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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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