Yarn Weight Chart and Guide

If you’re diving into crochet or knitting, understanding the yarn weight chart is one of the most helpful things you can do! A yarn weight chart shows you how thick or thin a yarn is, how many wraps per inch (WPI) it has, and what projects it works best for. Whether you’re dreaming of cuddly amigurumi plushies, cozy blankets, or delicate lace shawls, knowing your yarn weights means no more guessing — just great results!

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about yarn weights, including our super handy Okey Dokeys Standard Yarn Weights Chart below.

What Is a Yarn Weight Chart?

A yarn weight chart is a visual or written guide that helps crafters choose the right yarn for their project. Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn strand — and this affects how your finished piece will look, feel, and drape. Yarn weights go from super thin (lace) to extra thick (jumbo).

On a yarn weight chart, you’ll usually see:

• The weight category (like Lace, Bulky, Jumbo)
  
  

• The WPI (wraps per inch) — how many times the yarn wraps around a ruler in 1 inch
  
  

• Recommended uses and project ideas
  
  

This chart is your shortcut to picking yarn that matches your pattern or vision!

What are the Different Types of Yarn For?

Lace (0)

Lace yarn is the lightest and most delicate yarn weight on the chart. With a WPI of 30-40 or more, this yarn is incredibly thin, making it ideal for intricate lacework, mesh tops, embroidery, and doilies. Because of its fine structure, lace yarn creates an airy, open fabric that’s perfect for warm-weather garments or detailed decorative pieces. Lace yarn requires patience and precision, but the results are worth it — delicate, ethereal projects that showcase your stitchwork beautifully. Beginners may find lace yarn a bit tricky, so we recommend practicing with larger yarns first before diving into this one.

Super Fine (1)

Super fine yarn, sometimes called fingering or sock yarn, has a WPI range of 14-30. It’s a popular choice for lightweight garments, shawls, and intricate scarves. This yarn weight gives your projects fantastic drape and a smooth, refined texture that’s great for layering pieces. Despite being thin, super fine yarn is sturdy enough for items like baby clothes and socks. Many crafters love using super fine yarn for colorwork and detailed patterns because it shows off stitches so clearly without adding too much bulk.

Fine (2)

Fine yarn, also known as sport weight yarn, falls between 12-18 WPI. It’s slightly thicker than super fine but still offers great stitch definition and flexibility. This yarn weight is perfect for projects like mini amigurumi, light sweaters, socks, and detailed hats. Fine yarn works up faster than lace or super fine yarn but still allows for intricate patterns and soft drape. It’s a fantastic middle ground for crafters who want something delicate without the ultra-thin feel of lace or fingering yarn.

Light (3)

Light yarn, or DK (double knitting), typically has a WPI of 11-15. It’s a go-to choice for baby items, lightweight sweaters, shawls, and mid-weight scarves. Light yarn offers an excellent balance between speed of work and detail. It provides a soft drape but still holds its shape nicely, making it versatile for garments and accessories alike. If you’re making baby gifts or layering pieces, light yarn is a safe and popular option that works well in all seasons.

Medium (4)

Medium yarn, commonly called worsted weight, comes in at 9-12 WPI. This is one of the most beginner-friendly yarn types because it’s easy to handle and stitches are easy to see. Medium yarn is ideal for hats, scarves, blankets, and cozy sweaters. It offers warmth without being too bulky and works well for both textured patterns and simple stitches. If you’re just starting out with crochet or knitting, medium yarn is a fantastic choice for practicing basic techniques like single crochet, double crochet, and granny squares.

Bulky (5)

Bulky yarn has a WPI of 6-9 and is loved for its speed — projects work up fast thanks to the thicker strands. Bulky yarn creates a dense, structured fabric that’s perfect for amigurumi plushies, chunky scarves, cowls, and warm blankets. The thickness helps your creations hold their shape beautifully while still feeling soft and cozy. It’s a favorite for winter projects or any time you want that extra snuggly factor. At Okey Dokeys, our bulky yarn features twice the fibers for extra durability and no-fray performance!

Super Bulky (6)

Super bulky yarn, with a WPI of 5-6, is ideal for when you want big, bold stitches and ultra-quick results. It’s the perfect choice for oversized amigurumi, statement scarves, and extra warm blankets. The added thickness gives your projects that plush, cushiony feel, while also making it easy to see every stitch. Super bulky yarn is beginner-friendly because it’s forgiving and fast — perfect for anyone looking to whip up a project in a single weekend.

