Yarn Weights: Understanding Yarn Thickness Made Simple

In the world of yarn, there are several commonly accepted weight categories — from the very thinnest (Lace) to the super chunky (Jumbo). These categories help you figure out what a yarn is best suited for: a delicate lace shawl or a cozy sweater.

Here’s how it works:

Lace — very thin, almost like sewing thread. Perfect for light shawls, lace inserts, and delicate decorative pieces.
👉 Yardage: 600–1000m/100g or 70–115yd/oz.

Fingering — a bit thicker, great for socks, gloves, and lightweight sweaters.
👉 Yardage: 400–500m/100g or 45–60 yd/oz.

Sport and DK — versatile options. Ideal for cardigans, sweaters, and hats.
👉 Sport: 300–400m/100g or 35–45yd/oz.
👉 DK: 200–300m/100g or 25–35yd/oz.

Worsted and Aran — medium thickness, some of the most popular for everyday wear.
👉 Worsted: 180–220m/100g or 20–25yd/oz.
👉 Aran: 160–180m/100g or 18–20yd/oz.

Bulky and Super Bulky — thick yarns that work up quickly, great for warm garments and home decor.
👉 Bulky: 100–130m/100g or 12–15 yd/oz.
👉 Super Bulky: 70–100m/100g or 8–12 yd/oz.

Jumbo — ultra-thick yarn, mostly used for decor, rugs, or arm knitting.
👉 Yardage: less than 70m/100g or under 8yd/oz.

🔄 What if you combine yarns?
That’s where the real magic begins. If you don’t have the right yarn weight, you can create it yourself just by holding two or more strands together.

Here’s the basic idea:

• Two thin strands together make a thicker one.

For example, two strands of Fingering weight yarn can give you something like a Sport or even DK, depending on your knitting tension.

• Three strands of Fingering? That’s close to Worsted.

• Four? You’re approaching Bulky territory.

The more strands you hold together, the lower the yardage, and the thicker the yarn becomes.

💡 Important: yardage is divided — if your cone has 400 m per 100 g, and you hold two strands together, you’ll get 200 m per 100 g.

🧬 Can you mix different yarns?
Absolutely. Not only is it allowed — it’s one of the most fun and creative ways to make unique textures and effects.

• Combine mohair with cotton — you’ll get a soft halo with stitch definition.

• Add shiny viscose to wool — and your piece will sparkle.

• Use leftovers from different yarns — and you’ll get your own custom melange.

When you start combining yarns, you’re no longer limited by what's in the store. This is how truly personal projects are born.