What is Sport Weight Yarn?
When knitting or crocheting, among the most important things to be familiar with, are the different types of yarns. This is because each type is suited for particular projects and plays a role in the final look and functionality of a crochet or knit piece.
Yarn types follow a grading system created by the Craft Yarn Council (CYC), which categorizes yarns based on their weight. They are graded from lightest to heaviest, with sport weight yarn landing at number 2 on the scale.
Sport weight yarn is medium thin in construction and is made of natural fibers like alpaca, cotton, and wool. This makes it suitable for making lightweight garments and accessories, such as baby clothes, shawls, and light sweaters.
Understanding Yarn Weight
As mentioned, yarn types are categorized by weight by the Craft Yarn Council’s Standard Yarn Weight System. In the U.S., yarn weights are given numbers from 0 to 7 and ranked from lightest to heaviest. A #0 yarn refers to super fine lace while a #7 yarn is a jumbo yarn typically used for arm knitting.
Sport weight yarn is second in the CYC’s weight system. It is categorized as super fine yarn, which is a little thinner than light-worsted-weight yarn but thicker than fine-weight or fingering-weight yarn.
Other regions, including the UK and Australia, use different systems to classify their yarns. However, they also distinguish them by weight.
Now, you’re probably wondering why this matters. Being able to distinguish yarn weights is a must for every crafter. This is because the weight of the yarn used will influence the final project in terms of size and proportions, drape and texture, stitch definition, gauge, and tension.
Generally, the heavier your yarn, the looser your stitches and the larger your project will turn out. A lighter yarn, on the other hand, will result in tight and dense stitches and a smaller project.
All You Need to Know About Sport Weight Yarn
Sport weight yarn is a medium-thin type of yarn that comes in three sizes: 100 g (3.53 oz.), 50 g (1.76 oz.), and 25 g (0.88 oz.). While there are variations that are larger than 100 g, they cross the line between sport weight yarn and fine weight yarn and they will generally be classified as fine weight.
Sport weight yarn is often mistaken as the same as DK weight yarn. While they do seem similar, sport weight yarn is more refined and slightly thinner. When it comes to texture, sport weight is less soft than DK weight yarn. But in most cases, they work as good alternatives to each other in knitting or crocheting projects.
Sport weight yarn’s thin construction is thanks to its fiber content. While it’s usually wool-based, there are sport weight yarns that use a blend of common fibers like alpaca, baby llama, bamboo, cotton, merino, and silk. These fibers are then dyed in a range of colors, from solid to variegate.
This type of yarn is highly versatile and is used to make a range of garments and accessories like scarves, shawls, socks, and light sweaters. It’s typically worked with a gauge of 6 to 8 stitches per inch on a 3.25 to 3.7 5mm (US 3-5) needle or 3.50 to 4.50 mm (E/4-7) hook size. This yields a fabric that is light, textured, and brimming with detail.
Despite its lightweight construction, sport weight yarn can still provide warmth and coverage, making it a popular choice for spring or autumn clothing.
Tips for Working with Sport Weight Yarn
Thinner yarns like sport weight are naturally more difficult to work with than thicker yarn weights. Because of this, you need to know all the best practices so you can work with sport weight yarn easily and confidently.
● Choose the correct hook/ needle size: The yarn label will usually tell you the suggested hook or needle size suitable for the type of yarn you’re using. But what’s best for you to use will also depend on your intended design. If you want a looser texture with sport weight yarn, use a larger hook or needle size.
● Learn how to properly hold your hook and yarn: How you should hold thin yarn is slightly different from thick yarn. You shouldbe holding a little tighter and observing good tension.
● Maintain the right gauge and tension: Gauge and tension dictate how dense or tight your stitches will be. And when working with thinner yarn, maintaining an even gauge can be more difficult as thinner strands will naturally create denser stitches. If you want a looser stitch, make sure you’re observing the right gauge recommended by your pattern.
● Use stitch markers: Thinner yarns will make denser stitches, which may make it difficult to count your stitches and rows. You might want to use color-coded stitch markers to help you identify your stitch counts.
● Block your project: Blocking is an important step to undertake after you’ve completed a knit or crochet project. This helps you shape your work by loosening the fibers and defining your stitches.
● Weave in ends: Weaving in ends with lighter yarns will require more thought and effort than thicker yarns. You’ll have to make sure that your ends are sufficient in length (about 6 inches) and work the excess back and forth in multiple directions. Then, you can snip the remaining bit off.
Sport Weight Yarn Patterns
Sport weight yarn can be used to make a range of items with intricate details and unique textures. Here are some patterns you can follow for your next project with sport weight yarn.
Hook Size: H-8 (5 mm)
Difficulty/ Skill Level: Intermediate
This pattern will guide you in making a baby blanket that stuns with intricate lace detailing. It uses 160 yards of sport weight or DK weight yarn and a hook size of 5 mm. For the best results, this pattern requires you to be mindful of your gauge, so you can ensure your details are even and professional-looking.
Hook Size: I-9 (5.5 mm)
Needle Size: 36" Circular Ndl. Size 8 (5 mm)
Difficulty/ Skill Level: Intermediate
This pattern creates a large Afghan blanket measuring 50 x 72 inches. It incorporates three colors and provides detailed instructions on how to achieve the intricate ripple design. We recommend choosing three complementary colors in different shades.
Hook Size: I-9 (5.5 mm)
Difficulty/ Skill Level: Intermediate
This pattern creates a functional poncho that can add an extra layer of warmth on chilly days. It has a rippled design, button front, and fringe that give it a vintage look, and uses a range of colors you can customize to your preferences. The pattern uses 420 years of sport weight yarn, but make sure to adjust that according to your size and measurements.
Needle Size: 4 (3.5 mm) / 6 (4 mm)
Difficulty/ Skill Level: Easy/ Beginner
Knit your own cable vest using sport weight yarn with the help of this pattern. It incorporates unique textures, a low neckline, and buttons, all of which you can customize to suit your personal fashion sense. Remember that measurements matter in this pattern. Make sure to work your panels in the right sizes, from the front and back to the sleeves and arm holes.
Hook Size: I-9 (5.5 mm)
Difficulty/ Skill Level: Easy/ Beginner
Keep your neck and chest warm during colder seasons by crocheting your own cowl. This pattern creates a one-size fits all cowl made of sport weight yarn and incorporates details to the design with a hook size of I-9 (5.5 mm). Add your own embellishments to reflect your personal style in this piece.
Conclusion
Sport weight yarn, ranked second in the CYC’s Standard Yarn Weight System, has a lightweight construction that makes it ideal for airy but warm garments and accessories.
Because it’s thin, the yarn creates denser stitches and requires that you use the right hook size to maintain a proper gauge. Always check your yarn labels to determine what size hook or needle you need to work with your sport weight yarn. But as it comes in plenty of sizes, colors, and fiber blends, you’re sure to find one for the specific project you’re eyeing.
