CrochetZen yarn guide
Yarn Weights and Fibers Explained
Picking the right yarn changes everything about a project. The weight determines how fast it works up and how warm the result is. The fiber determines how it feels, how it washes, and how it ages. Each guide below gives you the actual numbers: CYC weight category, hook size range, yardage estimates, and specific best uses.
US and UK yarn weight names do not always match. Worsted in the US is close to aran in the UK. DK is the same name in both systems but can vary slightly in thickness between brands. Each page notes the UK equivalent so you can follow patterns from either tradition.
Yarn Weights
- CYC 4·UK: Aran
Worsted Weight Yarn
Hook: 5.0 to 6.5 mm (US H/8 to K/10.5)
Worsted weight (CYC 4) is the most popular yarn weight for crochet and knitting, balancing speed, warmth, and ease of working for beginners and experts alike.
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- CYC 3·UK: Double Knitting (DK)
DK Weight Yarn
Hook: 3.5 to 4.5 mm (US E/4 to G/7)
DK weight (CYC 3, double knitting) is a light-medium yarn that produces finer fabric than worsted but works up faster than fingering, popular for garments and lightweight accessories.
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- CYC 5·UK: Chunky
Bulky Weight Yarn
Hook: 6.5 to 9.0 mm (US K/10.5 to M/N/13)
Bulky weight (CYC 5) yarn works up fast on large hooks and is a favorite for chunky blankets, cozy hats, and beginner projects where quick results build confidence.
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Yarn Fibers
Fiber
Mohair Yarn
Mohair is a long-staple fiber from the Angora goat, prized for its silky sheen, lightweight warmth, and the halo of fine fibers that bloom around each strand after washing.
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Fiber
Chenille Yarn
Chenille yarn has a soft, velvety pile made from short fibers woven around a core thread, producing a plush, smooth fabric often used for baby items, velvet-look blankets, and stuffed toys.
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Fiber
Cotton Yarn
Cotton yarn is a plant-based fiber with excellent stitch definition, zero stretch, and full machine washability, making it the go-to material for dishcloths, summer garments, and crochet bags.
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