Choosing yarn

Understanding yarn is essential for successful crochet projects. The following information are key things to know when selecting yarn for your project:

Yarn weight (thickness)

Yarn weight refers to how thick or thin the yarn is. It affects the size and texture of your project.

Weight Category	Common Names	Typical Hook Size	Example Uses
0 - Lace	Lace, Cobweb	1.5 - 2.5 mm	Doilies, lace, fine shawls
1 - Super Fine	Fingering, Sock	2.25 - 3.5 mm	Socks, baby garments
2 - Fine	Sport, Baby	3.5 - 4.5 mm	Lightweight garments
3 - Light	DK (Double Knit), Light	4.5 - 5.5 mm	Sweaters, blankets
4 - Medium	Worsted, Afghan, Aran	5.5 - 6.5 mm	Hats, scarves, afghans
5 - Bulky	Chunky, Craft, Rug	6.5 - 9 mm	Warm blankets, outerwear
6 - Super Bulky	Roving, Super Chunky	9 mm and up	Quick projects, heavy wear

Beginners: Start with Worsted (Category 4) or DK (Category 3) for better stitch visibility and control.

Fiber content

The material the yarn is made from influences feel, durability, and care. Different fibers affect stretch, softness, warmth, and ease of use:

• Natural fibers: Wool, cotton, alpaca, silk (soft, breathable, often pricier)
• Synthetic fibers: Acrylic, nylon, polyester (affordable, durable, easy care)
• Blends: Combine best features of natural and synthetic fibers

Fiber Type	Characteristics
Acrylic	Budget-friendly, washable, great for practice
Cotton	Sturdy, breathable, ideal for dishcloths or bags
Wool	Warm and stretchy, great for wearables
Bamboo	Soft and silky, drapes beautifully
Blends	Combines properties of multiple fibers

Beginners: Start with acrylic or cotton yarns are great starting points because they are affordable, durable, and machine washable.

Yarn Weight Guide

Yarn Weight	UK Term	USA Term	AUS Term	Meters (per 100g)	4” / 10 cm Gauge (knit)	Needle Size (mm)	Hook Size (mm)	Also Known As	Texture / Feel
0	Lace	Lace	2 Ply	800–1200	33–40 sts	1.5–2.25	1.5–2.25	Cobweb, Thread	Very fine, light, almost threadlike
1	3 Ply	Fingering	3 Ply	400–500	27–32 sts	2.25–3.25	2.25–3.5	Sock, Baby	Thin, light, often used for baby items
2	4 Ply	Sport	5 Ply	300–400	23–26 sts	3.25–3.75	3.5–4.5	Baby, Light Sport	Soft, light, slightly fuller than sock
3	DK (Double Knit)	DK (Light Worsted)	8 Ply	200–300	21–24 sts	3.75–4.5	4.5–5.5	Light Worsted	Midweight, good for garments
4	Aran	Worsted	10 Ply	120–200	16–20 sts	4.5–5.5	5.5–6.5	Afghan, Fisherman	Thick, warm, balanced weight
5	Chunky	Bulky	12 Ply	80–120	12–15 sts	5.5–8.0	6.5–9.0	Craft, Rug Yarn	Heavy, plush, fast to work with
6	Super Chunky	Super Bulky	14 Ply	60–80	7–11 sts	8.0–12.75	9.0–15.0	Roving, Jumbo	Very thick, great for chunky projects
7	Mega Chunky	Jumbo	—	<60	6 sts or fewer	12.75+	15.0+	Arm Knitting Yarn	Extremely thick, oversized texture

Yarn ply

• Ply refers to the number of strands twisted together.
• More plies usually mean stronger, smoother yarn.
• Single-ply yarn is softer but may split easily.

Yardage / meterage

Yarn Weight Categories: Length per 100 grams

Yarn Weight	Category Name	Yardage (per 100g)	Meterage (per 100g)
0	Lace	800–1200 yards	730–1100 meters
1	Super Fine	400–600 yards	365–550 meters
2	Fine	325–450 yards	300–410 meters
3	Light	240–340 yards	220–310 meters
4	Medium (Worsted)	180–240 yards	165–220 meters
5	Bulky	100–140 yards	90–130 meters
6	Super Bulky	60–100 yards	55–90 meters
7	Jumbo	<50 yards	<45 meters

Notes:

• These values are approximate averages; actual yardage varies by fiber and brand.

• Finer yarns have more length per 100g due to thinner strands.

• Always check the length of yarn per skein.

• Project requirements often list yarn in yards or meters.

• Longer yardage means fewer joins and ends to weave in.

Color & dye lots

• Yarn color may vary slightly between dye lots.
• Buy enough yarn from the same dye lot to ensure color consistency.

Texture

• Smooth yarns are easier for beginners.
• Textured yarns (bouclé, eyelash, chenille) add interest but can be tricky.

Care instructions

• Check labels for washing and drying.
• Some yarns need hand washing; others are machine washable.

Final tips

• For beginners, start with medium weight (worsted, category 4) acrylic or cotton yarn.
• Use the recommended hook size on the yarn label.
• Make a gauge swatch to match pattern requirements.