Beginner’s Guide To Worsted Weight Yarn

The different types of yarn can be confusing. I completely understand. When I first started crocheting, I had no idea what I was looking for. Attempting to differentiate between all the yarn types, weights, etc. was overwhelming. But once I figured it all out, I realised I made it harder than it was.

Beginners Guide To Worsted Weight Yarn.

To help others understand, I have composed a handful of articles explaining everything. Below, you will learn about worsted weight yarn.

What is Worsted Weight Yarn?

Knit Picks Brava worsted weight yarn
Knit Picks Brava Worsted Crochet Yarn

If you are here, you are wondering what is worsted weight yarn? Worsted yarn is referred to as yarn weight #4, Aran yarn, and afghan yarn. It is a medium weight yarn that is very versatile. It is a popular yarn for crocheters.

Worsted weight yarn sits in the middle of the yarn weight family. The size makes it a great choice for a lot of projects. You will often find it recommended for making blankets, sweaters, scarves, shawls, hats, etc.

If you are ever working on a medium weight project and are in doubt about what type of yarn to use, worsted is almost always a great choice. According to several studies, it is the most used yarn weight by both crocheters and knitters.

What Can You Make with Worsted Crochet Yarn?

Since worsted crochet yarn is so versatile, it can be used for making a wide variety of projects. Some of these projects include:

Benefits of Worsted Yarn

worsted crochet yarn for crocheting
Worsted Crochet Yarn for Crocheting

There are many benefits of crocheting with worsted yarn. These are:

  • Versatility

Worsted yarn is the most versatile type of yarn. There are countless patterns that call for it. The thickness is right in the

middle of the weight chart, making it a good choice for every type of season. And since you can use the yarn for almost

anything, you can easily use up a whole skein.

  • Durability

Worsted yarn is extremely durable. It is stronger than lightweight yarn, and your projects should last for years.

  • Ease of Use

Worsted yarn is easy to work with. It is a great choice for beginners. The thickness of the yarn makes it easy to see your

stitches. And since it is thick, most projects will work up quickly.

  • Availability

Not only can you find worsted yarn in craft stores, but you can also find it in big box stores with a craft section.

There is often no need to make a special trip to the craft store just for yarn.

  • Choices

No matter what colour, fibre, or texture you are looking for, you can find it in worsted yarn.

What Crochet Hook is Recommended for Worsted Yarn?

You will often see 5.5 to 6.5 mm crochet hooks recommended for worsted yarn. However, the pattern may call for a different size. Using the recommended hooks will create a fabric that is not too loose or too tight.

If you are making a project that has loose stitches, it will call for a larger hook. If you are working on a project that has tight stitches, it will call for a smaller hook.

Worsted Weight Ply

Worsted yarn comes in various plies. You can find 1 ply all the way up to 8 ply. Ply refers to the number of threads twisted together to form the yarn. The higher the ply count, usually the stronger the yarn.

As the name suggests, single ply yarn is made from a single thread, while 2 ply yarn has 2 threads, and so on.

Single ply yarn can easily be broken if pulled on too hard. The more plies, the stronger the yarn. So, when choosing the ply, take into consideration the purpose of the final item. If you are making something that will get a lot of wear, like gloves, you will want more piles. On the other hand, if you are making a lightweight shawl, a singly ply may be the right answer.

Worsted Weight Gauge

When crocheting a pattern, you will often find the designer will specify a gauge. Gauge is a term that new crocheters may be unfamiliar with. It refers to the number of rows and stitches per inch. When crocheting with worsted weight crochet yarn, you will generally have a gauge between 11-14 stitches/rows per 4 inches.

Before beginning your project, make a gauge swatch. This way you can be certain your gauge matches the designer’s. If your gauge does not match, you can use a different size hook to get the right gauge.

If you have too many rows and stitches per inch, use a bigger hook. If you do not have enough rows and stitches, use a smaller hook.

We hope you found this beginner’s guide to worsted weight yarn helpful. learned

Yarns come in many weights and plies. Worsted weight crochet yarn is often a fantastic choice when making blankets, garments, and accessories. It comes in a wide variety of colours, textures, and fibres. When you need a medium weight yarn, and are in doubt about what to use, worsted yarn is often the best choice.

Also, be sure to check out these articles: Guide to Crochet Hook Sizes, Guide to Crochet Thread Sizes, Different Yarn Weights, Types Of Yarn For Crochet and Crochet Abbreviations. And feel free to leave us a comment in our Facebook page!

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, hope my article has given you a better understanding of worsted weight yarn. Worsted weight yarn is my favourite yarn to work with and my go-to in a pinch.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Salazar

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