By far the most popular weight yarn, according to yarn manufacturers Lion Brand and Bernat, is worsted weight yarn. This medium weight yarn is great for many knitting and crochet projects.

Worsted weight yarn is a staple in most every knitter’s and crocheter’s stash. From worsted weight sweaters to worsted weight hats, worsted weight yarn is versatile enough for any project!

In this post, we’ll look at the different types of worsted weight yarn available on the market today, what needle and hook size you should use with worsted weight yarns, why worsted weights are so popular among knitters and crocheters alike, as well as some of the different ways it can be used.

So grab your knitting needles or crochet hooks–it’s time to dive into worsteds!

What is worsted weight yarn?

Worsted weight yarn is perfect for those just starting out in knitting or crochet. It is a medium weight yarn that is classified by the Craft Yarn Council as a #4 in their standard yarn weight system.

Worsted yarn is also called aran weight yarn, although typically an aran can also be classified as a heavier worsted. Worsted weight yarn is heavier than lace weight yarn, sport weight yarn or double knitting (dk weight yarn), but lighter than bulky yarn or chunky yarn.

Worsted yarns are versatile enough for any project! Worsteds come with various types of fiber and textures–so it pays to look around at the wide variety available before making your next purchase.

What is Worsted Weight Yarn? - Beginner's Guide to Yarn

Yarn Weight Chart

The Craft Yarn Council’s Standard Yarn Weight System can be broken down into just a few categories. Let’s take a look at how they compare to other systems used around the world.

In the US, we use the Craft Yarn Council (CYC)’s Standard Yarn Weight System as seen above, which gives yarn weights a number from 0 (super fine lace weight) to 7 (jumbo yarn for large projects like arm knitting).

But, as you can see from our chart above, the UK, Europe, Australia and other parts of the world classify their yarns differently. They often use plies or numbers to describe the weights of their yarn.

Recommended Knitting Needle and Crochet Hook Sizes for worsted weight yarn

Worsted weight yarn is classified as a #4 worsted weighted yarn, with an approximate gauge of 16 to 20 stitches per four inches in knitting gauge.

The Craft Yarn Council recommends using the following needle and crochet hook sizes for worsted weight:

Knitting needles size US 11-13 (Inches)

Crochet hooks size H-I-J

The yarn label will provide a recommended needle and hook size, so your best bet will be to go with the recommended size in the pattern or on the label.

If you want a more drapable fabric, then you should opt for a hook or needles one to two sizes larger than the recommended size. If you want a tighter fabric for things like dishcloths or toys, go down a hook/needle size or two.

What is Worsted Weight Yarn Used For?

This weight yarn is extremely versatile. It is a perfect choice for medium weight sweaters, hats, and blankets. Worsted yarn also works well with other types of projects–so don’t be afraid to experiment!

This medium-weight yarn provides just the right amount of durability for many knitting or crochet projects. It’s heavier than sport or dk weight yarns, but lighter than bulky weights.

What about aran yarn? Is it the same as worsted?

Aran Weight Yarn – Aran worsteds are typically classified as a heavier worsted weight yarn. So while they both will typically be a #4 weight yarn according to the CYC, you know if it says “aran” it will be a heavier worsted.

How Can I Tell if a Yarn is a Worsted Weight?

That’s a great question! The easiest way in the US is to look on the ball band. Most yarns in the US will have these handy symbols from the CYC on them:

So, just look on the ball band and check for that number four! Sometimes you won’t see this symbol, you will just see a number 4 or “worsted” as the weight.

But what if you have a skein of yarn that doesn’t have a label? Maybe you were given it as a gift, it’s hand spun or you lost the label?

Never fear, there is a way to tell! This is when you will use wraps per inch (wpi).

You can also get an idea if a yarn is a worsted weight by checking how many stitches it gets for gauge. If it says it’s between 16 to 20 sts per inch in knitting, it’s more than likely worsted. (Yes, you can use this measurement even if you’re a crocheter!;)

How to figure the weight of a yarn using wraps per inch

To figure out the weight of worsted-weight yarn using wraps per inch, follow these steps:

Take your skein and then wrap it around a ruler, fully covering one inch without pulling too tightly. Now count how many times you can fit into one inch.

A worsted weight yarn will give 9 wraps per inch. You can even get this amazing tool from Knit Picks to help you figure wraps per inch – and it even has the numbers on it so you don’t have to look it up!

Why Choose Worsted Weight Yarn?

Benefits of worsted yarn

Worsted weight yarn is perfect for beginners and those who are new to working with different weights of worsteds.

The price point is an excellent benefit, as worsteds can be less expensive than other weights of yarn as the cheaper yarns are usually worsted weight, yet they still provide the same amount of durability! Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice and Knit Picks/We Crochet Brava Worsted are excellent examples of worsted weight yarn at a great price point.

Worsteds are extremely versatile, and can be used for all sorts of projects! You’ll find a worsted weight sweater in stores year-round–so there is always something to knit or crochet with worsteds on hand.

Another great benefit of worsted weight yarn is it really shows the stitch definition, so it’s a great choice for textured knitting or crochet projects.

History of worsted yarn

There are two theories about the history of worsted weight yarn that I have been able to find.

The first is that the yarn is named for the village of Worstead in Norfolk, England. As far back as the 12th century, this town produced smooth, even yarn and was a hub for spinning fiber and the term “worsted” came from a particular spinning method.

The second is that worsted yarn is from the Worsted family of wool. It has a long history and dates back to 1813 in England, when John Blandy developed worsteds that were worked together on combing machines, creating this type of yarn which we know today as worsted weight.

I’m not sure which of the two is the exact history of worsted weight yarn, but either way it’s been around for a long time!

My Favorite Worsted Yarns

Worsteds are a staple among knitters and crocheters–so don’t forget worsteds when planning out your next project! Worsted weights come in various textures, with different fiber types as well. They work for all sorts of projects, from crochet blankets to knitting sweaters or hats!

These are some of my personal favorite worsted yarns:

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Free Patterns Using Worsted Weight Yarn

Knitting Patterns

Crochet Patterns

I sure hope you’ve enjoyed our talk about worsted yarn! Be sure to check out all of my free knitting and crochet patterns while you’re here!

Amanda