DK or double knitting (UK) is the same thickness as 8ply (AU/NZ). There is no direct equivalent in the USA, although imports may be described as a 'light worsted'. Approximately 21-24 stitches per 4in/10cm on 3.75-4.5mm needles.
Knitting needle sizes for yarn
| Yarn Weight | Yarn Names | Metric Needle Size |
|---|
| Yarn Weight10 ply | Yarn NamesWorsted, aran | Metric Needle Size4.5 - 5.5mm |
| Yarn Weight12 ply | Yarn NamesChunky, bulky | Metric Needle Size5.5 - 8mm |
| Yarn Weight14 ply | Yarn NamesSuper chunky, super bulky | Metric Needle Size8 - 12.75mm |
Because 4 ply yarn is much finer (producing an average tension/gauge of 28 stiches and 36 rows for a 10cm square swatch using 3.25mm /US #3 needles) than 8 ply (22 stitches and 30 rows using 3.50–5.25mm needles), if you follow the instructions without accommodating for these differences, your completed item will be
A ply was always a consistent size, so a two-ply yarn was very thin, while an eight-ply yarn was much bigger. A four-ply yarn can be bulky or medium weight, while singles can be super thin or super bulky, or anything in between for that matter.
Medium sizes are generally the best for beginners. This means you should look for a width size of six (4mm), seven (4.5mm), or eight (5mm). For length, a 10-inch needle is usually a good starter size because they'll be small enough to handle easily.
| Yarn Weight Conversion Chart |
|---|
| UK | USA | Australia |
|---|
| DK | DK/Light Worsted | 8 ply |
| Aran | Worsted | 10 ply |
| Chunky | Bulky | 12 ply |
| Yarn Weight UK | Yarn Weight US | Needle Size |
|---|
| 4 ply | Sport | 3.25-4mm |
| DK | Light Worsted | 4-5mm |
| Aran | Worsted | 4.5-6mm |
| Chunky | Bulky | 5-8mm |
For most seasoned crafters, four-ply yarn usually refers to medium to worsted weight yarn, but always make sure that you're using the correct yarn weight, as yarn ply does not necessarily decide the yarn weight!
Yarn weight conversion chart
| UK | USA | Australia |
|---|
| 3 ply | Sock | 3 ply |
| 4 ply | Sport | 5 ply |
| DK | DK/Light Worsted | 8 ply |
| Aran | Worsted | 10 ply |
4 ply yarn is a lovely weight to use for crocheting, and we have lots of 4 ply crochet patterns that'll show off your beautifully defined stitches to their best advantage. Try 4-ply crochet shawl patterns, hats, baby clothes, toys and so much more.
A simple guideline: Add the measurements (in millimeters) of the suggested needle size for each yarn and then use the needle that is closest in size to that number. For example, for a swatch of two strands of Wool-Ease Chunky, we added 6.5 mm plus 6.5 mm to get 13 mm. The closest needle size is 12 mm, which is a US 17.
Ply, plied, or folded, yarns are composed of two or more single yarns twisted together. Two-ply yarn, for example, is composed of two single strands; three-ply yarn is composed of three single strands.
Wool is best for crochet stitches thanks to its resilience and the ease with which you can unravel mistakes. Cotton is another great choice for crocheting, though its inelasticity makes it a bit more difficult to work with than wool. Overall, acrylic yarn is the most versatile choice and best for beginners.
Worsted Weight This is what is often considered ordinary knitting yarn. The gauge is roughly 5 stitches per inch on a size 7 or 8 needle. Some worsted may give a gauge of 4 or 4 1/2 stitches per inch and be knit on a 8 or 9.
As a beginner, it will be easiest to work with a worsted weight yarn, which is labeled #4 on the yarn label. This is a good medium-weight yarn. A "3" (DK weight) is also acceptable but might be too thin for some newbies. And a "5" (bulky weight) works well, too, but again may not be as easy as the worsted weight yarn.
The size of the needle affects the length of the stitches and thus your finished product. Usually, larger needles will produce a larger gauge, but the type and weight of the yarn also will make a difference. If your gauge doesn't match what the pattern calls for, try changing the size of your needles.
The phrase "worsted weight yarn" refers to medium-weight yarn that is heavier than DK yarn / double knitting yarn, sports weight yarn, baby weight yarn, fingering weight yarn, or crochet thread; it is lighter than chunky or bulky yarn.
If you are familiar with knitting, you know you need two needles to knit. But don't go to your local yarn shop and buy two same crochet hooks! You need just one.
They are all plys of a base yarn which is the #8 part of the fraction. 8/2 is a 2 ply, 8/4 is a 4 ply and 8/8 is an 8 ply.
Structure of a 4 ply yarnThis was great and you could easily see that 2 strands of 4 ply are about the same thickness as DK, 2 strands of lace weight are about the same as 4 ply. 4 Ply is now used as a description of the thickness of the yarn regardless of its structure.
The ply rating is how many layers of rubber is on the tyre. A common one is 8 ply meaning it has 8 layers of rubber. Some tyres have same number of ply all around the tyre, meaning if there are 8 ply in the tread part of the tyre, its side wall will be 8 ply as well.
Group "B" - Medium Weight is comparable to today's standard yarn weight Light. Yarns in this weight include: DK and light worsted. Recommended needle sizes for vintage yarn weight "medium weight" are 5, 6, or 7.
This means a strand of yarn made up of 4 plys now. could vary between being a very fine cobweb weight to extra bulky. 4 Ply is now used as a description of the thickness of the yarn regardless of its structure.
Given the nature of single-ply yarns, they work best when avoiding high-abrasion projects like socks, mittens, or gloves. The friction of normal wear and tear is concentrated onto one single strand of fiber, causing it to weaken and grow thin.
DROPS yarns are spun so the thickness of the strands fit each other.
| Yarn Group A Range 26 - 23 stitches | Yarn | DROPS Cotton Light 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester Made in EU |
|---|
| Thickness | B |
|---|
| 8 ply |
| DK / worsted |
| Knitting Tension 10 x 10 cm | 21 x 28 |
|---|
2 strands of DK = Worsted or Aran. 2 strands of Worsted = Chunky. 2 strands of Aran = Chunky to Super Bulky.
