Yarn Weight Conversion Chart – AU, US & UK
Use this yarn weight conversion chart to compare Australian (AU), American (US) and British (UK) yarn labels. Find approximate equivalents for 4 ply, 5 ply, 8 ply (DK), 10 ply (aran/worsted), chunky and other common yarns, along with suggested knitting needle and crochet hook sizes in millimetres (mm).
In Australia, 8 ply usually corresponds to DK (double knitting), commonly placed in US yarn category 3 (Light). 10 ply is often comparable to aran or worsted, commonly category 4 (Medium). 4 ply is often similar to fingering or sock-weight yarn, commonly category 1 (Super Fine). These are approximations, not guaranteed substitutions: always compare the yarn's recommended tension (gauge), metres per 100 g and project instructions.
Jump to yarn conversion chart | Needle & hook sizes | FAQs
Yarn Weight Conversion Chart – Australia, US & UK
These are approximate naming equivalents. Regional ply labels and yarn categories do not form an exact one-to-one sizing system, particularly for specialty, textured or loosely spun yarns.
| US category | Weight name | Australia (AU) common names | United States (US) | United Kingdom (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Lace | Lace, sometimes 1–2 ply | Lace, crochet thread | Lace, cobweb |
| 1 | Super Fine | 4 ply, sock | Fingering, sock | 4 ply, fingering |
| 2 | Fine | 5 ply, sport (less common) | Sport, baby | Sport, fine (labels vary) |
| 3 | Light | 8 ply, DK | DK, light worsted | DK (double knitting) |
| 4 | Medium | 10 ply, aran/worsted | Worsted, aran | Aran, worsted |
| 5 | Bulky | Chunky, sometimes 12 ply | Bulky, chunky | Chunky |
| 6 | Super Bulky | Super chunky | Super bulky | Super chunky |
| 7 | Jumbo | Jumbo, extra-thick | Jumbo | Jumbo |
Important: "Ply" on Australian yarn labels is commonly a traditional thickness category, not necessarily the actual number of strands twisted together. Two yarns with the same nominal ply can still knit or crochet differently.
Suggested Knitting Needle & Crochet Hook Sizes (mm)
The following ranges are general starting points, not fixed requirements. Patterns may specify different tools to create a particular fabric or tension. The ranges below follow the Craft Yarn Council's standard yarn-weight guidance.
| Category | Yarn weight | Knitting needles (mm) | Crochet hooks (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Lace | 1.5–2.25 | Steel 1.4–1.6; regular 2.25* |
| 1 | Super Fine | 2.25–3.25 | 2.25–3.5 |
| 2 | Fine | 3.25–3.75 | 3.5–4.5 |
| 3 | Light | 3.75–4.5 | 4.5–5.5 |
| 4 | Medium | 4.5–5.5 | 5.5–6.5 |
| 5 | Bulky | 5.5–8 | 6.5–9 |
| 6 | Super Bulky | 8–12.75 | 9–15 |
| 7 | Jumbo | 12.75+ | 15+ |
*Lace projects often use larger needles or hooks to create an open fabric. Always prioritise the pattern's recommended gauge and the yarn label.
What Do 4 Ply, 8 Ply and 10 Ply Mean in Australia?
Australian yarn packaging commonly uses terms such as 4 ply, 8 ply and 10 ply to indicate familiar yarn-weight groups. A 4-ply yarn is generally suited to finer projects, 8-ply or DK yarn is popular for everyday garments and blankets, and 10-ply or aran/worsted yarn produces a somewhat heavier fabric. The names are useful for shopping, but they do not guarantee identical thickness or finished gauge across brands.
How to Substitute Yarn from a Different Country
- Check the pattern's yarn category and suggested needle or hook size.
- Compare the label's recommended gauge (stitches and rows per 10 cm), not just the ply name.
- Compare fibre and construction: cotton, wool, acrylic, fluffy and chainette yarns behave differently.
- Check metres per 100 grams where available to help compare yarns within similar fibre types; this alone does not establish equivalence.
- Make a washed gauge swatch before starting a fitted garment or an important project.
How to Read a Yarn Label
Look for the yarn weight category or local name, fibre content, metres or yards per ball, ball weight, care instructions, suggested needle or hook size and gauge. If buying more than one ball, checking the dye lot helps avoid visible colour differences in a finished project.
Yarn Weight Conversion FAQs
Is Australian 8 ply the same as UK DK?
Usually, yes: Australian 8 ply is broadly comparable to UK double knitting (DK), commonly in category 3 (Light). Individual yarns still vary, so compare gauge before substituting.
What is Australian 4 ply called in America?
Australian 4 ply is often similar to US fingering or sock-weight yarn, usually category 1 (Super Fine). Check the label because these are approximate terms.
What is US worsted weight in Australia?
US worsted is generally category 4 (Medium), often comparable to Australian 10 ply or aran-weight yarn. It is not an exact replacement in every pattern.
Does 8 ply mean eight strands of yarn?
Not necessarily. In Australian yarn naming, 8 ply is often a traditional weight description; the yarn may have a different number of actual twisted strands.
Are chunky and bulky the same?
They often refer to a similar category of thick yarn (category 5), although brands may apply the terms differently. Super chunky or super bulky generally describes the thicker category 6.
Can I use the same yarn weight with any hook or needle size?
You can change tool sizes to alter fabric density and drape, but your project may turn out larger, smaller, looser or tighter. For patterns where size matters, use the stated gauge as your primary guide.
Related Fosmore Guides
These related links use the planned Fosmore page handles. Check that both pages are published at these addresses before adding this guide to your website.
Reference & Disclaimer
The standard 0–7 yarn categories and suggested tool sizes are based on the Craft Yarn Council Standard Yarn Weight System. Regional yarn names and ply equivalents are approximate. Always follow the yarn manufacturer's specifications and your chosen pattern's gauge. Fosmore is not affiliated with the Craft Yarn Council.