What Is Light Weight Yarn? – Yarn Number 3 – An Easy Guide

Light weight yarn is an excellent in-between yarn weight, making it suitable for many projects. Read my full guide to weight number 3. 

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This post is part of my series of articles explaining everything about the topic of yarn weights and thickness of yarn.

Table Of Contents

• What Is It?
• Why Use It?
• Project Ideas
• Needle Sizes
• Substitutions
• FAQS

What Is Light Yarn?

It’s perfect for knitters of all levels. It isn’t too thin or thick. They’re fuzzy, lofty, and great for patterns with lots of detail.

• AKA – Light Worsted Yarn, DK weight yarn
• Weight Category – Light
• Wraps Per Inch (WPI) – 11 – 15⁽²⁾
• Knitting Gauge Range Equaling Four Inches – 21 – 24 stitches
• It’s thicker than super fine yarn, fine weight yarn, sport yarn, baby weight yarn, and sport weight yarn
• It’s thinner than yarn weights like worsted weight yarn, bulky yarn, chunky yarns, super bulky yarn, and jumbo yarn

Light Weight Key Facts

What Weight Number Is Light Weight Yarn?

According to the Craft Yarn Council, it’s weight number 3 on the yarn weight chart.⁽¹⁾ 

What’s It Made From?

Most sweaters are made with either acrylic, cotton, wool, or a blend of the above. You can also find bamboo, pima cotton, mulberry silk, or baby alpaca.

Why Use It?

It’s easy to work with, as it knits up quickly because it’s a thicker yarn and you use larger needles. Light sweaters, afghans, accessories and baby garments are some options to choose from!

What If It’s Held Double?

If you want a heavier yarn, try holding two strands together. This increases the drape of the fabric.

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Uses For This Yarn

You can make afghans, accessories, hats, toys, cardigans, scarves, gloves, thick socks, a hat pattern, clothing, a lightweight wrap, light sweaters, cowls, baby items, garments or blankets, fingerless gloves, and shawls.

It’s not suitable for arm knitting, or making rugs!

Light Weight Patterns To Try

Here are great free patterns for knitters using light yarn. They’re divided by skill level to make it easier for you. Hope you find a wonderful project to do next!

Beginner

• Ahimsa Long Branch Hat
• Striped Scarf
• #1315 Shoulder Season Cowl
• A Simple Hat
• Albin Baby Blanket

Intermediate

• “Team” Hoodie Cardigan
• #80 Errata Scarf
• Ballerina Wrap Top
• White Frost
• Pure Comfort Cardigan

Advanced

• Hanna Double Ribbed Cowl
• Kaarrokeneule Kastehelmi Pullover
• Brioche Hat
• Juurakko Cardigan
• Argyle Sweater Vest

What Knitting Needles To Use

• US Needle Size – 5 – 7
• For those of you in Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand – 3.75 – 4.5mm

Note: The above are guidelines only. Always do a gauge swatch before starting a project.

Substitutions

Run out of this or can’t find it? Use Aran weight yarn or worsted weight yarn instead. My previous article is sport weight yarn and next up in the series is what is DK weight yarn.

FAQS About Light Weight Yarn

How Do You Spot Light Yarn At Craft Stores?

If you’re looking for this at your local store, here’s how to find it.

• The ball band has a 3 on the yarn label
• If it’s called light worsted, check it out
• It’s usually sold in 1.8oz (50g) or 3.5oz (100g) skeins
• It’s affordable

Lion Brand has excellent ones to choose from.

How Popular Is Light Yarn?

It’s available widely, but it’s not as popular as worsted weight.

How Much Light Yarn For A Blanket?

Around 1150 yards.

How Much Light Yarn For A Sweater?

Around 1000 yards.

How Much Light Yarn For A Scarf?

Around 200 yards.

What Ply Is Light Weight Yarn?

It’s usually 8-ply.

You’ll love the drape and feel of this yarn as you knit! Happy knitting or crocheting! Have questions? Let me know below. (Your email address is never published.)

References

1. “Standard Yarn Weight System.” n.d. Craftyarncouncil.com. Accessed October 23, 2022. https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/yarn-weight-system.
2. “How to Measure Wraps per Inch (WPI).” n.d. Craftyarncouncil.com. Accessed October 23, 2022. https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/how-measure-wraps-inch-wpi.