Yarn

Yarn weights

The weight is the thickness, numbered from 0 (lace, very thin) to 7 (jumbo, very thick). The most common are:

• 1 Super fine (sock, fingering): socks and fine baby clothes.
• 3 Light (DK): baby things, light sweaters.
• 4 Medium (worsted, aran): hats, scarves, blankets. The best weight to learn with.
• 5 Bulky (chunky): quick, cosy hats and blankets.
• 6 Super bulky: very fast, very thick.

Fibres

• Cotton: no stretch, shows every stitch, washes well. Great for dishcloths, bags and toys.
• Acrylic: cheap, soft, machine washable, lots of colours. Good for practice and blankets.
• Wool: warm, stretchy, forgiving. Great for hats and sweaters.
• Blends: a mix, often wool with acrylic, to get the best of both.

Reading the label

• The weight number or name.
• The length (metres or yards) and weight (grams) of the ball.
• The hook or needle size to use.
• The gauge: how many stitches and rows make 10 cm.
• The dye lot: buy all your balls with the same number so the colour matches.