Yarn Standard Chart

There is a discussion on our Ravelry group about substituting yarn and how different yarns are given the same name. The Craft Yarn Council has a chart of standards here which they would like to make a global standard and I have a chart in my book to help with subbing yarn which I'm happy to share here.

Different countries have different ways of describing yarn. If you want to substitute yarn it helps to know how they differ.

If you are not sure of what your yarn’s weight is, measure the wraps per inch (WPI) 

To do this you will need a WPI tool or a flat ruler marked in inches

1.      Tie or tape the end of your yarn to the tool/ruler

2.      Gently roll the yarn onto the tool/ruler over 1 inch

3.      Make sure that your yarn is neither stretched nor loose and that the wraps are all touching but not overlapping

4.      Count the number of wraps over 1 inch and refer to the chart for the description of your yarn

You will notice that some of the WPI counts overlap – the density of the yarn comes into play here.

5.      This method works for smooth yarns, results for fluffy yarns such as mohair or textured novelty yarns will not be accurate.

Standard Yarn Weight System	US	UK	Australia New Zealand	WPI	Approximate metres Per 50 grams
0 – Lace	Thread / Cobweb Lace weight	1 ply 2 ply	2 ply	18 +
1 – Super fine / Fingering	Light fingering Fingering	Sock / 3 ply 4 ply	3 ply 4 ply	16 – 18 14 – 16	165
2 – Fine / Sport	Sport	Light DK	5 ply	12 – 14	135 – 145
3 – Light / DK	DK Light Worsted	DK	8 ply	11 – 12	100 – 125
4 – Medium / Worsted	Worsted	Aran	10 ply	9 – 11	65 - 90
4 – Medium / Heavy Worsted	Aran	Aran	10 ply	8 – 10	65 - 90
5 – Bulky	Bulky	Chunky	12 ply	7 – 8	45 - 50
6 – Super Bulky	Super Bulky Lopi	Super Chunky		5 - 6	30 - 35

 Happy knitting :)