If you have been wondering “what is worsted weight yarn” then wonder no more because i am about to break it all down for you!
But then, what exactly is worsted weight yarn,? How is it best used, and how do you choose the right one for your crochet or knit project? Look no further , I’m here to answer all of your worsted weight yarn questions.
What Is Worsted Weight Yarn?
Worsted weight yarn also knows as aran, afghan, 10 ply, category 4 yarn that sits in the middle of the yarn weight family. It’s thicker than sock and sport weight and thinner than bulky weight yarn.
Its medium thickness means that it’s great for knitting and crocheting sweaters, hats, scarves, mittens, blankets and beyond! If you follow my crochet patterns, then you should know worsted weight yarn is my go to yarn.
Other names for worsted weight yarn
Not all worsted weight yarns are referred to by the name “worsted weight yarn”. Depending on the location, they carry different names:
- Afghan
- Aran
- 10 ply yarn (UK & Australia)
- Category 4 yarn
How To Identify Worsted Weight Yarn
Size
Naturally, worsted weight yarn is thicker than a Category 3/Light (or DK) yarn but thinner than a Category 5/ Bulky yarn.
Crochet Hook Size
This means it comes with a special required crochet hook or knitting needles.
The recommended knitting needle size for worsted weight yarn is a US size 7 to 9 (4.5-5.5 mm), and the recommended crochet hook size is US size I-9 to K-10 1⁄2 (5.5 – 6.5 mm).
This does not have to be followed religiously, you can always go up or down a crochet hook/ knitting needle depending on the crochet project or gauge.
If you are looking to create an airy, open fabric then size up a crochet hook or knitting needle, or size down to create a tighter, sturdier fabric. As always, check your pattern to see which size needle or hook the designer recommends.
Pattern Gauge
When crocheting with worsted weight yarn, expect a gauge of 10-15 stitches per 4-inches of single crochet.
This is just an average, your gauge may differ depending on the needle/hook size you’re using and your personal tension.
And, when knitting with worsted yarn, expect a gauge of 16-20 stitches per 4-inches of stockinette stitch.
Number of Ply
Ply refers to the number of strands of yarn that are twisted together to create the finished yarn. Ply however, is not always an accurate indicator of a yarn’s thickness.
Fewer ply yarns can be thicker than more ply yarns.
With that in mind, while some countries refer to worsted yarn as 10-ply yarn (UK and Australia to he exact), it doesn’t mean it necessarily is made of 10 plies. You’ll find plenty of examples of worsted weight yarns that have between four and eight plies.
Length/Yardage
Worsted weight yarn typically has 170-240 yards per 100g skein. The exact yardage will depend on the fibre content of the yarn. Always check the yarn label for exact details.
Best projects for worsted weight yarn
After giving you all this knowledge about worsted weight yarn, i think it’s time we look aat the best projects for worsted weight yarn.
Worsted weight yarn is a great choice for a wide variety of projects. It’s strong and durable, making it ideal for items that will get a lot of wear, like sweaters, scarves, afghans, and hats.
It does not have to end there as it works equally well for accessories like scarves and hats as it does for garments like sweaters and cardigans. And because it comes in so many different colors, textures, and fiber contents, you’re sure to find the perfect yarn for any project.
How to DIY Worsted Weight Yarn
Can i really make worsted weight yarn? Yes! I make it myself all the time.
How?
2 strands of DK weight yarn= worsted weight yarn/ aran yarn. or, make three strands of fingering weight yarn.
As simple as that.
If you ever find yourself without worsted weight yarn but looking att a project tht asks for the yarn, you can always make it yourselfif you have DK weight yarn.
Advantages Of Worsted Weight Yarn
Fast
This might be the most famous reason for category 4 yarn. It works slightly faster then all the other lower categories. This yarn is just fine to work a crochet blanket, cardigans, sweaters.
Working a big project with worsted weight yarn is not ass tedious as using sport yarn.
Easy To See
If you have a poor eye sight, then you want to work with a thicker yarn. So working with category 1 yarn is not the best choice.
Crocheting at night with a dimer light can be challenging, if the yarn is thicker, light the medium yarn is, then seeing is so much easier.
Versatile
Category 4 yarn allows you to make almost anything and everything from clothes, blankets, decor, amigurumis, etc.
This is not the same for fingering weight yarn. Crocheting a blanket with sport yarn is a lot of work, it can be done but it will take a while.
Fabrics
The yarn comes in many fabrics for multiple purposes
Great for beginners
If you are a beginner, then the perfect yarn to use in the earning journey is category 4 yarn. The yarn is easy to hold, calls for a good size yarn (5.0mm) which makes the learning curve so much easier.
How To Check For Worsted Weight Yarn
Not all yarn is labelled or called the type of yarn it is. So it is good to understand yarn labels.
The paper around the yarn usually has prints on the back. If the yarn is not labelled to be a worsted weight or DK or any yarn size, then it will have a number together with the recommended crochet hook or knitting needle sizes.
The number 4 is for medium weight / category 4 / Aran/ Worsted weight yarn.
My Favourite Worsted Yarns
1. Caron Simply Soft Yarn
Caron Simply Soft is an extra soft, 4-ply worsted weight 100% acrylic yarn ideal for knit and crochet garments. Ball Weight: 6 oz (170 g), Ball Length: 315 yds (288.036 m). Get yarn HERE
2. Starllette Yarn
his 100% premium acrylic yarn is best known for its softness, beautiful drape and easy care. This washable and durable classic yarn is perfect for a variety of projects including accessories, sweaters, afghans and more. Available in 40 colors. Get yarn HERE
3. Pound Of Love
This classic, economical size, premium worsted weight yarn comes in traditional baby colours, making it perfect for stitching your love into gifts from blankets to garments. 100% premium acrylic. 1020 yards per 16 oz. ball.
Perfect for knitting a hooded blanket, bags, pillows, or any other adorable baby items and garments. Pound of Love is a really nice yarn which comes in the most wonderful colours and great size, you won’t believe how far one ball can go!
4. Bernat Super Value Yarn
Bernat Super Value Yarn is an economical, 100% acrylic, worsted weight yarn in a huge shade range. Available in solid and multi-colored shades, from brights to neutrals, Super Value fits the needs of any knit or crochet project.
For example, fashion, home decor, and re-stitching (blankets and baby garments), among others. Whether you want to make stylish jackets or cozy afghans, this essential worsted weight yarn is just what you need! Get it HERE
5. Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
The fuzzy halo around Red Heart Super Saver gives your project a warm glow. Stitch up soft and feathery projects of all kinds with this versatile, washable, 100% acrylic, worsted weight yarn. 255 yards per 5 oz. skein. Suggested gauge 17 sts. and 23 rows to 4″ on size 8 needles.
Get yarn HERE
Thank you for reading our worsted weight yarn guide. We hope you found it helpful! If you have any questions that we didn’t answer, feel free to leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to help you out. Happy crafting!
