Yarn | Weights & Conversions

I've been doing a lot of swatching to experiment with specific stitches in different yarn weights. I've also been mixing and matching assorted weights to test varied approaches to multi-stranding and assess the effect on color, stitch and fabric.

There's no mystery or magic involved, I'm simply striving to see my stash with fresh eyes and find creative ways to transform lurkers and lingerers into something pretty, practical and appealing.

      Lace + Sock

For several years, I've ruthlessly culled and donated yarns that no longer suit my preferences, are too fiddly to fathom or don't perform well in real life. Technically, I'm not cold-sheeping but I'm so committed to stash depletion, I've focused on designing patterns and prioritizing projects that help make the most of the yarn on hand.

The results have been satisfying, but many lovely yarns still reside in their cozy cupboards. (Yes, plural.) From afghans and accessories to cardis and cloths, it's time to employ innovative combinations that continue to whittle the hoard to a manageable size.

      Sock + Fingering

To make this ongoing effort easier, I created the yarn weight chart (below). Most of the information is familiar and readily available in various forms and countless locations. What's not so easy to find are quick conversions for multi-stranding.

After many frustrating results and false starts, I bit the bullet and pulled together the information I needed most. This chart has become my constant companion, and while I plan to continue adding to it, I thought you might find it helpful now for your own knitting adventures.

YARN WEIGHTS & CONVERSIONS

WEIGHT	TYPE	PLY	NEEDLE SIZES (US)	NEEDLE SIZES (mm)	GAUGE STS/IN (Stock.)	TYPICAL YARDS (50 gr)	2 STRANDS APPROX.	3 STRANDS APPROX.
0 Lace	Lace Light Fingering	2-ply	000 to 1	1.5 to 2.25	8.25 to 10 sts	440	Sport	DK
1 Super Fine	Sock Fingering Baby	3-ply 4-ply	1 to 3	2.25 to 3.25	6.75 to 8 sts	230	DK	Worsted
2 Fine	Sport Baby	4-ply 5-ply 6-ply	3 to 5	3.25 to 3.75	5.75 to 6.5 sts	180	Worsted	Aran
3 Light	DK Light Worsted	8-ply	5 to 7	3.75 to 4.5	5.25 to 6 sts	150	Aran	Chunky
4 Medium	Worsted Afghan Aran	10-ply	7 to 9	4.5 to 5.5	4 to 5 sts	110	Chunky	Bulky / Super Bulky
5 Bulky	Chunky Craft Rug	12-ply	9 to 11	5.5 to 8	3 to 3.75 sts	50	Bulky / Super Bulky
6 Super Bulky	Bulky Roving		11 and up	8 and up	1.5 to 2.75 sts	40

If you plan to carry two strands, double the yardage requirements stated in the pattern (100 yards x 2 = 200 yards). If you plan to carry three strands, triple it (100 yards x 3 = 300 yards). Yes, it seems obvious, but most knitters I know have forgotten this simple rule at least once.

Keep in mind the conversions are approximate, since every yarn is so very different. Also remember working with multiple strands is not the same as knitting with plied yarn. In general, the combined strands work up in a slightly more substantial (aka heavier) manner than you might expect, so plan accordingly.

Be prepared to swatch. A lot. The shifting and unpredictable variables mean swatching is the only way to see how a specific yarn or mix of yarns will look and behave in a given stitch.

      Sport

As you can see, there are swatches calling my name, so I’d better get back to my knitting.

For more tips, tricks and tools, click here.