You're starting a new project and you have no idea which yarn to choose. Fine, medium, bulky: what do those weights actually mean? Don't worry! In this blog I'll help you find the best yarn for crochet.
As you may have noticed, yarn comes in all sorts of weights and thicknesses. From very fine to very bulky – and in all kinds of materials as well. Those countless options aren't there by accident: every weight has its own effect on a particular project. Choosing the right yarn is therefore crucial to whether or not your work turns out well.
So what should you look at when choosing yarn? In many cases the weight of a yarn is indicated with a number. That number tells you the thickness of the yarn. Generally, yarn thickness is given as a number from 0 to 6. The lower the number, the finer the yarn.
I've put together a handy yarn weight chart that will hopefully give you a better idea of which yarns exist and which one you're best off choosing:
In the chart above, ‘weight’ stands for the number you often see on a yarn label. It indicates the thickness of the yarn. 4 is usually medium. Below 4 you move into light, fine and lace. And above 4 we talk about bulky and super bulky.
Which yarn do you use for what?
Yarns with a low number (in other words a low ‘weight’) are fine and light and are often used for delicate projects such as socks, thin scarves, cardigans and sweaters. This yarn can also be used for lace, for example, or small accessories like little flowers.
It isn't advisable to work with very fine yarns in winter, because you'll often be busy for a very long time, and on top of that a thicker yarn is a good deal warmer. Do keep in mind: it depends on which yarn material you choose, because fine yarns can be very warm too!
Medium, bulky and super bulky
Yarns with a medium weight are versatile and are used for all kinds of projects. From warm sweaters and blankets to lighter projects such as hats and scarves. A medium weight yarn is an all-round yarn that will take you a long way in most cases.
Go for a higher number, and therefore a higher weight, and you end up with bulky or super bulky yarn. This is thick, heavy yarn that is often used for quick, warm projects such as blankets, scarves and hats.
In summer it isn't such a good idea to work with bulky or super bulky yarn (you'll sweat yourself silly and it doesn't really give the look you want then), but in winter it's exactly right. Bulky and super bulky yarn is also ideal for beginners, because you see results quickly.
The right crochet hook
Finally, always make sure you pick the right crochet hook to go with the right yarn. When I started out I really wanted to work with a big hook because I thought I'd be finished sooner, but it was the middle of summer and I mostly liked the finer yarns. That didn't work at all, of course.
On top of that, everyone crochets differently, so a recommended hook size is only an indication. Do you crochet loosely? Then you may need a finer hook than the label says. Are you a tight crocheter? Then you'll usually need a slightly thicker hook to get the same result as someone who crochets more loosely.
Either way: it's always smart to stick to the indication on the label, and if you aren't sure? Then get advice from someone who knows what they're talking about. It would be a shame if your project turned out completely differently because you chose the wrong yarn!
