium-weight yarn.

What are yarn weight categories?

What is DK weight yarn?

DK (Double Knit) is a light yarn, for example of 50 grams. DK yarns are thinner than Aran yarns and are often used for projects that require lightweight yarns, such as a summer sweater, cap, accessories or children's clothing.

What is DK 8 ply yarn?

Double knitting yarn is defined as an 8-ply thread that has between 11-14 wraps per inch resulting in around 200-250 meters per 100 grams. The recommended needle size is 3.75 – 4.5 mm to achieve a gauge range in stockinette stitches of between 21-24 stitches per 4 inches. You'll often find it abbreviated to DK.

Which is thicker 4 ply or DK?

Structure of a 4 ply yarn

ply (lace weight), DK was known as 10 ply and 4 ply lies somewhere in between. This was great and you could easily see that 2 strands of 4 ply are about the same thickness as DK, 2 strands of lace weight are about the same as 4 ply.

What is DK yarn best for?

DK yarn can be used for scarves and hats. It is too thick to be used for normal socks for everyday wear. However, you might find knitting patterns that use DK to make thick house socks, or even felted slippers.

How do I know if my yarn is DK weight?

Never fear, there is a way to tell! This is when you will use wraps per inch (wpi). You can also get an idea if a yarn is a DK weight by checking how many stitches it gets for gauge. If it says it's between 33 to 40 sts per inch in knitting, it's more than likely worsted.

Is 8 ply the same as DK?

Worsted is thicker than DK. Worsted is sometimes known as 10 ply yarn, while DK is referred to as 8 ply.

What is the difference between 4 ply and 8 ply wool?

These terms both refer to the thickness of your yarn strand. Traditionally ply described the number of threads used to make up the yarn strand. So if you unwound the end of a 4 ply strand you would have 4 threads, and there would be 8 threads in and 8 ply yarn.

Where do I find yarn weight?

Most yarn manufacturers make it easy for you to determine the weight of a particular yarn. Many of the mass-produced yarns use the yarn standards ranking system and will have the number and weight printed right on the label.

What does worsted mean in knitting?

According to the Craft Yarn Council, the term "Worsted Weight", also known as "Afghan", "Aran", or simply "Medium", refers to a particular weight of yarn that produces a gauge of 16–20 stitches per 4 inches of stockinette, and is best knitted with 4.5mm to 5.5mm needles (US size 7–9).

What does 100g yarn mean?

100-130m/100g (111-144yds/3.5oz) wpi: 6-8. 5.5-8mm (US 9-11) Super Bulky.

What size is 8 4 yarn?

Meaning, the 8/4 yarn is spun from 4 strands of size 8 thickness, and the yarn belongs to the category Super Fine. 8/6 yarn is spun from 6 strands of size 8 thickness and belongs to the category Fine, and the 8/8 yarn is spun from 8 strands of size 8 thickness and belongs to the category Light.