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[ 1] Symbol Description Crochet gauge (single crochet to four inch)[ 2] [ 1] Metric hook size [ 1] US hook size [ 1] Knitting gauge (number of stitches per four inches)[ 1] Metric knitting needle size[ 1] US knitting needle size Lace fingering, crochet 10-count thread 33 - 40 sts 1.5 - 2.25 mm B-1 33 - 40 sts 1.5mm - 2.25mm Super fine sock, fingering, baby 21 - 32 sts 2.25 - 3.5 mm B-1 - E-4 27 - 32 sts 2.25mm -3.25mm Fine sport, baby 16 - 20 sts 3.5 - 4.5 mm E-4 - 7 23 -26 sts 3.25mm - 3.75mm Light DK, light worsted 12 - 17 sts 4.5 - 5.5 mm 7 - I-9 21 - 24 sts 3.75mm - 4.5mm Medium worsted, Afghan, Aran 11 - 14 sts 5.5 - 6.5 mm I-9 - K-10 1/2 16 - 20 sts 4.5mm - 5.5mm Bulky chunky, craft, rug 8 - 11 sts 6.5 - 9 mm K-10 1/3 - M-13 12 - 15 sts 5.5mm - 8mm Super Bulky bulky, roving 5 - 9 sts 9 - 15mm M-13 - Q 7 - 11 sts 8mm - 12.75mm Jumbo jumbo, roving 6 sts and fewer 15mm and higher Q and larger 6 sts and fewer 12.75mm and higher
Common terms used to describe knitting and crochet yarn properties.
Term Description Absorbency The ability of a fiber to hold water, determines sweat absorption and suitability for warm weather wear. Breathability How readily air passes through the fiber. Dyeability How well the fiber accepts and holds color. Hand/Handle Tactile description: softness, resiliency, etc. Loft The amount of air between fibers. Resiliency (elasticity) The tendency of a fiber to resume its original shape after stretching. Thickness The diameter of the fiber in micrometres.
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 Description Egyptian cotton Longest cotton fiber, smoother and softer than other cottons. Pima cotton Cross between Egyptian and American cottons. Intermediate properties. American cotton Medium-long fiber, readily takes on dye. Available in widest variety of colors.
Fiber type Description Linen Strong fiber, good for warm weather items. Wrinkles easily. Bamboo bast Similar to ramie, possesses an elegant sheen. Not to be confused with the more common bamboo rayon. Hemp Stronger than cotton, softens when washed. Wrinkles easily.
Animal based fibers [ edit ] Fiber type Description Merino wool From sheep. Softer than cotton. Retains warmth when wet. Breathability allows lighter weights to be good for summer wear. Icelandic wool From sheep. Strong but scratchy, best used as an outer layer. Mohair From goats. Lofty and luxurious. May feel scratchy, best used as an outer layer. Cashmere From goats. Soft, luxurious, expensive. Alpaca From alpaca (camelid).Very warm. Suitable for accessories such as scarves. Angora From angora rabbits.Very soft, tends to shed. Best used in pure form as an accent material, or blended with other fibers. Silk From 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 Silk From moths. Fiber from cocoons after the moth has been allowed to emerge, resulting in a rougher fiber.
Fiber type Description Acrylic Washes well, inexpensive. Good choice for beginners and for items designed for babies or pets. Nylon Strong, elastic, washes well. Not ideal for garments unless blended with other fibers. Rayon Made from processed cellulose (e.g. wood pulp, bamboo, seaweed) extruded into threads. Inexpensive and highly absorbent, natural sheen.
Debbie Stoller, Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker New York: Workman Publishing, 2006. Edie Eckman, The Crochet Answer Book , North Adams, Massachesetts: Storey Publishing, 2005.
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