May 2003

Just what is worsted yarn or DK? AND, why does it matter!

• Yarns are categorized by weights. Ranging from finest to thickest, the weights are fingering weight (or baby weight), sport weight, double knitting (DK) weight, worsted weight, chunky weight and bulky weight.
• Generally, the weight of the yarn determines the gauge, the size of needle you use, and the number of yards on a skein.
  • Fingering weight knit is designed to knit at 28 stitches to 4" on size 0 - 3 needles. It is often used for baby garment, socks and gloves.
  • Sport weight knits at 24 stitch to 4" on sized 4-6 needles. Used for light weight garments
    
  • Double Knitting weight originated in the UK. Americans adopted this weight as a bridge between sport and worsted weight. Dk weight knits at 22 stitches to 4" on size 4 - 6 needles.
  • Worsted weight is the American workhorse weight and knits at 20 stitches per 4" on size 6 - 9 needle. Worsted weight is good for outwear and afghans. ARAN weight is a subset of worsted gauge at 18 stitches to 4" used almost exclusively for cabled patterns.
    
  • Chunky yarn knits at 14 - 16 stitches over 4" on size 9 - 10 ½ needle and is good for outdoor sweaters and accessories
  • Bulky yarns are for heavy sweater knit at 8 - 12 stitches to 4" on size 10 - 19 needles
• When making yarn substitutions, try to stay within the same weight. Pay close attention to the yardages of the pattern yarn versus your choice so you won't run short.