Knitting and crocheting are crafts that transcend borders, but one thing that often varies from country to country is the naming conventions and categorization of yarn weights. Understanding these differences is crucial for crafters who want to follow patterns from different countries or substitute yarns. Let’s unravel the yarn weight systems in South Africa, the US, Australia, and the UK.
South Africa
In South Africa, yarn weights are not standardized in the same way as in the US or UK. However, South African crafters often use UK terminology due to historical ties. Naming conventions vary among crafters, with each adopting terms that reflect their individual preferences. The most common terms used are lace, 4-ply, DK (double knitting), aran, and chunky. South African yarns may also be labeled with the number of strands or ‘ply’ that make up the yarn, which can give an indication of the yarn’s thickness.
United States
The US uses a standardized system created by the Craft Yarn Council. Yarns are categorized from 0 to 7, starting with lace and moving up to jumbo. Each category has a recommended gauge range, needle size, and hook size. For example, a ‘4’ weight yarn is medium weight, also known as worsted, and is suitable for a wide range of projects.
United Kingdom
The UK uses a similar system to Australia, with the ply count being a significant indicator of yarn weight. UK yarn weights include 4-ply, DK, aran, and chunky. The UK also uses terms like ‘double knitting’ (DK) and ‘aran’ which are specific types of yarns within the medium weight category. A 4-ply yarn in the UK is fine and often used for baby garments or delicate shawls. These terms can be traced back to the historical production methods of yarn, where ‘ply’ referred to the number of strands twisted together to make the yarn.
Australia and New Zealand
Down under, Australia and New Zealand typically use the ‘ply’ system, where the ply number indicates the thickness of the yarn. The most common ply weights are 2-ply, 3-ply, 4-ply, 5-ply, 8-ply, 10-ply, and 12-ply. Australian yarn weights range from 2-ply, which is very fine, up to 14-ply, which is quite bulky. It’s important to note that an Australian 8-ply is equivalent to a DK in the UK and a light worsted in the US while a 10-ply yarn corresponds to aran or medium weight.
To help you navigate this, here’s a handy table that compares yarn weight naming conventions across these regions:
| Yarn Weight – US | UK | Australia | South Africa |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – Lace – Fingering | 1 Ply | Cobweb | Lace |
| 1 – Superfine – Sock | 2 Ply | Lace | Baby |
| 2 – Fine – Sport, Baby | 3 Ply | Baby | 3 Ply |
| 3 – Light – DK, Light Worsted | 4 Ply | 4 Ply | 4 Ply |
| 4 – Medium – Worsted, Aran | DK | 8 Ply | DK |
| 5 – Worsted | Aran | 10 Ply | Worsted / 10 Ply / Aran |
| 6 – Bulky | Chunky | 12 Ply | Bulky |
| 7 – Super Bulky | Super Chunky | 14 Ply | Super Bulky |
| 8 – Jumbo | Jumbo | Jumbo | Jumbo |
Conversion Challenges
One of the biggest challenges for crafters is converting these weights when using international patterns. A pattern from the UK calling for DK yarn might leave an American crafter puzzled, as the term isn’t commonly used in the US. Similarly, an Australian pattern using 10-ply yarn would require some research for a South African knitter to find the equivalent weight.
It’s essential for pattern designers to clearly specify the terminology used for yarn weights within their patterns, as per the country-specific terms, to ensure clarity and ease for crafters globally. This attention to detail will aid in creating a seamless crafting experience, avoiding confusion and fostering a more inclusive crafting community.
Tips for Conversion
To help with conversion, crafters can refer to yarn weight charts that compare the systems used in different countries. Another handy tip is to look at the recommended gauge on the pattern and match it to the yarn label, which often includes information about the recommended needle size and the number of stitches per inch.
Wrapping it Up!
Understanding yarn weights and naming conventions is essential for every knitter and crocheter, as it ensures that the finished project turns out as expected. Whether you’re in South Africa working with ply, in the US deciphering the Standard Yarn Weight System, in Australia navigating through ply confusion, or in the UK picking the perfect Aran, knowing these conventions can make all the difference in your crafting journey.
So next time you pick up an international pattern, fear not the yarn weight terminology. With a little bit of knowledge and the right conversion chart, you’ll be stitching away in no time, creating beautiful projects that transcend borders and oceans.
I personally prefer the US naming convention for yarn weights. Which is your preferred yarn weight terminology? Let us know in the comment section.
Happy crafting!