Jumbo (7)

Jumbo yarn is the king of cozy! With just 1-4 WPI, this yarn weight delivers the most squish, the most drama, and the most fun for giant-scale projects. Think jumbo plushies, floor cushions, statement scarves, and oversized throws. Jumbo yarn is ultra-soft, plush, and glides easily on your hook, especially with our Okey Dokeys low-fray, beginner-safe design. If you want bold texture and big impact, jumbo yarn is your go-to. Plus, the chunky stitches make it super satisfying to work with — your project grows right before your eyes!

How to Use a Yarn Weight Chart for Your Projects

Understanding your yarn weight chart makes picking the right yarn so much easier. Let’s say you want to make:

• A light, airy shawl → Choose lace (0) or super fine (1) yarn.
  
  

• A snuggly blanket → Go with bulky (5), super bulky (6), or jumbo (7).
  
  

• A plushie or amigurumi → Super bulky (6) or jumbo (7) will give you that soft, huggable feel.
  
  

And don’t forget: the thicker the yarn, the faster your project will work up!

Bulky vs. Jumbo: Which One Should You Pick?

Our other chart (see image above) compares bulky and jumbo yarns so you can choose confidently:

• Bulky (#5-6 WPI): Dense, structured, holds shape — perfect for amigurumi and blankets.
  
  

• Jumbo (#7, 3 WPI): Extra squish, ultra-soft, dramatic texture — great for oversized pillows, throws, or giant plushies.
  
  

Fun fact: Jumbo yarn glides easily on the hook and is beginner-friendly. It’s Oeko-Tex certified, meaning it’s safe for sensitive skin!

Why Yarn Weight Matters in Crochet & Knitting

When you choose the right yarn weight:

• Your project matches the pattern’s size and drape.
  
  

• Your stitches look even and polished.
  
  

• Your finished piece is durable and long-lasting.
  
  

Ever tried making a blanket with lace yarn? It’ll take forever and might feel too flimsy. Or tried a delicate shawl with jumbo yarn? It’ll be too heavy to wear comfortably. That’s why a yarn weight chart is your new best friend!

How to Measure Yarn Weight at Home

If you don’t know your yarn’s weight, here’s an easy trick:

1. Wrap the yarn around a ruler for 1 inch.
   
   

2. Count the wraps (WPI).
   
   

3. Match it to your yarn weight chart.
   
   

Example: If you get 6 wraps in an inch → Bulky yarn!

Project Ideas by Yarn Weight

Here are some fun ideas to inspire you!

• Lace (0): Lacy shawls, doilies, embroidery.

• Super Fine (1): Baby socks, intricate scarves.

• Fine (2): Mini amigurumi, delicate hats.

• Light (3): Lightweight sweaters, baby clothes.

• Medium (4): Beanies, warm scarves, everyday blankets.

• Bulky (5): Chunky cowls, plush toys.

• Super Bulky (6): Big amigurumi, soft blankets.

• Jumbo (7): Giant plushies, cozy throws, floor cushions.

Quick Yarn Weight Conversion Tips

If you see a pattern from another country:

• UK Double Knitting (DK) = US Light (3)
  
  

• UK Aran = US Medium (4)
  
  

• UK Chunky = US Bulky (5)
  
  

Always check the pattern’s recommended WPI or gauge swatch to match!

Okey Dokeys Yarn = Beginner-Friendly Magic!

At Okey Dokeys, we design our yarns so they’re fun, forgiving, and easy to work with:

• Our bulky and jumbo chenille yarns have no-fray technology (no more snapping mid-project!).
  
  

• They’re super soft but still hold their shape.
  
  

• Perfect for plushies, amigurumi, blankets, and beginner-friendly projects.
  
  

Check out our full yarn collection here!

Where to Get the Best Bulky and Jumbo Yarns?

Our Okey Dokeys yarns are specially designed for crafters who want:

• High-quality, beginner-safe yarn
  
  

• Bright, happy colors
  
  

• Soft, plush texture that’s easy to handle
  
  

We offer free shipping on orders over $30 and plenty of color options to match your next creation!

Final Thoughts: Why You Need a Yarn Weight Chart

The yarn weight chart takes the guesswork out of crafting. When you use it, you:

• Pick the right yarn for your project’s size and texture
  
  

• Save time and money by avoiding mismatched yarns
  
  

• Enjoy the process because everything works up as it should!
  
  

So next time you’re eyeing that cute amigurumi pattern or dreaming of a giant pillow, pull out your yarn weight chart and match your yarn like a pro!