When doing any crochet project of any difficulty level, one of the biggest considerations is what type of yarn to use. A pattern will almost always give yarn instructions. Together with the needle size instructions, you should be able to produce the required gauge - or at least come close. But what's the difference between all these yarns? Does it really make a difference? For example, what is dk weight yarn and how is it different from bulky yarn? This article will answer all your questions about the different sizes of yarn.
What is DK weight yarn?
When learning what is dk weight yarn, first of all, "dk" stands for "double knitting". It can be a specific knitting technique, or holding two strands of yarn together for any yarn craft. But for our purposes, dk yarn is a specific size. All yarns are numbered 1-8 based on their weight per yard or the number of wraps (around a one inch wide flat object) per inch. Yarn weight actually refers to a yarn's thickness rather than its actual weight. So what number weight is dk yarn? Dk yarn in general is on the thinner end of the scale at a number 3 (out of 8). It may also be called light or light worsted.
Does size matter?
So what size is dk weight yarn? What does that number (3) mean in terms of the project you might be thinking about or your Grandma's unlabeled yarn stash? The thinnest yarn - number 1 - is also called baby, fingering, or sock yarn. As these names imply, this yarn tends to be very fine and usually soft textured. Number 2 - called baby or sport weight - is a little thicker than Number 1. Number 3 - our dk - is also called light or light worsted - and still considered thin. These 3 yarns are usually considered suitable for soft garments for babies or those that will be worn or used next to the skin. Crocheted stuffed animals or dolls like this one from CrocheTree are great for dk weight yarn.
What is the difference between dk and worsted weight yarn?
The yarn weight right in the middle is Number 4. It could be called Afghan, Aran, or worsted weight. It's the most versatile and is used for outer garments like sweaters, gloves, hats, and scarfs as well as lighter blankets. While dk yarn could be used for these items, they will generally not have the bulk of worsted weight. Number 5 is quite bulky and is sometimes called chunky, craft, or rug yarn. As the name implies, they can be used for making bulky crafts and rugs, but also for heavier blankets.
Number 6 and 7 yarn is called Super Bulky or Roving. Roving is generally unspun wool fibers. This means that the wool has been cleaned and combed to make the fibers go in the same direction. It may also have been dyed at this point in the process, but is generally unspun beyond that point. These yarns are rarely used without further processing. They are popular choices for spinners and felters.
So what is dk weight yarn? It's a versatile, lighter weight yarn that can be used for a variety of projects; especially those that are meant to be worn next to the skin. However it can also be used to make stuffed animals, baby blankets or thicker socks.