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Yarn Weight Chart
The eight CYC yarn categories with their usual ply names, recommended needle sizes and stitch gauges.
| Category | Common ply | Needle | Gauge |
|---|
Standard: CYC standard yarn weight system · Data checked: 2026-10-14
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between worsted and DK?
Worsted is thicker than DK. The CYC system runs from 0 (lace) through 1 (fingering), 2 (sport), 3 (DK), 4 (worsted), 5 (bulky) and 6 (super bulky). DK is roughly 11 to 14 wraps per inch, worsted about 9 to 11 — so worsted is the heavier yarn.
Do I have to match the needle size on the ball band?
No, it is a starting point. The size that matters is the one that gives you the fabric the pattern calls for, which is why patterns quote a gauge swatch rather than a needle size. Needle size also depends on your own tension.
Is '4 ply' the same as 'fingering'?
Not reliably. Ply describes how many strands are twisted together, not the thickness — a 4-ply yarn can be thick or thin depending on the individual strands. The CYC categories and wraps per inch are the only reliable measures.
Why does the same yarn weigh differently in different balls?
Length per unit weight varies with fibre density, fibre preparation and spinning, even within the same weight category. That is why yardage in the ball band matters more than weight when you are working out whether you have enough for a project.