Yarn Weights

The yarns come in variety of weights or thicknesses. The needed yarn weight is specified for most patterns, for some of them you will also find the specific yarn that was used. If you have your heart set on making the design as you see it in the pattern picture, use the yarn listed in the materials list. But if your budget doesn't accommodate this specific yarn (or the yarn is not provided in the pattern material list at all), don't be afraid to substitute it. If you are substituting yarn, make sure that the yarn you choose has the same weight and do a gauge swatch, so that you know how the finished item will look like. If you don't want to spend time checking the gauge with different yarns until you find a suitable one, you can use the services of the following web page: www.YarnSub.com. I've never use it so far, but I find it pretty useful.

The Craft Yarn Council (CYC), an industry trade association that aims to promote and standardize yarns, has come up with a numerical system indicating the weight of a yarn. Below you can find more information about the categories of yarn and the recommended hook sizes.

Yarn Weights

Category 0
FINGERING 10-COUNT CROCHET THREAD
The lightest weight of yarn. It is used to make lace, doilies and other delicate items.
Recommended Hook Size (mm/US): 1.4 to 1.6 mm/6, 7, 8

Category 1
FINGERING WEIGHT: SOCK, FINGERING, BABY YARN
This yarn is very light weight and is used mainly for baby wear, socks and other delicate items.
UK yarn type: 3ply, 4ply, 5ply
                     Recommended Hook Size (mm/US): 2.25 to 3.5mm/B-1 to E-1

Category 2
SPORT WEIGHT: FINE, SPORT WEIGHT, BABY YARN
This yarn is light weight and is used mainly for baby wear, sweaters, vests and dresses.
UK yarn type: 8 ply
                     Recommended Hook Size (mm/US): 3.5 to 4.5mm/E-4 to 7

Category 3
DK WEIGHT: LIGHT WORSTED YARN
This yarn is used mainly for baby wear and adult garments.
UK yarn type: DK (Double Knitting)
                     Recommended Hook Size (mm/US): 4.5 to 5.5mm/7 to I-9

Category 4
WORSTED WEIGHT: AFGHAN, ARAN YARN
This yarn is slightly thinner than worsted which makes it suitable for indoor garments like sweaters and vests.
                     UK yarn type: 10 ply, Aran weight
                     Recommended Hook Size (mm/US): 5.5 to 6.5mm/I-9 to K-10 1/2

Category 5
BULKY WEIGHT: CHUNKY, CRAFT, RUG YARN
This yarn is heavier than worsted weight, bulky yarns are best for projects such as warm winter hats, scarves and rugs.
                    UK yarn type: 13 ply
                    Recommended Hook Size (mm/US): 6.5 to 9mm/K-10 1/2 to M13

Category 6
SUPER BULKY WEIGHT: BULKY, ROVING YARN
This is a very heavy yarn. It is twice as thick as worsted weight which makes it suitable for rugs and crocheted furniture.
                     UK yarn type: 14 ply
                     Recommended Hook Size (mm/US): 9mm and larger/M13 and larger


Lace, fingering and sport are the most crochet-friendly categories of all. These thinner yarns are perfect choices for sweaters, shawls, skirts and dresses.