Yarn Weights Chart

A Free Printable Yarn Weights Chart for Knitters and Crocheters

Not sure what weight your yarn is? This free printable yarn weights chart is exactly what you need. Based on the standard yarn weights from the Craft Yarn Council, it gives you a clear, at-a-glance reference for every yarn weight – from lace all the way through to jumbo – as well as the weight descriptions for each of the ColourSpun yarns.

Why You Need a Yarn Weights Chart

Different countries describe yarn weights differently, which can make substituting yarns confusing. For example, what the UK calls DK, the US often calls light worsted. As a result, this yarn weights chart uses the UK terms that ColourSpun yarns follow, making it easy to compare weights across different brands and countries. Whether you’re substituting a yarn, following a pattern from another country, or simply trying to identify an unlabelled ball from your stash, this chart is a handy reference to keep close by.

How to Measure Your Yarn Weight Using WPI

If you’re not sure of your yarn’s weight, you can measure it using wraps per inch (WPI). To do this, you’ll need a WPI tool or a flat ruler marked in inches:

First, tie or tape the end of your yarn to the tool or ruler
Next, gently wrap the yarn over exactly one inch
Make sure the wraps are touching but not overlapping, and neither stretched nor loose
Finally, count the wraps and refer to your yarn weights chart to identify the weight

However, keep in mind that this method works best for smooth yarns. For fluffy yarns like mohair or textured novelty yarns, this method gives less accurate results. You’ll also notice that some WPI counts overlap on the yarn weights chart, because yarn density affects the final result.

What’s Included?

Standard yarn weights based on the Craft Yarn Council guidelines
ColourSpun yarn weight descriptions for easy reference
WPI guide to help you identify unlabelled yarn
Single-page, print-friendly PDF – keep it in your project bag or pin it up in your craft space

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a yarn weights chart?
A yarn weights chart is a reference guide showing the standard yarn weight categories, from lace through to jumbo, along with the recommended needle and hook sizes and wraps per inch for each weight. It makes it easier to identify yarn, substitute yarn, and follow patterns from different countries.

Why do yarn weight names differ between countries?
Different countries use different terms to describe the same yarn weight. What the UK calls DK, for example, the US often calls light worsted. This chart uses UK terms, which are the same terms ColourSpun yarns follow, making it easy to compare weights across brands and countries.

How do I measure yarn weight using WPI?
WPI stands for wraps per inch. Tie or tape the end of your yarn to a WPI tool or flat ruler, then gently wrap the yarn over exactly one inch, keeping the wraps touching but not overlapping and neither stretched nor loose. Count the wraps and refer to the chart to identify the weight. Note that this method works best for smooth yarns and gives less accurate results with fluffy or textured yarns.

Is the yarn weights chart free to download?
Yes, it is completely free. Download and print as many copies as you need to keep in your project bag or craft space.

Does the chart include ColourSpun yarn weights specifically?
Yes. As well as the standard Craft Yarn Council weight categories, the chart includes weight descriptions for each of the ColourSpun yarns, making it a useful reference when shopping or planning a ColourSpun project.

Are there other free printables available from ColourSpun?
Yes. ColourSpun also offers a free alphabetical Yarn Stash Tracker, a Pure Cotton Yarn and Scintilla Colour Catalogue, and a Knit and Crochet Project Planner, all available to download from the ColourSpun website.