When you find yourself standing in the store, faced with an array of yarn laid out in a colorful rainbow-like display, how do you determine which one is just right for your next knitting endeavor? Well, here’s all the essential information you should be aware of, going beyond just quickly glancing at the label.
First things first: What exactly is yarn? Yarn is a type of textile that is typically made from either animal-derived fibers such as sheep’s wool, mohair, or angora, plant-based fibers like cotton, hemp, or silk, or synthetic fibers including polyester, nylon, or rayon. These intertwined fibers, which are known as plies, are spun together to form thicker strands. The quantity of plies (for instance, a single-ply yarn or a two-ply yarn) will have an impact on the drape, how well the stitches are defined, and the overall texture of the yarn. The ply count plays a role in the following aspects:
Weight Categories
CATEGORY 0: LACE
(APPROXIMATE EQUIVALENT OF 1 PLY)
This represents the lightest weight among yarns and is commonly utilized for crafting doilies as well as other charming lace designs. Hence, handle it with care to prevent it from getting tangled or breaking.
CATEGORIES 1, 2, AND 3: SUPER FINE, FINE, AND LIGHT
(APPROXIMATE EQUIVALENT OF 2 TO 5 PLY)
This type of yarn is appropriate for knitting small items such as socks, gloves, hats, or clothing for babies and children. When casting on and casting off, make sure to do it loosely. In particular, fine yarn is often called “sport weight”.
CATEGORY 4: MEDIUM
(APPROXIMATE EQUIVALENT OF 8 TO 10 PLY)
Also known as “worsted”, this is a favored weight among knitters regardless of their skill levels. It offers excellent stitch definition when used for knitting sweaters, scarves, hats, and mittens. Chunky stitches knitted with traditional Aran yarn of this weight can boost the warmth of the fiber.
CATEGORIES 5 AND 6: BULKY AND SUPER BULKY
(APPROXIMATE EQUIVALENT OF 12 TO 14 PLY)
Yarn materials of this weight enable you to complete projects rapidly when using large knitting needles. For example, think about chunky scarves, throws, and blankets. This kind of yarn is great for beginners as it allows them to finish their projects quickly. It’s also suitable for advanced knitters who aim to create something distinctive with unique yarn. When knitting, use loose and large stitches to achieve the best loft. Yarn that is unevenly spun, such as boucled, chenille, or slubby yarn, will result in uneven knitting and a less distinct stitch definition.