A common confusion among newbie knitters is the meaning of fingering weight, a yarn weight category that is often recommended in knitting patterns for children’s clothes, lace and finer projects. But what is fingering weight yarn, what type of yarns fall into this category, and what projects do they suit best?
Yarn Weight
Yarns for knitting and crocheting come in a range of thicknesses also known as yarn weights. The body and texture of your chosen yarn effects the overall look and feel of your final project, as well as the number of stitches per inch and the overall time it takes to complete it. Although there can be some differentiation most patterns will stipulate a required yarn thickness and corresponding knitting needle sizes to use with a particular yarn.
To help you understand these indicators we’ve put together a handy list of the most common yarn weight terms from the lightest to the heaviest.
Lace weight yarn
Needle sizes: 000-1
Stitches Per Inch: 8-10
Often named cobweb, lace or crochet thread (occasionally fingering weight)
Ultra-thin, creates floaty fabrics and is perfectly suited to lace knitting.
Fingering weight yarn
Needle sizes: 1-3
Stitches Per Inch: 7-8
Often named super-fine, sock, fingering or baby weight
Creates very fine layettes, baby clothes, socks and shawls.
Sport weight yarn
Needle sizes: 3-6
Stitches Per Inch: 5-6
Referred to as fine, baby or sport weight
Best for lightweight sweaters, baby clothes, thick socks and accessories.
Light-worsted weight yarn
Needle Sizes: 5-7
Stitches Per Inch: 5-5 1/2
Called light-worsted or DK (double knitting)
Great for everyday sweaters, garments and scarves.
Worsted weight yarn
Needle Sizes: 7-9
Stitches Per Inch: 4-5
Known as medium or worsted weight, Aran and afghan
For snuggly sweaters, blankets, gloves, hats, scarves.
Bulky weight yarn
Needle Sizes: 10-11
Stitches Per Inch: 3-3 1/2
Can also be called chunky, craft or rug
Use with thick jackets, rugs, blankets.
Super bulky weight yarn
Needle Sizes: 13-15
Stitches Per Inch: 2-2 ½
Also named bulky and roving
Perfect for heavy-duty rugs, blankets and sweaters.
What Projects Suit Fingering Yarn?
Once you’re familiar with the major yarn weights, its time to get hands-on with (super-fine) fingering weight yarn for your next knitting project. A perfect way to start is with a pattern specifically made for fingering yarn, perfect for delicate, soft and fine garments with a little extra weight when compared to patterns made exclusively for lace.
Due to its ease of use, fingering yarn (also known as 4 ply) is the most popular choice for knitters making baby garments and lightweight items for all ages. The soft and delicate fabric it produces is ideal for socks, as well as being a great favourite for shawls, lacework and fine knits or crochet colourwork.
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