Yarn Weight Chart for Knitting & Crochet
A yarn weight chart maps thickness categories (lace through jumbo) to typical needle and hook sizes so you can match a pattern, substitute stash yarn, or shop by weight without guessing. This yarn weights guide follows Craft Yarn Council symbols #0–#7. Compare live prices by weight on YarnCompass before you buy a full project’s worth.
Yarn weight chart (approximate)
| Weight | CYC # | Needles (US) | Hooks | Common projects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lace | 0 | 000–1 | B–1 | Lace shawls |
| Fingering | 1 | 1–3 | B–E | Socks, light shawls |
| Sport | 2 | 3–5 | E–7 | Baby, light garments |
| DK | 3 | 5–7 | 7–I | Sweaters, baby knits |
| Worsted | 4 | 7–9 | I–K | Hats, blankets, everyday |
| Aran / heavy worsted | 4–5 | 9–11 | K–M | Outerwear |
| Bulky | 5 | 9–11 | K–M | Quick sweaters, throws |
| Super Bulky | 6 | 11–17 | M–Q | Chunky knits |
| Jumbo | 7 | 17+ | Q+ | Extreme chunky |
Browse all yarns and compare prices →
Popular Worsted yarns
Baby Comfort
From $6.99 at Ice YarnsWool Addicts
Wool Addicts Glow Yarn
From $18.00 at Paradise FibersUnknown
Freia Fine Handpaints Superwash Worsted
From $50.00 at LoveCrafts
Popular DK yarns
Trifecta DK
From $40.00 at Sweet Georgia YarnsIce Yarns
Paillettes
From $11.99 at Ice YarnsTownhouse Yarns
Fleet St DK - Okcurr
From $14.00 at Townhouse Yarns
Popular Fingering yarns
Thistle - Cushy
From $38.00 at Skein Yarn AustraliaGathering Yarn
Gathering Yarns | Cashmere Reborn
From $32.00 at Wool and WavesSkein
Sushi - ACM
From $39.00 at Skein Yarn Australia
Popular Bulky yarns
Farm To Yarn Chunky | Eriu x Townhouse Yarns - Varia
From $15.75 at Townhouse YarnsTownhouse Yarns
Farm To Yarn Chunky | Eriu x Townhouse Yarns
From $31.95 at This is KnitTownhouse Yarns
Farm To Yarn Chunky | Eriu x Townhouse Yarns - Cinnabon
From $15.75 at Townhouse Yarns
Disclaimer
Ranges are approximate. Always check your ball band and pattern gauge. Prices are live from YarnCompass retailers.
What do yarn weights mean?
Yarn weights are thickness categories, not how heavy a skein feels in your hand. The Craft Yarn Council standard uses numbered symbols from 0 (lace) to 7 (jumbo). Patterns and ball bands that say “worsted,” “DK,” or “fingering” map to those numbers. When labels disagree between brands, trust the CYC number and your gauge swatch.
Yarn weight chart for crochet and knitting
The same yarn weight chart applies to knitting and crochet — only the recommended tool sizes change. Use the needle column for knitters and the hook column for crocheters, then adjust for your personal tension. For crochet hook sizes paired with yarn weight, start with the chart above and the ball band, then swatch.
Yarn weight and hook size
Hook and needle sizes on a yarn weight chart are starting points, not rules. Check your ball band for the maker’s suggested pairing, then measure gauge after washing if the finished fabric will be blocked or laundered.
Worsted vs DK yarn weights
Worsted (CYC #4) is the everyday default for hats, blankets, and many beginner projects. DK (CYC #3) is lighter — better for garments with more drape. They are not interchangeable without adjusting needle size and yardage. Compare live DK and worsted prices in deal search when you are ready to buy.
How to use this chart when shopping
1) Read the pattern’s yarn weight. 2) Confirm the CYC number on candidate skeins. 3) Match fiber and care to the project. 4) Compare price-per-yard across shops — a “cheap” skein can lose if yardage is short. YarnCompass ranks offers by value, not only sticker price.