sport weight yarn at Wabi Sabi, Ottawa's Local Yarn Store

sport yarn quick facts

what gauge is typical for sport weight yarn?

Typically 23–26 stitches per 10 cm (4 in) for sport weight yarn.

what size needles should I use?

Needles between 3.25–3.75 mm are most commonly used. Use the higher end of this range if you want a relaxed, soft fabric, and the smaller end if you want a tighter, more structured fabric.

what is this yarn used for?

Sport weight yarn is widely used for projects that benefit from a balance between lightness and structure. Many knitters choose this yarn weight for lightweight sweaters, baby garments, accessories, and textured knitting. It produces a finer fabric than DK or worsted yarn, but works up more quickly than fingering weight yarn.

is sport yarn the same as 5-ply yarn?

In some regions, sport weight yarn is referred to as 5-ply yarn. However, ply count does not always perfectly correspond to yarn thickness, so checking the recommended gauge is the most reliable way to compare yarns.

how does this compare to other yarn weights?

Sport weight yarn sits between fingering weight yarn and DK weight yarn in thickness. Some patterns written for these neighbouring yarn weights may be adaptable to sport yarn. It is always recommended to make a gauge swatch first when attempting a substitution like this.

what other names are used for sport yarn?

Sport yarn is sometimes referred to as 5-ply yarn in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. In the Craft Yarn Council system it generally falls within Category #2 (fine yarn). Because ply terminology does not always correspond exactly to yarn thickness, checking the recommended gauge is the best way to compare yarns.