Worsted weight yarn is a medium weight yarn that sits in the middle of the yarn weight family. Commonly referred as afghan yarn and aran yarn, it's slightly thicker than DK weight and thinner than bulky weight yarn. An excellent choice for everyday knitting and crocheting, these sturdy, durable worsted and aran weight yarns work up quickly while still having great stitch definition.
Browse our extensive selection of regular and heavy worsted weight yarn options. We've got a wide range of weights and fibers (acrylic and wool) sure to please all beginner and pro knitters, crocheters and crafters alike. Worsted weight yarn is smooth and versatile, making it the perfect choice for garments such as sweaters, cardigans, jackets, mittens, hats, scarves, baby items, as well as afghans and other home decor projects.
The Right Needles to Use for Worsted Yarns
The size of the needles used for worsted weight yarns varies depending on the project. To make sure you choose the right needle or crochet, always check the yarn label, which usually provides a recommended gauge or needle size for knitting “standard” fabric. If you're knitting a pair of socks, opt for a 3.25 to 4.0 mm needle for a sturdy fabric, but if you're knitting a sweater, a 4.5 to 5.5 mm (US 7-9) needle is ideal to produce a more pliable fabric.
Worsted Yarn Plies
Worsted yarns are the workhorse of the knitting world, and there’s a good reason for that – they’re durable and easy to knit with. They come in a variety of plies, from one-ply to eight-plies. A single-ply yarn will be thinner and easier to break than eight ply yarns. So, when choosing a type of worsted weight yarn, consider what your final project will be. If you plan to knit a scarf, go for a single-ply yarn, but if you want to knit a pair of socks, a three or four-ply yarn would be a great choice.
