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.
Choosing the right yarn weight helps your project:
- Look the way the pattern shows
- Feel right (light, medium, or cozy)
- Match the correct hook or needle size
- Finish at the right size
This page is the Yarn Weights pillar only. It explains what yarn weights are and how to pick the right weight and hook or needle size, with examples from Hobby Store yarns.
👉 Prefer browsing by thickness? Start here: Shop yarn by weight
What “Yarn Weight” Really Means
Yarn weight is not about how heavy the ball is. It is about the thickness of the strand.
- 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
Why this matters:
- The same yarn can look very different with different hook or needle sizes
- The wrong size can make fabric too stiff or too loose
If size matters, like garments, always make a small test swatch first.
How to Choose the Right Yarn Weight (Quick Guide)
Ask yourself:
- Do I want something light or warm?
- Do I want a quick project or a detailed one?
Simple choices:
- Light tops, shawls, baby items → Fine, Sport, or DK
- Everyday projects, toys, garments → DK or Aran
- Winter wear, blankets, cushions → Aran, Bulky, or Super Bulky
Can You Substitute One Yarn Weight for Another?
You can, but carefully:
- Thicker than the pattern = bigger, heavier project
- Thinner than the pattern = smaller, lighter project
Safe way to substitute:
- Pick the closest weight
- Make a small test piece
- Adjust hook or needle size if needed
Yarn Weight vs Yarn Fiber (Cotton, Acrylic, Wool)
- Yarn weight = thickness (DK, Aran, Bulky, etc.)
- Yarn fiber = what it is made of (cotton, acrylic, merino wool, blends, etc.)
Example: Hobby Store Cotton – Aran and Hobby Store Merino Wool – Aran are the same weight, but they feel different because the fiber is different.
Where to Shop by Thickness
If you want to skip the theory and just browse:
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.
