Baby yarn, it is all the same right?
No, yarn types and yarn weights have always been a cause of confusion probably since the invention of yarn. This usually comes about when you either can no longer find the color and or brand of yarn called for in your pattern or you simply want to change it to have a more customized and personal look to your project. It can be done and fairly easily.
Let’s start with the label. Under the name of the yarn you will find the net weight and yardage. After that is a rectangle that will tell you the size hook the yarn manufacture recommends: 6 mm – H-8 US. Just below that is how to wash and care for the yarn. It is below that that we want to look at. It is a drawing of a skein of yarn with a number in its center. That number tells you the weight of the yarn, not to be confused with the weight of the skein or ball of yarn. This is the standardized measurement of the yarn itself.
O-weight yarn is very thin and lightweight. It can be called lace weight or fingering yarn. It is almost thread like in consistency. It’s used in fine garments like lace shawls, camisoles, etc. Usually this yarn is recommended for a steel hook size 6, 7 & 8 US.
1-weight yarn is still thin, about twice as thick as the O weight yarns. It can be called sock yarn, fingering yarn (yes I know I stated above O weight can also be called fingering yarn, now you know part of the problem of just going by a type of yarn and not its weight) and baby yarn. It is used in making socks and summer weight clothes. Usually this yarn is recommended for a B-E size hook.
2-weight yarn is twice as thick as weight 1 and is called sport or baby yarn. A lot of baby items are made with this yarn. Usually this yarn is recommended for a B-H size hook.
3-weight yarn is were you are now getting into the category of worsted weight yarns. Its yarn is between a 2 and 4 and used in sweaters, hats, scarves, etc. Usually this yarn is recommended for an E-H or even I size hook.
4-weight yarn is twice as thick as sport weight and is probably what most people are use to seeing and working with. It is used in sweaters, afghans, blankets, etc. Usually this yarn is recommended for an H-K hook.
5-weight yarn is noticeably thicker than 4 weight. It is thick and requires a much larger hook to work it. Normally called rug yarn. Usually this yarn is recommended for a K-M size hook.
6-weight yarn is twice as thick as worsted weight and called bulky. Usually this yarn is recommended for an M size and larger hook.
This information allows you to look at the different brands of yarns and if your pattern calls for a 2-weight yarn in brand X and you like brand Y, just make sure the weights are the same and you should be alright so long as this new yarn can be worked to the gauge in your pattern.
Gauge is always important. Always work a test square of the yarn you want to use with the hook size required. A 6-inch by 6-inch square works well. You need to make sure you get the same number of stitches and rows per inch as called for in your pattern.
What if you’re finally using some yarn from your stash and you’ve lost the label? You can find the weight of your yarn by wrapping it around a ruler. You want to keep the yarn smooth, but not tight. After you have wrapped about 2-inches, measure the number of wraps with another ruler.
0-weight is about 20 wraps per inch.
1-weight is about 16-18 wraps per inch.
2-weight is about 14 wraps per inch.
3-weight is about 12 wraps per inch.
4-weight is about 9 wraps per inch.
5 weight is about 7 wraps per inch
6-weight is about 5 wraps per inch.
You now have the skills to go into any craft store and figure out the many different weights and yarns out there. Look at the label. Look for the yarn weight and not at the yarn’s name. Baby yarn for instance can be as fine as a 1 or 2 weight and as thick as a 5.
Resources: Craft Yarn Council of American (craftyarncouncil.com)
Yarn Forward (yarnforward.com)