Lace weight yarn is a very fine light weight yarn used by knitters and crocheters to create airy, openwork shawls, wraps, doilies and other summery items.
In this post, we’ll look at the different types of lace yarn available on the market today, what needle and hook size you should use with lace weight yarns, why lace weights are so popular among knitters, what you can crochet with lace weight yarn and more.
So grab your knitting needles or crochet hooks – it’s time to dive into lace weight yarn!
First of all, what IS lace weight yarn?
Lace weight yarn is not for those just starting out in knitting or crochet as it’s often used for more difficult patterns and it’s harder to work with.
It is a very fine yarn that is classified by the Craft Yarn Council (CYC) as a #0 in their standard yarn weight system. You may also hear it referred to as “baby” yarn or “light” yarn.
This is the lightest of all the yarn weights with a very fine gauge (over 8 stitches per inch).
Let’s take a look at the CYC’s Standard Yarn Weight System and how it compares to other systems used around the world. It’s easy to see the different yarn weights, from lace weight yarn (#0) to fingering weight yarn (#1) to sport weight yarn (#2) to DK weight yarn (#3) to worsted weight yarn (aran weight yarn also falls into this category) (#4) to bulky yarn (#5) to super bulky yarn (#6) and finally jumbo yarn (#7).
Types of Yarn that Fall Under “Lace Weight”
Size 10 Crochet Thread
You may have seen this delicate thread in the yarn section and wondered what people make with it. This thread is commonly used for crochet lace doilies and other very find crochet projects. It usually always comes wrapped on a cardboard tube and you can find it in almost any color you can think of.
Light Fingering
This can get a bit confusing, as “fingering” can also refer to the size #1 fingering weight yarn, so be sure that the yarn you are choosing is truly a fine yarn that falls into the “lace” category. Make sure you see the “0” on the label or look for a gauge of more than 8 stitches per inch.
Lace Weight
A lot of times this category of yarn is simply called “lace weight” and if you are looking for the size “0” yarns you can search by “lace”.
Cobweb
This is an option on the Ravelry website when you use the Advanced Search. This falls under the lace weight yarn category and it super fine.
What is equivalent to lace weight yarn?
In the US a lace weight yarn is classified as a #0 Light weight yarn according to the Craft Yarn Council’s Standard Yarn Weight System.
Size 10 crochet thread is also classified as a lace weight yarn.
In Australia and New Zealand it is the same as an 2 ply yarn. I’ve also seen some 1 ply and 3 ply yarns classified as lace.
How do I know if my yarn is lace weight?
Look for these handy symbols on your yarn label:
You should see the lace weight yarn symbol, or you might just see a “0” or “zero” or even just “lace” on the label.
If you have a yarn that has lost its label (or the rare instances where the label doesn’t say!), you might be wondering how to tell if your yarn is lace or not. That’s where wraps per inch (wpi) come in!
If you’re not familiar with wpi, it is the number of times a yarn will wrap around a ruler or pencil in the space of one inch. There are also some handly little devices that will help you with this task, like this nifty one from Knit Picks!
Lace weight yarns will get 30 or more wraps per inch.
What size hooks and needles do you use for lace weight yarn?
The knitting needle size for lace yarn is a range between 1.5-2.25mm, although people often use a larger needle to get a more openwork pattern. In the US this would be from size 000-1.
The crochet hook size for crochet thread is a range of steel hooks between 1.6-1.4mm or a regular hook 2.25mm. In the US these hooks would be steel hook sizes 6-8 or a regular hook size B/1.
What can I make with lace yarn?
This yarn weight is very fine, so it lends itself really well to lightweight, summery projects. You can knit or crochet a lace shawl, cowl, wrap, shrug, or use crochet thread for a doily. If you are up to it, you can knit or crochet an amazing lightweight sweater or other garment with this weight yarn.
Lace yarn used in these ways gives amazing drape and I bet if you check some of the sweaters in your closet that were manufactured, you’re going to find a very fine yarn used in the construction of some of them.
You can find lace weight yarn in any color imaginable and from every yarn manufacturer, so you’re sure to find some you like.
Favorite Lace Weight Yarns
Knit Picks Gloss Lace
This is a gorgeous lace yarn that comes in 15 different shades and comes highly recommended. It is a blend of wool and silk.
Swish DK comes in a 440 yard hank (50 grams) and is 70% merino wool and 30% silk, which gives the yarn a gorgeous sheen.
Check out all the gorgeous colors here!
Malabrigo Lace
I have loved every Malabrigo yarn I have tried, and this yarn is no different. The rich, saturated colors of this yarn are simply amazing, and there are more than 60 of them!
Malabrigo Lace comes in a 470 yard hank (50 grams) and is 100% baby merino wool.
Check out the 60+ colors here.
Patterns that Use Lace Weight Yarn
Crochet
‘Komorebi’ Pleated Skirt
This amazing crochet skirt uses crochet thread for a super drapable, wearable skirt!
Sea Star Cardi
We Crochet has graciously offered this amazing summer cardigan for free!
Download the free pattern here!
Popcorn Points
This gorgeous large doily gets the 3D appearance from simple popcorn stitches. It’s crafted with size 10 crochet thread and a size 6 steel hook.
Click here for the free pattern!
Knitting
Vayda Wrap
Michelle from Expression Fiber Arts has done it again with this gorgeous lace wrap pattern! Find instructions for how to get this pattern free on the Ravelry page.
Feather and Fan Short Scarf
This lacy pattern is available as a free Ravelry download!
Download the free pattern here!
I hope you’ve enjoyed our delve into lace yarn – I’m headed out to grab some to make myself a nice summer cardi.
Happy knitting or crocheting!
Amanda
Thank you for the post. It was most helpful and informative .