Beginners in the knitting and crocheting world often ask, “What is DK weight yarn?” and “When should I use it?” Learning the answers to these questions is essential for you to accomplish your knitting and crocheting projects successfully. This article will provide you with those basic pieces of knowledge and answer your common questions, including the DK yarns available in the market that you should consider purchasing.
What is DK Weight Yarn - An Overview
DK yarn (or double knitting yarn) is a weight of yarn found mainly in the UK, which is also called 8ply in Australia and New Zealand, and light yarn, baby yarn, or light worsted in the US. It is considered to be a category 3, light to medium weight yarn, and is particularly popular for knitters. These numerical classifications are decided by the Craft Yarn Council’s Standard Yarn Weight System. (CYC).
DK weight yarn comes in different colors and has many fiber contents such as wool, cotton, bamboo, nylon, linen and acrylic. It is suitable for a wide range of knitting and crochet projects.
| Characteristic | DK YARN |
|---|---|
| Name | DK (Double Knitting) |
| Weight | Medium |
| Typical Uses | Sweaters, blankets, scarves, hats |
| Recommended Needle Size | 4-5 mm (US 6-8) for knitting |
| Recommended Hook Size | 4-5.5 mm (US G-6 to I-9) for crochet |
| Gauge | Typically 21-24 stitches per 4 inches/10 cm |
| Fiber Content | Can vary (e.g., wool, cotton, acrylic, blends) |
| Texture | Smooth, plied, or textured |
| Yardage | Varies, but often around 100-130 meters (or more) for 50g |
| Thickness | In between sport weight and worsted weight yarn |
Please note that these are general guidelines. The exact characteristics, like gauge and recommended needle/hook size, can vary slightly based on the specific brand and type of DK yarn.
What Does DK Stand For?
The DK stands for double knit or double knitting.
If you’re familiar with or have read about the double knitting (DK) technique, keep in mind that it’s different from the DK yarn. This method of knitting involves simultaneously creating two various hand-knit layers of fabric and only using one needle. On the other hand, the term DK yarn refers to the yarn’s weight.
What Ply is DK Weight Yarn?
DK weight yarn is the Europe equivalent of the USA’s light-worsted or lightweight yarn and Australia’s eight-ply yarn. Some manufacturers also label it as light or size 3.
| UK | USA | Australia |
| DK Yarn | Light-worsted or lightweight or size 3, light category | 8PLY |
What Weight is DK Weight Yarn?
DK weight yarn is a category 3 yarn. This means it is light to medium weight or 8ply.
How Many WPI is DK?
Wrap the yarn around a ruler. The DK yarn has 11 to 17 wraps per inch (wpi), so you’ll expect a 100-gram (3.5oz) ball of yarn to have a length ranging from 200 to 250 meters (219 to 273 yards). Since DK yarn is mainly found in the United Kingdom, the label will most likely have metric measurements on the band.
How Does DK Weight Yarn Compare to Others?
When it comes to what is DK yarn compared to other yarn weights, it is heavier or thicker than the sport weight yarn but lighter or thinner than the worsted weight yarns. Two strands of DK yarn can be used as a substitute for worsted weight yarn.
How to Identify DK Yarn?
The easiest way to tell if you have a DK yarn is to look at the label. If the ball band doesn't specifically say DK, look for terms such as 8-ply yarn, category 3 or light. If you are still not sure if your yarn is DK weight, pull the twisted strands apart to see if you have 8-plies.
What is DK Yarn's Guage?
If the yarn has no label because you lost it or the manufacturer simply didn’t include it, you can work with an average DK gauge which will help you in substitution.
To assess the knitting gauge, make a gauge swatch of 10cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch. A DK yarn will have an average of 21 to 24 stitches per 10cm (4 inches).
You can adjust the gauge by working with smaller or larger needles. Larger hooks will give a looser fabric.
DK Yarn vs Worsted Weight Yarn
Worsted weight yarn is a category 4 yarn and is thicker than DK weight yarn. Worsted weight yarn is also called 10ply, while DK yarn is called 8 ply. Some manufacturers refer to the DK weight of the yarn as light worsted yarn.
Why Use DK Weight Yarn
DK yarn is extremely popular with knitters as it is readily available all year round from a large number of brands. Acrylic DK yarns are cheap and great for learning how to crochet or knit.
More About Yarn Weights
What Needle Sizes or Crochet Hooks Should You Use With DK Yarn?
Using the right knitting needle sizes and crochet hook size is essential to achieve the correct stitch your project requires. Always look at the DK yarn label for the manufacturer's suggestions.
What is DK Yarn Crochet Hook Sizes?
The most common hook sizes for DK weight yarn, range from 4.5 to 5.5 mm. This is equivalent to a gauge of 7-9 (UK/Canada) and 7 to I-9 (US).
