Yarn size Depending on the exact yarn weight and the gauge of the knitter or crocheter and how tight or loose the yarn is held, the gauge listed below can vary. The type of yarn can also affect the look of the item, so if it’s thicker yarn the item will look bulkier compared to yarn that is thinner. For this reason it is important to check the gauge of the pattern being used to be sure so the finished project is the desired size. Most patterns have a listed gauge to create an item of the size(s) indicated in the pattern. Category name Symbol Description Crochet gauge (single crochet to four inch)Estimated, single crochet 4". Stoller, p. 24. Metric hook size US hook size Knitting gauge (number of stitches per four inches) Metric knitting needle sizeUS knitting needle sizeLacefingering, crochet 10-count thread33 - 40 sts1.5 - 2.25 mmB-133 - 40 sts1.5mm - 2.25mm000-1Super finesock, fingering, baby21 - 32 sts2.25 - 3.5 mmB-1 - E-427 - 32 sts2.25mm -3.25mm1-3Finesport, baby16 - 20 sts3.5 - 4.5 mmE-4 - 723 -26 sts 3.25mm - 3.75mm3-5LightDK, light worsted12 - 17 sts4.5 - 5.5 mm7 - I-921 - 24 sts3.75mm - 4.5mm5-7Mediumworsted, Afghan, Aran11 - 14 sts5.5 - 6.5 mmI-9 - K-10 1/216 - 20 sts 4.5mm - 5.5mm7-9Bulkychunky, craft, rug8 - 11 sts6.5 - 9 mmK-10 1/3 - M-1312 - 15 sts5.5mm - 8mm9-11Super Bulkybulky, roving5 - 9 sts9 - 15mm M-13 - Q 7 - 11 sts8mm - 12.75mm11-17Jumbojumbo, roving6 sts and fewer15mm and higherQ and larger 6 sts and fewer12.75mm and higher17+
Terminology Common terms used to describe knitting and crochet yarn properties. Term DescriptionAbsorbencyThe ability of a fiber to hold water, determines sweat absorption and suitability for warm weather wear.BreathabilityHow readily air passes through the fiber.DyeabilityHow well the fiber accepts and holds color.Hand/HandleTactile description: softness, resiliency, etc.LoftThe amount of air between fibers.Resiliency (elasticity)The tendency of a fiber to resume its original shape after stretching.ThicknessThe diameter of the fiber in micrometres.
Fiber type Plant based Cottons All varieties of cotton have a dull finish unless mercerized. Cotton yarn has minimal elasticity unless blended with other fibers. Pure cotton is useful for projects that require structure such as purses and tote bags, placemats, and other utilitarian items.
Fiber type DescriptionEgyptian cottonLongest cotton fiber, smoother and softer than other cottons. Pima cottonCross between Egyptian and American cottons. Intermediate properties.American cottonMedium-long fiber, readily takes on dye. Available in widest variety of colors.
Other plant fibers Fiber type DescriptionLinenStrong fiber, good for warm weather items. Wrinkles easily.Bamboo bastSimilar to ramie, possesses an elegant sheen. Not to be confused with the more common bamboo rayon.HempStronger than cotton, softens when washed. Wrinkles easily.
Animal based fibers
Fiber type DescriptionMerino woolFrom sheep. Softer than cotton. Retains warmth when wet. Breathability allows lighter weights to be good for summer wear.Icelandic woolFrom sheep. Strong but scratchy, best used as an outer layer.MohairFrom goats. Lofty and luxurious. May feel scratchy, best used as an outer layer.CashmereFrom goats. Soft, luxurious, expensive.AlpacaFrom alpaca (camelid). Very warm. Suitable for accessories such as scarves.AngoraFrom angora rabbits. Very soft, tends to shed. Best used in pure form as an accent material, or blended with other fibers.SilkFrom moths. Single extremely long and fine fiber produced from each cocoon, so usually spooled in multiples before spinning. Exceptionally strong, lustrous, and shiny. Fragile, ages poorly, eventually "shattering."Raw SilkFrom moths. Fiber from cocoons after the moth has been allowed to emerge, resulting in a rougher fiber.
Synthetics Fiber type DescriptionAcrylicWashes well, inexpensive. Good choice for beginners and for items designed for babies or pets.NylonStrong, elastic, washes well. Not ideal for garments unless blended with other fibers.RayonMade from processed cellulose (e.g. wood pulp, bamboo, seaweed) extruded into threads. Inexpensive and highly absorbent, natural sheen.
Notes
References Debbie Stoller, Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker New York: Workman Publishing, 2006. Edie Eckman, The Crochet Answer Book, North Adams, Massachusetts: Storey Publishing, 2005.