In need of a good DYI project or want to brush up on you crochet knowledge, well my dears, you have come to the right place.
Figuring out an age old question
If you were like me especially in the beginning, you were standing in the yarn isle starring from the massive wall of yarn back to your phone while trying to do some math in your head (math was my worst subject in school). Well....no more! I found this nifty chart on Pinterest and immediately pinned it. You can tailor it to just about any project you’re doing to get a general idea of how much yarn you're going to need. If this chart does not suit your fancy, you can definitely google one and find something that speaks to you.
The first thing you need to know as you're looking at your chart is the meaning of the yarn weights and the numbers related to them.
Super Fine 1: Super fine yarn is lightweight and typically used for baby items, sock patterns, or shawls. Lacy items often fall under this category, as this type of yarn works best for creating delicate pieces.
Fine 2: Sport weight yarn works best for items such as socks, wraps, heirloom sweaters, and other delicate accessories. It is also used for lightweight afghans.
Light 3: Slightly heavier than a fine weight yarn, this weight is used for items such as garments and heavier baby items.
Medium 4: Worsted weight yarn is the most frequently used. It is easy to work with (making it great for beginners), approximately double the weight of DK or sport yarn, and ideal for working up afghans.
Bulky 5: Bulky yarn is about twice as thick as worsted weight. It usually works up quickly when using large needles/hooks, and it’s great to use when making sweaters, scarves, rugs, and throws.
Super Bulky 6: Super bulky yarn is a thick yarn that works up quickly. It is most commonly used for cowls, scarves, and hats.
Jumbo 7: Jumbo yarn is the thickest yarn weight, added in 2014 to classify the super thick yarns that began to appear on the market. Jumbo yarns are great for arm knitting and work up quickly.
The wonderful thing about yarn weights is that the scale is pretty universal. If you are using one brand of yarn on a project and by some tragic fate you run out and cannot get it, you can use another brand with a similar color and the weight should match. You can even change the look of your project by using a different yarn weight to suit your style or use multiple yarn weights to give it a cool texture.
What's the second thing I need to know?
Make sure that once you choose the weight, you take the time to create a gauge swatch following the pattern to see how the stitches will look in the different weight and to ensure the project will turn out the size you want.
A gauge what what...? In the picture below you can see the yarn weight, what size knitting needles you need and what size crochet hook (for this yarn you would use a 5mm hook). Around the hook size you see measurements in inches and centimeters. To decode this you look at the left side that says 4in x 4in and the top says 10 x 10 cm. At the bottom you see 13 sc and on the right side you it says 14R. This means that if crochet 13 Single Crochet stitches across and make it 14 rows high it should measure the stated measurements in inches and centimeters. If you're crochet swatch does not match, then you are either using the wrong size hook or you need to adjust your project measurements accordingly because it could require more or less yarn. Simple, right? Of course it is!
Yarn weight brought to life!
Here are some examples of items offered at The Crocheted Moon that show the different yarn weights and how you can mix and match them.
