Yarn Weights and Knitting Needle Handy Conversion Charts

by Caroline S.
(Perth, Western Australia.)

Hi there - I think what you are all doing is a great idea. I came across your website on the Lion Brand Yarn website. I live in Perth Western Australia and have knitted two squares already (since yesterday!).

The following are two charts printed in 'The Really Useful Little Reference Guide' printed by the British magazine 'Simply Knitting' which I subscribe to. I think they are definitely 'Really Useful' and hope you will agree!!

YARN WEIGHTS
Choose the right yarns to knit with.

1, 2 & 3 ply. Knit on 2-3.5mm needles. Use for delicate lace knitting and baby garments. Good for socks and gloves.

4 ply. Knit on 3-4mm needles. Great for more substantial baby clothes, heavier socks and lightweight tops.

Double knitting (DK). Knit on 3.5-4.5mm needles. Usually double the weight of 4 ply; this is the most widely used weight of yarn. Suitable for most garments and quick to knit up.

Aran. Knit on 4-5.5mm needles. Originally created for fishermen's jumpers. Use when DK isn't heavy enough yet chunky is too bulky. Perfect for outdoor or warm clothing.

Chunky. Knit on 5.5-7mm needles. Associated with outdoor wear and winter jumpers, chunky is great for oversized garments.

Super chunky. Knit on 7-12mm needles. A great weight for beginners as it produces quick results. Good for furnishings.

Big. Knit on 9-20mm needles. Super-sized yarn perfect for eye-catching scarves and coats, as well as cosy cushions and throws.

UK/US Conversion:

UK US
4 ply Sport
Double knitting Light Worsted
Aran Fisherman/Worsted
Chunky Bulky
Super Chunky Extra Bulky

KNITTING NEEDLE
Handy Conversion Chart:

UK Metric US
14 2.00mm 0
13 2.25mm 1
- 2.50mm -
12 2.75mm 2
11 3.00mm -
10 3.25mm 3
- 3.50mm 4
9 3.75mm 5
8 4.00mm 6
7 4.50mm 7
6 5.00mm 8
5 5.50mm 9
4 6.00mm 10
3 6.50mm 10-1/2
2 7.00mm -
1 7.50mm -
0 8.00mm 11
00 9.00mm 13
000 10.00mm 15
- 12.00mm 17
- 15.00mm 19
- 20.00mm 36
- 25.00mm 50

Incidentally, after experimenting with my tension I found that I could get exactly 8 inches (20cm) across if I cast on 36 stitches with 8 ply (double knitting) wool and size 4.00mm (UK 8) needles. I didn't actually count my rows, I just measured the length.

Another little tip that might be handy is that instead of darning your cast on yarn in with a sewing needle when you've finished the square, I just knit it in with my working yarn when I'm knitting my second row - so easy! This is a tip I picked up from one of my sock knitting books! Isn't knitting great fun (to the initiated anyway)!!!

Kind regards
Caroline S.