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🧶 UNDERSTANDING KNITTING YARN WEIGHTS

🧶 Understanding Yarn Weights: A Simple Guide for UK Crafters

Brought to you by Mill Outlets – Great Value Wools & Yarns at milloutlets.co.uk

If you’re new to knitting or crochet, you’ve likely seen terms like DK, Aran, or Chunky and thought, “What does that actually mean?”  Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn strand, not the weight of the ball itself, and choosing the right weight is essential for your project’s size, texture, and finish.

At Mill Outlets, we stock a huge range of quality yarns at unbeatable prices, and we're here to help you choose the right one.

🧵 Yarn Weights Made Simple

UK Name US Equivalent Ply (Traditional) Common Uses Example from Mill Outlets Range
Lace Lace 1-2 ply Lightweight shawls, fine lacework King Cole Big Value 2 ply
4 Ply Fingering 4 ply Baby clothes, socks, detailed knits James C Brett Baby 4 Ply
Double Knitting (DK) Light Worsted 8 ply Everyday knits – hats, jumpers, toys James C Brett Top Value DK, James C Brett Emotions DK or King Cole Fjord DK
Aran Worsted 10 ply Chunky scarves, jumpers, blankets

James C Brett Baby Aran, King Cole Fashion Aran
Chunky Bulky 12-14 ply Cosy knits, winter accessories King Cole Nordic Chunky, King Cole Big Value Chunky, James C Brett Flutterby Chunky or James C Brett Marble Chunky
Super Chunky Super Bulky 14+ ply Fast projects, oversized textures King Cole Tufty Super Chunky, King Cole Big Value Super Chunky, Wendy Husky Super Chunky

Tip: You can browse by yarn weight on milloutlets.co.uk to find exactly what you need.

đź“Ź How to Pick the Right Yarn

  • Follow Your Pattern: Stick to the yarn weight recommended in your pattern for best results.

  • Check the Label: All yarns sold at Mill Outlets list their weight and recommended needle/hook sizes.

  • Match Your Gauge: If you swap yarn weights, always do a tension square first to check your gauge.

🧶 Ply vs Weight – What’s the Difference?

While “4 Ply” or “8 Ply” is still used in the UK, it’s more of a size reference than an actual strand count today. For example, DK (8 Ply) is a medium-light yarn popular for everyday garments - regardless of how many physical strands are twisted together.

đź’ˇ Starter Project Ideas from Mill Outlets Yarns

  • James C Brett Baby 4 Ply - Soft baby hats or booties.

  • James C Brett Top Value DK - Easy dishcloths or colourful granny square blankets.

  • King Cole Fashion Aran - A simple textured scarf or family jumper.

  • James C Brett Marble Chunky - Cosy bobble hats and fast-to-knit cardigans.

  • King Cole Big Value Super Chunky  - Arm-knit throws or winter cowls.

🧵 Need More Help?

Our team at Mill Outlets is happy to help with yarn advice for your next project. Just send us a message or give us a call - details below.  

Email Us: customers@milloutlets.co.uk

Call Us: 01788 890966

🛒 Shop now at milloutlets.co.uk – where quality yarns don’t cost the earth!

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