Lace weight is category 0, the thinnest standard yarn, close to a fine thread. It is worked on small hooks and needles, often 1.5 to 2.25 mm, and it rewards patience with airy, intricate fabric. Lace shawls, fine doilies, and openwork wraps all rely on it, because at this fine gauge the spaces between stitches become the pattern.
Two practical notes. First, lace knit and crochet almost always need blocking to open up, since the fabric looks crumpled off the hook and only reveals its pattern once wet and pinned. Second, mohair is frequently spun as a lace weight with a soft halo, which is why lace and mohair are often mentioned together. Lace is slow work, so it suits a project you want to savor rather than finish fast.
Quick reference
- CYC weight
- 0
- Hook range
- 1.5 to 2.25 mm (steel to US B/1)
- Needle range
- 1.5 to 2.25 mm (US 000 to 1)
- Care
- Hand wash and block to open the lace. Handle wet lace gently.
Best for
- Lace shawls
- Doilies
- Openwork wraps
- Fine edgings
Not sure which weight to use for your project? Try the free yarn weight converter to find the closest substitute for any yarn in your stash.