What is Worsted Weight Yarn: Ply, Weight & Uses

This article will discuss worsted weight yarn, including its features, uses, and how to identify it. Worsted weight yarn is also known as 10-ply and Aran, depending on where you live. It is a medium-weight yarn, particularly popular in the US and can be used for scarves, blankets, clothing, home decor and so much more.

What is Worsted Weight Yarn Definition

Worsted weight yarn is a medium weight yarn. It is also referred to as Aran, 10 ply, or category 4 and is one of the best-selling yarns due to its wide range of uses and economical pricing. This yarn is an excellent choice for beginners because it knits or crochets up fast and is widely available.

Like any other yarn type, worsted yarn can be made of acrylic, alpaca, cotton, or any synthetic fiber or thread blends. One of the best selling yarns in all categories is Red Heart Super saver, a worsted weight yarn in 100% acrylic.

You will also find light worsted weight yarn, which is slightly thinner and more similar to DK yarn or 8 ply.

The “worsted” term originated from a Norfolk, England village’s name, Worstead. Since the 12th century, it’s been famous for spinning or weaving fiber and producing smooth, even yarns.

Worsted Weight Yarn’s Weight Category

Yarn weight refers to how thin or thick the strand is rather than how physically heavy or light it is. It reflects how many strands have been put together and the process used in manufacturing the yarn.

To ensure a standard yarn weight system and category, the Craft Yarn Council was established in 1981. This non-profit trade association comprises some of the leading accessory and yarn manufacturers, book publishers, magazines, and consultants and is at the forefront of categorizing yarn weights.

Worsted weight yarn is a category 4, medium weight according to the CYC.

Do note that some manufacturers don’t use the CYC standard label. Depending on where the yarn has been manufactured, they use specific weight names such as 10-ply, which can be an easier way to determine what is worsted-weight yarn.

Gauge for Worsted Weight

The yarn label usually tells you the number of stitches and rows in a 4 inch (10cm) square. For worsted-weight yarn, this is generally 16-20 stitches per square. Knit or crochet a gauge swatch to check your number of stitches.

How to Identify Worsted Weight Yarn

There are other means on how you can determine the type of yarn that you have at hand or what is worsted weight yarn, including:

WPI and Sts/inch

Apart from the yarn number and name, you can also check its WPI (Wraps Per Inch) label, ranging from less than 6 to above 35. You may also look at the yarn’s Stockinette Stitch (sts/inch) label, ranging from less than 6 to 40. The higher the number, the lower the yarn number because thicker yarns occupy more space, leading to fewer wraps or stitches per inch.

Worsted weight yarn has a WPI of 9 to 11 and sts/inch of 4 to 5.

Number of Wraps of Worsted Weight Yarn

What if you have a pile of yarn and have lost some or all of the yarn ball bands? How will you determine if the yarn is of the worsted type? There is a simple technique for applying the WPI.

Method #1 – This technique uses tools that are already available in your kit, namely: a pencil and a ruler or tape measure.

The first thing you need to do is lay the ruler or tape measure on a flat surface. When using a tape measure, ensure you straighten it enough to achieve an accurate measurement.

Next, lay the pencil right below or above the measuring tool. Measure an inch; you may label each end with chalk or crayon for easy identification. Carefully wrap your yarn around the one-inch area of the pencil. Ensure you don’t do it too tightly, and no holes or space are present between the wrapped strands. If you have an inconsistently shaped yarn, you can exceed the one-inch mark.

Lastly, count the number of times you wrapped the yarn around the one-inch area of the pencil. The number of wraps a worsted weight yarn will have is between 9 and 11.

Method #2 – With this method of determining the number of wraps, all you need is a WPI tool. It’s a tool that already has a pre-measured area that you will wrap the yarn around. Some brands even have a WPI chart for your convenience.

Worsted Yarns Hook or Needle Size

Generally, the crochet size recommended by CYC when using worsted weight yarns ranges from 5.0 to 6.5 millimeters or I–9 to K–10 ½. Knitting needles sizes should be 4.5 – 5.5 mm or 7 to 9. Read more about crochet hook sizes.

That said, arts don’t come with specific rules, so needle or hook size is more of a personal choice. Meaning you can use sizes smaller or larger than the recommendation. The type of project you plan or want to accomplish will help determine your hook or needle choice for the worsted weight yarn. Here are some suggestions to guide you:

• Flexible, Tight (Dish Towels, Potholders, and Socks): 3.25 to 4.0 mm
• Stiff, Tight (Toys): 3.75 to 4mm
• Flexible, Flowy (Drapery, Blankets): 5.5 to 6.5mm
• Thicker Items: 6.5mm and above
• Lace Patterns: 6.0 to 8.0mm

As you can see from the above information, the size recommendations are not very specific. They come in ranges. Hence, it’s best to have a small trial project or try out a particular needle or hook size before proceeding with your project.

You can check whether or not you can achieve the texture, tension, or quality you’re aiming for, so you can change into either a smaller or larger gauge. This way, you won’t waste any yarn because of a failed project.

Features of Medium Worsted Yarn

Good Stitch Definition

In terms of qualities, the worsted yarn has an excellent stitch definition. That is why it is highly recommended for beginners. With this yarn, you would be able to see technique errors easily.

Economical

Combine this feature with its medium weight; items made out of it won’t be too bulky but will keep you snug and warm. It also makes it a budget-friendly option because you can craft more items with one ball of yarn than when using thicker types of yarn.

Durable

Another great feature of worsted yarn is its high durability or strength. That is all thanks to how it’s constructed. Worsted weight yarn has multiple plies, meaning thin or small yarns have been spun, twisted, and braided together.

What is Worsted Weight Yarn Used For?

Undoubtedly, worsted yarn is one of the most versatile and popular types, suitable for countless knitted and crocheted items. In fact, the Red Heart brand reported that its worsted yarn, Super Saver, has been its best-seller for over seven decades.

Apart from crocheting and knitting, worsted yarns are perfect for weaving, crafting, and textile arts. Thus, you can create patterns, baby items, cushion covers, accessories, decors, mittens, toys, hats, blankets, shawls, scarves, clothes, and more.

Worsted Weight Yarn Brands

Now that you know what is worsted-weight yarn and how to identify it, you’re assured that you’ll get the right type for your project. However, shopping for worsted yarns or any yarn can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a beginner. You’ll find multiple brands, and expectedly, there are high-quality and low-quality ones. As such, below are some of the most popular and established worsted yarn brands:

USA Worsted Weight Yarn Brands

• Lion Brand
• Knit Picks
• Mary Maxim
• Bernat

UK Worsted Weight Yarn Brands

• Laxtons Specialist Yarns
• Black Isle Yarns
• Town End Yarns

Australian Worsted Weight Yarn Brands

• Wagtail Yarns
• Millpost Merino
• Australian Organic Wool

What is Worsted Weight Yarn – In Conclusion

Worsted is a type of yarn with a medium “weight” or thickness that has been used for centuries. It is durable, versatile, highly accessible, beginner-friendly, and popularly utilized in the crocheting and knitting industries. Pair it with the right hook or needle size to make the most out of it and enjoy its benefits. We hope that we have helped you answer the question of what worsted-weight yarn is, when you can use it, and how to identify it.