Yarn Weight Chart: Craft Yarn Council Weights 0 to 7 with Gauge, Needles and Hooks
The Craft Yarn Council system has 8 yarn weights, from 0 Lace to 7 Jumbo. Medium (4), also called worsted or aran, knits at 16 to 20 stitches per 4 inches on US 7 to 9 needles. Bulky (5) knits at 12 to 15 stitches per 4 inches. Higher numbers mean thicker yarn.
Yarn weight describes thickness, not how heavy a skein is. These ranges follow the Craft Yarn Council Standard Yarn Weight System; yards per 100 g come from typical retailer listings.
What are the yarn weights and their gauges?
| Weight | Also called | WPI | Knit gauge (4 in) | Needles mm | Needles US | Crochet gauge (4 in) | Hook mm | Hook US | Yards per 100 g |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 Lace | Fingering (CYC type), 10-count crochet thread, Cobweb, Light fingering | 30 to 40 | 33 to 40 | 1.5 to 2.25 | 000 to 1 | 32 to 42 | 1.4 to 2.25 | Steel 8 to B-1 | 600 |
| 1 Super Fine | Sock, Fingering, Baby | 14 to 30 | 27 to 32 | 2.25 to 3.25 | 1 to 3 | 21 to 32 | 2.25 to 3.5 | B-1 to E-4 | 380 to 600 |
| 2 Fine | Sport, Baby | 12 to 18 | 23 to 26 | 3.25 to 3.75 | 3 to 5 | 16 to 20 | 3.5 to 4.5 | E-4 to 7 | 300 to 380 |
| 3 Light | DK, Light Worsted | 11 to 15 | 21 to 24 | 3.75 to 4.5 | 5 to 7 | 12 to 17 | 4.5 to 5.5 | 7 to I-9 | 230 to 300 |
| 4 Medium | Worsted, Afghan, Aran | 9 to 12 | 16 to 20 | 4.5 to 5.5 | 7 to 9 | 11 to 14 | 5.5 to 6.5 | I-9 to K-10.5 | 170 to 230 |
| 5 Bulky | Chunky, Craft, Rug | 6 to 9 | 12 to 15 | 5.5 to 8 | 9 to 11 | 8 to 11 | 6.5 to 9 | K-10.5 to M-13 | 100 to 170 |
| 6 Super Bulky | Super Bulky, Roving | 5 to 6 | 7 to 11 | 8 to 12.75 | 11 to 17 | 7 to 9 | 9 to 15 | M-13 to Q | 100 |
| 7 Jumbo | Jumbo, Roving | 1 to 4 | 6 | 12.75 | 17 | 6 | 15 | Q | n/a |
What is each yarn weight used for?
| Weight | Typical projects | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Lace | Lace shawls, Doilies, Fine lace scarves | CYC: lace gauge ranges are hard to pin down; lace yarns are usually worked on larger needles and hooks to make open patterns. Crochet gauge is in double crochet, not sc. CYC lists steel hooks 1.6 to 1.4 mm (steel 6, 7, 8) and regular hook 2.25 mm (B-1). WPI 40 is open-ended (40+). |
| 1 Super Fine | Socks, Lightweight shawls, Baby garments, Fine sweaters | n/a |
| 2 Fine | Baby clothes, Light sweaters, Socks, Shawls | n/a |
| 3 Light | Sweaters, Baby blankets, Hats, Mittens | n/a |
| 4 Medium | Afghans and blankets, Hats, Scarves, Sweaters, Dishcloths (cotton) | n/a |
| 5 Bulky | Quick blankets, Cowls, Hats, Rugs, Outerwear sweaters | n/a |
| 6 Super Bulky | Chunky blankets, Cowls, Quick hats, Rugs | Yardage is usually under 100 yd per 100 g. |
| 7 Jumbo | Arm-knit blankets, Chunky throws, Pet beds, Statement decor | CYC: 6 stitches and fewer per 4 in; 12.75 mm needles and 15 mm hooks and larger. Yardage per 100 g not confirmed. |
Needles, winders and yarn
ChiaoGoo Twist Red Lace Interchangeable Set, Complete, 5 inch tips
$216.80Every needle size from fine to bulky yarn in one interchangeable set.
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Stanwood Needlecraft 10 oz Metal Ball Winder and Amish Style Swift Bundle
$121.95Wind hanks into center-pull cakes for any yarn weight.
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Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set, 10 sizes
$47.17Comfortable crochet hooks covering the common yarn weights.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What are the yarn weight categories?
The Craft Yarn Council standard uses 8 categories: 0 Lace, 1 Super Fine, 2 Fine, 3 Light, 4 Medium, 5 Bulky, 6 Super Bulky, 7 Jumbo. Each covers a range of gauges and needle sizes rather than one exact thickness, so two yarns in the same category can still knit up slightly differently.
What weight is worsted yarn?
Worsted is a medium weight yarn, category 4. It knits at about 16 to 20 stitches per 4 inches on 4.5 to 5.5 mm needles and crochets with 5.5 to 6.5 mm hooks. Aran and afghan yarns are in the same category, though aran is often a little thicker than worsted.
What is WPI in yarn?
WPI means wraps per inch: wrap yarn snugly around a ruler without stretching it and count the wraps in one inch. It identifies unlabeled yarn. Medium weight yarn has about 9 to 12 wraps per inch, while bulky yarn has about 6 to 9.
Can I substitute a different yarn weight?
Substitute within the same category and check gauge with a swatch. Holding two strands of a lighter yarn together roughly moves you up a category or so. Planning estimates only. The yardage stated on the pattern always wins. Always match the pattern gauge, not just the label.
What yarn weight is best for beginners?
Medium (worsted) weight yarn in a smooth, light color is easiest for beginners: stitches are easy to see, it works on comfortable US 7 to 9 needles or H to J hooks, and projects grow at a satisfying pace. Very thin or very fuzzy yarns hide stitches and make mistakes hard to spot.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.