Beginners Guide on How to Choose the Right Yarn

One of the best aspects of purchasing yarn for knitting is the vast array of varieties and colors that are currently available. Selecting all things woven can be overwhelming when you walk into a yarn shop. The most fun part is deciding which color to use. However, some specialty yarns appear too delicate to knit with, leaving the question of what to knit.

Choosing the Best Yarn for Beginners

Keep in mind that with so many of the fun fur, boucle, super-bulky, suede, mohair, or fun-fetti yarns, if you knit with just one type, the delicacy of the yarn may occasionally (but not always) be insufficient to look like anything sustainable.

Yarn Weight

One of the most perplexing concepts for beginners is the concept of yarn weights. Yarn weight is the thickness of the strand and is an excellent place to begin when selecting a project. A thicker, bulkier yarn is best for thicker, bulkier projects, while a finer weight is ideal for lightweight garments and accessories. A basic understanding and knowledge of yarn weights will ensure that your finished project has the proper density and drape.

When choosing a yarn for your project, it is crucial to get it from a reputable manufacturer like Darn Yarn.

Lace Weight Yarn

This yarn is very fine (any yarn thinner than fingering weight is acceptable.) and is best for making delicate, web-like items like shawls. With lace weight yarns, the gauge is more forgiving because the finished piece’s structure and size are heavily influenced by how it is blocked. Knit with tiny needles for a tight, opaque fabric and large needles (US 6 or larger) for an open gossamer effect.

Fingering Weight Yarn

Fingering weight cotton yarn is frequently used for socks, lightweight sweaters, accessories, Fair Isle, or colorwork patterns. Fingering weight, also known as “baby yarn” or “sock yarn,” is roughly double the weight of lace yarn. Fingering weight yarns are typically knit on needles size US 1-4.

Sport and DK Yarn

Sport weight and DK (double knitting) weight yarn are frequently confused, but there is a distinction. Sport weight yarn is slightly lighter or finer than DK weight yarn. These weights are appropriate for mid-weight socks, accessories, shawls, wraps, and sweaters. DK weight yarns are typically knit on US 5-7 needles, while sport weight yarns are knit on US 3-5 needles.

Worsted Yarn

Worsted weight yarn is the most widely available and widely used. Worsted weight yarn, twice the weight of fingering yarn, is ideal for knitters of all skill levels and can be worked into almost anything. Worsted weight yarns are commonly knit on US 6-9 needles and are suitable for accessories and sweaters with moderate density.

Bulky Yarn

Bulky yarn is roughly twice the thickness of worsted-weight yarn and four times the size of fingering-weight yarn. Bulky yarns knit up quickly on large needles, making them ideal for quick knitting projects like warm sweaters, felted items, throws, or home decor where structure and warmth are essential. Bulky weight yarns are typically knit on needles size US 10-11.

Very Bulky Yarn

Super bulky is ideal for making quick knits. Accessories and home décor projects can be knit in a couple of hours at less than three stitches per inch. The thicker strands of super bulky yarns result in projects that knit up densely with large stitches, creating a unique effect and visual interest. Typically, super bulky weight yarns are knit on US 15 needles.