What is DK Yarn Knitting Needle Sizes?
If you are knitting with DK yarn, then the best size needles are 3.75-4.5mm. This is equivalent to a 5-7 US size.
What Can You Make With DK Weight Yarn?
This versatile, light weight yarn is not exclusively used for projects requiring the double-knitted technique. The great thing about this perfect yarn is that it’s resilient enough to withstand common wear and tear and won't pill much. Due to its weight, it creates a nice stitch definition.
Some of the most popular projects you can craft with DK yarn are lightweight scarves, cowls, baby clothing and blankets, socks, and hats, as well as mid-weight shawls and mittens, perfect for fall, spring, and summer. You can also make lightweight sweaters and cardigans.
What is DK Yarn's Brands
Now that you have a good understanding of what is DK weight yarn, when to use it, and what suggested needles and hooks to use, it’s time to begin your projects.
While you can always opt for any DK yarn, high-quality yarn produces quality results, so you’ll enjoy crafting more and improve your skills faster. With this in mind, below are some of the favorite DK weight yarns for crocheting and knitting.
Of course, this is just a small selection. There are many more great DK weight yarn brands that did not make it on this list.
Bernat Softee Baby DK Yarn
As the name implies, the baby line is the best choice for those of you who plan on crocheting and knitting baby items. Made with 100% soft acrylic, the Bernat Softee Baby DK Yarn is easy to maintain since you can wash and dry it in the machine set to delicate.
HOOKS & NEEDLES: Knitting-needle-wise, the manufacturer recommends that you use a number 6, while for crocheting, go for the 4-millimeter hook size.
Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop DK Yarn
The Lion Brand is yet another established company that offers yarns perfect for crafting DK weight yarn items. The Ice Cream Big Scoop is also made of machine-friendly acrylic but is a little more expensive than the Bernat Softee Baby.
HOOKS & NEEDLES: Lion Brand recommends you use a crochet hook with a five-millimeter (H-8) gauge and a knitting needle with a (No. 5) 3.75-millimeter gauge.
Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn
The Comfy Cotton Blend contains 50% cotton and 50% polyester. It’s perfect for knitting and crocheting summer and spring garments and accessories. Not only is the yarn absorbent, but also durable, machine-washable, and soft.
HOOKS & NEEDLES: When using this yarn, the suggested gauges are (J-10) six millimeters for crocheting and (No. 7) 4.5 millimeters for knitting.
Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash
If you prefer to craft warmer sweaters, scarves, baby blankets, and more, the Classic Wool DK Superwash is an excellent choice. This DK weight yarn is machine washable and dryable using a delicate setting since it’s made from 100% authentic wool.
HOOKS & NEEDLES: You would need a four-millimeter crochet hook and knitting needle to use this yarn successfully.
Rowan Felted Tweed DK
This England-based company has been in the business since 1978 and already manufactured a good line of DK weight yarn available in 98 shades. That said, it only introduced the Felted Tweed DK line in 2002 with only 12 different colorways. It became so popular that Rowan created more palettes, having a current count of 50. The only issue with the Rowan Felted Tweed DK is you can’t tumble it dry, though you can wash it in the machine.
HOOKS & NEEDLES: Use a four-millimeter crochet hook and knitting needle to use this yarn successfully.
Alpaca Warehouse Blend Alpaca Yarn Wool Set
This particular DK wool yarn set contains three steins, each weighing 1.76 ounces or 50 grams. You can choose from 14 plain colors, including baby pink, beige, black, ivory, navy blue, and red. The custom-made yarn contains 45% acrylic, 5% merino wool, and 50% alpaca. Hence, it’s hypoallergenic, durable, lightweight, soft, and breathable, perfect for crafting baby and adult garments.
HOOKS & NEEDLES: You would need a four-millimeter crochet hook and knitting needle to use this yarn successfully.
Other Notable DK Brands Include:
- Lionbrand Mandala (Self striping DK Yarn Cake)
- Paintbox Cotton DK Yarn
What is DK Weight Yarn - In Summary
DK is a light to medium weight yarn that allows you to craft decorations, accessories, and fall, summer, and spring garments. Its thickness or weight also assures it will be gentle on your baby's skin, especially if the yarn is made of hypoallergenic fibers.
You'll find a wide selection of brands producing DK weight yarn, but beginners can greatly benefit from the list above. All the brands included are established and have made a name in the industry because of their yarn lines’ outstanding features.
Choose what works best for your specific project by considering the yarn’s durability, breathability, color selection, and versatility. In terms of budget, you can purchase yarn individually or in sets. Hopefully, we've helped you understand better what is DK weight yarn and ensured you use it with the correct needle and hook sizes.
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