Trying to pick out yarn can be so confusing. There are so many different types, colours, sizes, and fibres. I know when I began crocheting; I was overwhelmed as I stood in the yarn aisle looking for Aran weight yarn. I had no idea what I was looking for. But once I learned what the terms meant, I realised it is not hard.
If you are having a hard time with yarn weights, I understand. That is why I am putting together several articles explaining everything you need to know. Below, you will learn about Aran weight yarn.
What is Aran Weight Yarn?
So, what is Aran weight yarn? Aran weight crochet yarn is referred to as yarn weight #4, worsted yarn, and afghan yarn. It is a medium weight yarn that is very versatile. It is a very popular yarn choice for crocheters.
Even though Aran weight is the same yarn weight as worsted weight, they are not always interchangeable. If the pattern does not differentiate which type to get, you can use either. If it calls for one or the other, make sure you pick the right one. Aran yarn is just a little bit thicker than worsted.
Aran weight yarn is not too thick or too thin. It is right in the middle of the yarn weight family. The thickness of the yarn makes it a great choice for lots of crochet projects. You will often find that Aran yarn is often suggested for making blankets, sweaters, scarves, shawls, hats, etc.
If you are working on a medium weight project, and you do not know what yarn to use, Aran weight and worsted weight are often your best choices.
What Can You Make with Aran Weight Yarn?
Since Aran yarn is the most versatile yarn, you will find it recommended for countless projects. Some of these projects include:
Advantages of Aran Weight Yarn
There are many advantages you will see when crocheting with Aran weight crochet yarn. These are:
- Easy to Work With
Aran yarn is very easy to work with. It is thick so you can easily see your stitches, and your projects will usually work up quickly. It is a great choice for anyone learning how to crochet.
- Strong
Worsted weight yarn is fairly strong. The yarn will not break as easily as lightweight yarn, and your projects should last for a long time.
- Versatile
Aran yarn is the most versatile type of yarn. You can use it to crochet countless projects. The size is not too thin or too thick making it a great choice for all weather projects. And since the yarn is so versatile, you will not have to worry about the excess going to waste. There are many projects ideal for using up your scrap Aran yarn.
- Options
There are so many options of Aran weight yarn to choose from. You can find it in almost any colour, fibre, and texture of which you can think.
- Accessibility
You can find Aran weight yarn in a wide variety of stores. If you are in a hurry, you do not necessarily have to go to the craft store. Most big box stores that have a crafting section have Aran weight yarn in stock.
What Crochet Hook is Recommended for Aran Weight Yarn?
When you buy your Aran weight yarn, you will notice the packaging often recommends 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm crochet hooks. However, these are only suggestions. Your pattern may call for a different size hook. The recommended hook size on the packaging is to create a solid piece of fabric. If the project you are working on has loose stitches, it will call for a larger hook. If it has tight stitches, it will call for a smaller hook.
Aran Weight Ply
All yarn comes in different plies. It is available in 1 ply all the way up to 8 ply. The term ply refers to the number of threads twisted together to form the yarn. Yarn that is comprised of a higher ply count is often stronger than yarn with low ply counts.
Single ply yarn is made from one single thread. 2 ply yarn is made from 2 threads. 3 ply is 3, etc.
Unlike single ply yarn that is easily broken if pulled on too hard, Aran weight yarn is strong. When choosing your yarn, always look at the ply. Will your project experience a lot of wear? If so, you will want yarn with a higher ply. If the project will not experience a lot of wear, such as a lightweight shawl, you can use yarn with a low ply.
Aran Weight Gauge
Gauge is a term you may not be familiar with. It refers to the number of rows and stitches per inch. Some crochet patterns specify a gauge. The gauge is very important. If your gauge is too small, your finished project will be too small. If your gauge is too big, your finished project will be too big. When crocheting with Aran weight yarn, you will generally have a gauge between 11-14 stitches/rows per 4 inches.
If the pattern you are working with provides a gauge, make a gauge swatch. This will help to guarantee you are using the right hook. If your gauge does not match, you can use a different size hook to get the right gauge. If your gauge has too many rows and stitches per inch, use a bigger hook. If you do not have enough rows and stitches, use a smaller hook.
Now that you know more about Aran weight yarn, I hope you give it a try.
If you are new to crochet, choosing the right yarn can be difficult. Do not let the different weights confuse you. Yarn weight only refers to the thickness of the yarn. If you are working on a medium weight project, you need a medium weight yarn. Aran weight yarn is often an excellent choice.
Want to learn more, do check out these articles: Crochet Hook Sizes, Crochet Thread Sizes, Different Yarn Weights, Types Of Yarn For Crochet and Crochet Abbreviations. We love to hear your feedback, send it over to our Facebook page!
I hope you now have a better understanding of Aran yarn. It is basically a medium weight yarn that works well with a lot of patterns. Aran weight yarn and worsted weight yarn are typically interchangeable unless otherwise noted.
