Yarn weight chart
| Weight | Name | WPI | Suggested hooks | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Lace | 30–40 | 1.5–2.25 mm | Doilies, lace shawls, delicate motifs |
| 1 | Super Fine (Fingering) | 14–30 | 2.25–3.25 mm | Socks, baby items, lightweight wearables |
| 2 | Fine (Sport) | 12–18 | 3.25–3.75 mm | Hats, lightweight blankets, garments |
| 3 | Light (DK) | 11–15 | 3.75–4.5 mm | Cardigans, shawls, accessories |
| 4 | Medium (Worsted) | 9–12 | 4.5–6.0 mm | Blankets, scarves, hats, amigurumi |
| 5 | Bulky | 6–9 | 6.0–8.0 mm | Quick projects, warm accessories, chunky home decor |
| 6 | Super Bulky | 5–6 | 8.0–12.0 mm | Statement blankets, fast scarves, cozy cowls |
| 7 | Jumbo | 1–4 | 12.0 mm+ | Arm-knit style throws, oversized baskets |
WPI (wraps per inch) is an approximate range. Always check your yarn label and confirm with a gauge swatch.
How to pick the right yarn weight
Use WPI when labels differ
Yarn labels aren’t perfectly standardized across brands. Wraps per inch (WPI) is a practical way to compare thickness—wrap yarn around a ruler (without stretching) and count how many wraps fit in an inch.
Match weight, then match gauge
Choose the yarn weight recommended by your pattern, then crochet a gauge swatch. Adjust hook size until your stitches match the pattern gauge for correct sizing.
Consider drape and stitch definition
Lighter yarns often drape beautifully for garments and shawls, while heavier yarns create warmth and structure. Smooth yarns show stitch texture; fuzzy yarns hide it.
Amigurumi often sizes down
For amigurumi, crocheters commonly use a smaller hook than the label suggests to create a tighter fabric that holds stuffing without gaps.
Want a quick shortcut? Start with worsted (4) for most beginner patterns. If you want more drape, try DK (3). For fast, cozy projects, try bulky (5) or super bulky (6).