How to Use a Yarn Conversion Chart: Complete Guide

Christa Patel

How to Use a Yarn Conversion Chart

Have you ever fallen in love with a pattern only to discover you can't find the exact yarn it calls for? Or perhaps you've stumbled upon a gorgeous skein of yarn but aren't sure what you can make with it? A yarn conversion chart is your crafting compass in these situations! We've created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of yarn weights and substitutions with confidence and creativity.

What Is a Yarn Conversion Chart and Why Do You Need One?


A comprehensive yarn conversion chart helps you understand different yarn weight systems

A yarn conversion chart is a reference tool that helps crafters understand how different yarn weight systems relate to each other. It's like a translation dictionary for yarn! These charts typically show how yarn weights are categorized across different systems (US, UK, Australia) and include information about recommended needle or hook sizes, gauge, and suitable projects for each weight.

Why is this so important? Because yarn terminology varies widely around the world! What's called "worsted weight" in the US might be known as "aran" in the UK, while "DK" (double knitting) weight has different names depending on where you're crafting. Without a conversion chart, you might end up with a sweater that could fit a giant or a scarf better suited for a doll!

Benefits of Using a Yarn Conversion Chart

  • Substitute yarns confidently when you can't find the exact brand specified in a pattern. Understand patterns from different countries that use unfamiliar terminology.
  • Make informed decisions when shopping for yarn online or in unfamiliar stores
  • Achieve the correct gauge and project size by selecting appropriate yarn weights
  • Expand your crafting options by understanding how to work with different yarn weights

How to Access and Interpret your Yarn Conversion Chart

Our yarn conversion chart is designed to be user-friendly while providing comprehensive information. Here's how to access and make the most of this valuable resource:

Step 1: Navigate to the Chart

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Step 2: Understanding the Chart Components

The SecretYarnery.com yarn conversion chart includes several key components that help you understand different yarn weight systems:

Column What It Shows How to Use It
Standard Yarn Weight System Categories 0-7 with symbols Look for this symbol on yarn labels
Common Names Various names used for each weight Match pattern terminology to standard weights
Ply Count Traditional ply numbering Helpful for older patterns or international yarns
WPI (Wraps Per Inch) Number of yarn wraps in one inch Measure unlabeled yarn to determine weight
Knitting Needle Size Recommended needle sizes in mm and US sizing Select appropriate needles for your yarn
Crochet Hook Size Recommended hook sizes in mm and US sizing Select appropriate hooks for your yarn


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Practical Examples of Using the Yarn Conversion Chart

Let's walk through some real-world examples of how to use the yarn conversion chart to solve common crafting dilemmas:


Visual comparison of different yarn weights from lace (left) to super bulky (right)

Example 1: Converting Between US and UK Terminology

Scenario: You've found a beautiful UK pattern that calls for "4-ply" yarn, but you're in the US and not sure what to look for.

Solution: Using the SecretYarnery.com chart, you can see that UK "4-ply" corresponds to US "fingering" or "sock" weight yarn (Category 1). The chart also shows you'll need 2.25-3.25mm (US 1-3) knitting needles or 2.25-3.5mm (US B-1 to E-4) crochet hooks.


Example 2: Substituting Yarn Brands

Scenario: A pattern calls for "Cascade 220," a specific worsted weight yarn, but your local store doesn't carry it.

Solution: Check the yarn label or manufacturer's website to confirm Cascade 220 is a Category 4 (Medium/Worsted) yarn. Using the conversion chart, you can identify that you need any yarn labeled as Category 4, Worsted, Aran, or 10-ply with a similar fiber content to achieve comparable results.


Yarn labels typically include the weight category symbol and recommended needle/hook sizes

Example 3: Working with Unlabeled Yarn

Scenario: You have unmarked yarn in your stash with no label information.

Solution: Use the WPI (Wraps Per Inch) method from the chart:

  • Wrap the yarn around a ruler for one inch, ensuring the strands touch but don't overlap
  • Count how many wraps fit in that inch
  • Check the chart: if you count 14-16 wraps, you have DK weight (Category 3)The chart then tells you the appropriate needle/hook sizes to use

Tips for Substituting Yarns Using the Conversion Chart

Knowing how to substitute yarns effectively can save your projects when you can't find the exact yarn specified. Here are some expert tips for successful yarn substitution:

A crafter comparing different yarn options for a project using a conversion chart

Consider Fiber Content

While the weight conversion chart helps you match thickness, fiber content significantly affects how your project turns out:

Best Practice

  • Match fiber types when possible (wool for wool, cotton for cotton)
  • Consider the properties needed (stretch, drape, warmth)
  • For blends, focus on the dominant fiber

What to Avoid

  • Substituting plant fibers for animal fibers without adjusting gauge
  • Ignoring drape qualities (alpaca drapes more than wool)
  • Forgetting about care requirements (washable vs. hand-wash only)

Check Your Gauge

Even with the same weight category, different yarns can produce different gauges:

  1. Always make a gauge swatch with your substituted yarn
  2. Measure stitches and rows per inch and compare to pattern requirements
  3. Adjust needle/hook size up or down to achieve the correct gauge
  4. Block your swatch as you would the finished item before measuring


Calculate Yardage Needs

Different yarns come in different put-ups (amount of yarn per ball/skein):

If You Need to Calculate Formula Example
Total yardage needed Pattern yardage × number of skeins Pattern calls for 4 skeins of 220yd each = 880yds total
Number of new skeins needed Total yardage ÷ yardage in new skein 880yds total ÷ 400yds per new skein = 2.2 skeins (buy 3)

 

Pro Tip: Always buy an extra skein when substituting yarns, especially if they're from different dye lots. It's better to have too much than to run out mid-project!


Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Yarn Conversion Charts

Even with a great conversion chart, there are some pitfalls to watch out for. Here's how to avoid the most common mistakes:

A comparison showing correct and incorrect yarn substitution results

Left: Correct yarn substitution. Right: Incorrect weight substitution resulting in loose fabric

  • Ignoring Ply vs. Weight: Don't assume ply count always indicates weight. Modern yarns often don't follow traditional ply-to-weight relationships. A single-ply yarn can be bulky, while an 8-ply might be DK weight.
  • Overlooking Country Differences: Remember that UK, US, and Australian systems use different terminology. What's called "worsted" in the US is often called "aran" in the UK.
  • Focusing Only on Weight Category: Two yarns in the same weight category can have different characteristics. Consider factors like twist, fiber content, and construction.
  • Skipping the Gauge Swatch: Even with perfect weight matching, always make a gauge swatch with your substituted yarn to ensure correct sizing.
  • Miscalculating Yardage: Different yarns have different densities. You might need more or less yardage when substituting, even within the same weight category.
  • Remember: The yarn conversion chart is a starting point, not the final word. Your project's success depends on testing your substitution with a proper gauge swatch.

FAQs

Can I use this chart for both Crochet and Knitting?

Yes! Our yarn conversion chart includes recommended sizes for both knitting needles and crochet hooks. The yarn weight categories are the same for both crafts, though keep in mind that crochet typically uses about 30% more yarn than knitting for the same project size.

What if my yarn isn't listed on the chart?

If your specific yarn brand isn't listed, look for the weight category symbol on the label (numbers 0-7 inside a yarn skein icon). If there's no label, use the WPI (Wraps Per Inch) method described in our examples section to determine the weight category. You can also search online databases like Ravelry that maintain extensive yarn information.

How do I adjust for gauge differences after conversion?

If your gauge swatch doesn't match the pattern requirements even after selecting the correct weight category:

  1. Try changing needle/hook sizes first (smaller for fewer stitches per inch, larger for more stitches per inch)
  2. If that doesn't work, you may need to adjust the pattern by calculating a different size
  3. For significant gauge differences, consider choosing a different yarn that better matches the required gauge

Are yarn weights standardized internationally?

While the Craft Yarn Council's system (categories 0-7) is becoming more widely adopted, international standards still vary. UK, US, and Australian systems use different terminology for the same weights. Our conversion chart helps bridge these differences by showing equivalent terms across systems.

Can I mix different yarn weights in one project?

Yes, but with caution. Mixing weights can create interesting textures and effects, but it can also affect drape, size, and appearance. If mixing weights, swatch the combination first and be prepared to adjust your pattern. Some techniques like stranded colorwork or certain stitch patterns work better with mixed weights than others.

Ready to Master Yarn Substitution?

Download our comprehensive yarn conversion chart now and keep it in your project bag for easy reference whenever you need it!

Get Your Own Yarn Conversion Chart

Conclusion: Becoming a Yarn Conversion Expert

Understanding yarn weights and how to convert between different systems opens up a world of possibilities for your crafting projects. With the SecretYarnery.com yarn conversion chart as your guide, you can confidently substitute yarns, understand patterns from around the world, and make informed decisions about your projects.

Remember that while the chart provides excellent guidance, the best results come from combining this knowledge with proper swatching and attention to fiber properties. Happy crafting, and may all your yarn substitutions be successful!

A completed knitting project with the yarn and conversion chart that helped create it

With the right yarn conversion knowledge, your projects will turn out just as you envisioned

Christa Patel is a passionate crocheter, fiber arts educator, and content creator. With over a decade of experience exploring yarns, hooks, and patterns, she turns complex topics into simple guides for beginners and pros alike. Christa loves sharing practical tips, colorful ideas, and handy resources to help others enjoy crochet without stress. When she’s not stitching up new designs, she enjoys teaching workshops, testing yarns, and connecting with crafters around the world. Follow Christa for easy-to-understand advice and ongoing crochet inspiration.

Christa’s mission is to make crochet more accessible and confidence-boosting for everyone. She believes the right tools and clear information can help any maker create projects they’re proud of. Whether you’re navigating yarn labels for the first time or diving into advanced techniques, Christa’s guides and tutorials support every step of your creative journey.

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