If you are new to knitting or crochet, yarn weight can sound confusing. Good news, it is actually very simple.
Yarn weight means how thick the yarn is. Thicker yarn makes thicker, warmer fabric. Thinner yarn makes lighter, airier fabric.
This guide is your main reference for understanding yarn weights, how they affect your project, and how to choose the right hook or needle size using Hobby Store yarns.
Related beginner-friendly guides:
- The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Crochet and Knitting
- How Much Yarn Do You Need? A Simple Guide
- What Is Yarn Ply (And Why It’s Not the Same as Yarn Thickness)
- Needle and Hook Size Chart
- The Right Yarn for Your Project
👉 Prefer browsing by thickness? Start here: Shop yarn by weight
👉 Want a shortcut to find yarn by project type (e.g., scarves, blankets, hats)? Check: Yarn Recommendations by Project
What “Yarn Weight” Really Means
Yarn weight is not about how heavy the ball is. It is about the thickness of the strand. Each weight category represents a range of thickness, not one exact size.
- Thin yarn = light, soft fabric
- Thick yarn = chunky, warm fabric
Most patterns will say something like: “Use DK yarn” or “Use Worsted or Aran yarn.” That is your yarn weight.
The Common Yarn Weight Groups (Simple)
- Thin (Lace, Fingering, Sport): Light, delicate projects
- DK (Light-Medium): Best all-rounder for garments and toys
- Worsted or Aran (Medium): Most popular and beginner-friendly
- Bulky or Super Bulky (Thick): Fast, cozy projects
- Jumbo (Extra Thick): Big, statement pieces
You can see these grouped by thickness here: Browse yarn by thickness
Thin Yarns: Lace, Fingering, Sport
Best for: Shawls, light tops, baby items, fine details
How it feels: Light, soft, airy
Good to know: Beautiful fabric, but projects take longer.
Hobby Store examples:
DK Yarn (Light-Medium)
Best for: Garments, scarves, toys, light blankets, accessories
Why people love it: Easy to see stitches, neat results, works for both knitting and crochet.
Hobby Store DK range:
Worsted or Aran (Medium)
Best for: Sweaters, caps, scarves, blankets, amigurumi, home projects
Why it is perfect for beginners: Easy to handle, projects grow at a nice speed, most patterns use this weight.
Hobby Store Aran range:
- Hobby Store Aran Solids
- Hobby Store Aran Cake
- Hobby Store Aran AcryCot
- Hobby Store Aran Baby Cake
- Hobby Store Merino Wool – Aran
- Hobby Store Cotton – Aran
Bulky and Super Bulky
Best for: Winter scarves, chunky blankets, cushions, plush toys, home decor
Why choose these: Super fast projects, bold stitches, very cozy results.
Hobby Store examples:
Jumbo Yarn
Best for: Arm knitting, oversized blankets, decor
Note: More for visual impact than detail.
Our Jumbo yarn offerings:
How Yarn Weight Affects Hook and Needle Size
Every yarn label suggests a hook or needle size. Use that as your starting point.
- Smaller hook or needle = tighter, firmer fabric
- Larger hook or needle = looser, softer fabric
If you want a full conversion chart, see:
Final Thoughts
Understanding yarn weights makes it much easier to choose the right yarn and the right hook or needle. Once this clicks, following patterns and planning projects becomes far more confident and stress-free.
