Question : What is meant by “Yarn Weight Classifications?”
Answer: The “yarn weight classification” does not refer to how much a yarn “weighs” but is a standard designation for the size (diameter) of the yarn. The “yarn weight” required for a project and the amount of yarn needed to complete a project is specified in the project instructions. The thickness or thinness of a yarn is referred to as the yarn weight. Each weight has various names depending on what country you live in. Ply, in this case, does not refer to the number of strands that make up the yarn as it is spun together; rather, it is a term used in the UK and Australia to refer to how thick or thin the yarn is.
Here
are terms used to refer to these weights of yarn in addition to the
suggested gauge for each weight and the appropriate needle size.
|
Weight |
Sts Per 4" (10 cm) |
Suggested Needles |
|
Category 1 Superfine Fingering Baby 4 Ply |
28-32 |
0-3 US 2-3.25mm |
|
Category 2 Fine Sportweight 5 Ply |
24 |
3-6 US 3.25-4.25mm |
|
Category 3 Light DK 8 Ply |
22 |
4-6 US 3.50-4.25mm |
|
Category 4 Medium Worsted 10 Ply |
20 |
6-9 US 4.25-5.50mm |
|
Heavy Worsted Aran 12 Ply |
16-18 |
8-10 US 5-6mm |
|
Category 5 Bulky Chunky 13 Ply |
12-14 |
10-11 US 6-8mm |
|
Category 6 Super Bulky 14 Ply |
8-10 |
11-15 US 8-10mm |
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.
Other
manufacturers don't make it as easy, but they should have a gauge
statement that will say something like "24 stitches and 22 rows
per four inches on size four needles." If you know a little bit
about yarn weights (which you will when you consult the chart )
you'll know that the yarn in question is sport weight.
Have fun, and happy knitting!
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