There are few things more confusing in the yarn world than how they are labelled. Go onto any merchant website, and you see lace-weight, 2 ply, 3 ply, DK, Aran, Fashion, and so on. What does it all mean?! Well, I’m going to explain how it works.
DK or Double Knitting
I’m starting with this as it’s the most commonly used yarn weight.
Yarn labelled as “light-worsted” or “8 ply” is the equivalent to DK. It’s extremely versatile and ideal for clothing, blankets, homeware, and more.
I use DK in 90% of my projects, and it’s what I use to teach crochet.
Aran
The next thicker yarn, Aran is another much-used weight yarn.
Known as “worsted” in the US and (I believe!) Australia, it can be used for the same sort of projects as DK, but will come out slightly larger due to the thicker 10-ply (you may see it labelled as this, but it’s rare).
Most crafters use Aran weight for toys and projects such as this fabulous “emotional support” chicken.
Lace, Fingering, and Sport
Honestly, the difference here makes my head hurt! I always have to look it up, because it is confusing.
Sport, also known as baby-weight, isn’t commonly used in the UK. It is available from sites like Wool Warehouse, but most crafters will use fingering weight instead.
Fingering – stop sniggering – is better known as sock weight or 4 ply. Because it’s excellent for socks, obviously. However, it’s great for heavier shawls and wraps as well.
Lace (laceweight, light fingering) is the finest yarn available. It’s delicate, often made from “posher” fibres like merino wool, cashmere, and alpaca. It makes gorgeous, airy shawls and super fine blankets. I don’t recommend new crocheters start with this weight as it can be fiddly.