Fine Weight Yarn is a category in the Standard Yarn Weight System. Labeled Number 2, it is a thin yarn for many projects. Read on for why you’d want to knit with this yarn.
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This post is part of my series of articles explaining everything about the topic of yarn weights and the yarn weights chart.
Table Of Contents
What Is Fine Weight Yarn?
Fine weight yarn is also known as sport weight yarn. It’s thinner than DK weight yarn and thicker than fingering.
- AKA – Sport weight yarns, Baby
- Weight Category – Fine
- Number 2
- Wraps Per Inch (WPI) – 12 – 18(2)
- Knitting Gauge Range Equaling 4” – 23 – 26 sts
- It’s thicker than super fine yarn
- It’s thinner than worsted weight yarn, super bulky yarn
Fine Weight Key Facts
What Weight Number Is Fine Weight Yarn?
It’s weight number 2 on the yarn weight chart.(1)
What Are Fine Weight Yarns Made From?
It’s usually made from natural fibers like wool yarn, merino wool, cotton yarn, and linen or dyed yarn, or synthetic fibers like acrylic.
Why Use This Yarn Weight?
Fine weight yarn is perfect for projects where you want more texture and drape than with worsted weight yarn. But you don’t want to go as thin as a lace-weight yarn. It’s also perfect for summer garments because it won’t be too hot to wear.
What If It’s Held Double?
If you hold two strands of fine weight yarn together, it knits up as a DK weight yarn.
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Uses For This Yarn
It’s most often used for baby items, summer tops, and other garments where a lighter weight yarn is desired. Here are other projects to try using this fiber: thick socks, accessories, knit sweaters, scarves, shawls, lightweight afghans, clothing, warmer items for fall, or hats. I don’t recommended making blankets.
Fine Weight Patterns To Try
Here are great free patterns for knitters using fine weight yarn. They’re divided by skill level to make it easier for you. Hope you find a wonderful project to do next!
Beginner
- College Bound Beanie Pattern
- Artist Hat
- Mendenhall Shawl
- Lady Of Winterfell Cowl
- Elementary Wrap in Season Alpaca
Intermediate
Advanced
What Knitting Needles To Use
- US Needle Size -3 – 5
- For those of you in Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand – 3.25 – 3.75 mm
Note: The above are guidelines only. Always do a gauge swatch before starting a project using a fine yarn weight.
Substitutions
If you’ve run out of fine weight yarns or can’t find it, here’s what to use instead. For a finer gauge, use super fine weight yarn or fingering weight yarn.
For a thicker gauge that’s slightly heavier, use:
- Light worsted weight yarn
- DK weight yarn
My previous article is sock weight yarn and next up in the series is what is sport weight yarn.
Yarn Weight Chart
To help you with substituting yarn, here’s my handy yarn weight chart.
FAQS About Fine Weight Yarn
How Do You Spot Fine Weight At Craft Stores?
You find it by looking for light weight yarn, sport weight or the number 2 on the yarn label. Here is a video tutorial by Nancy Queen from NobleKnits on how to determine what fibers are which yarn weights.
This excellent breakdown of this subject will help you! Want recommendations on where to buy this certain weight? Lion Brand has excellent suggested choices for your next project, plus all the other weight categories. Shopping in their online store is easy! They have many supplies and price options.
How Popular Is Fine Weight?
The thickness of this yarn is a bit heavier than fingering, and not as popular as DK weight or worsted. But, it’s perfect for making items where you don’t want the bulk of a thicker fiber.
How Much Fine Weight For A Blanket?
I don’t recommend it for a blanket, as it’ll be very thin. You could try holding two strands together to make a DK weight yarn, but that uses twice as much yarn.
How Much Fine Weight For A Sweater?
It depends on the size you’re making. Get at least 1200 yards for an adult sweater. For a baby sweater, you need around 600 – 800 yards.
How Much Fine Weight For A Scarf?
You’ll need around 200 yards for a scarf.
How Many Ply Is Fine Weight Yarn?
Fine weight yarn is usually 2-ply. Ply is the number of strands twisted together to make the yarn. It can be 1-ply, 2-ply, 3-ply and so on.
What Is Fine Weight Yarn In The UK?
The UK calls it 4-ply yarn.
Is DK The Same As Fine?
No, DK is not the same as fine weight. DK is a little thicker and is classified as a light worsted weight yarn.
Is Fingering Yarn Fine Or Superfine?
Fingering weight yarn is classified as super fine.
Is Fine Weight Yarn The Same As Super Fine?
No, fine weight yarn isn’t the same as super fine, it’s thicker.
Is Fine Weight Yarn The Same As Super Bulky?
No, fine weight yarn isn’t the same as super bulky. Super bulky is much thicker!
Is Fine Yarn The Same As Sport Weight?
No, fine weight isn’t the same as sport weight, it’s thinner.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this guide on fine weight yarn. If you have questions, leave a comment below!
References
- “Standard Yarn Weight System | Welcome to the Craft Yarn Council.” n.d. Accessed October 7, 2022. https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/yarn-weight-system.
- “How to Measure Wraps Per Inch (WPI) – the Craft Yarn Council.” n.d. Accessed October 7, 2022. https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/how-measure-wraps-inch-wpi.
