Yarn Weight (crochet)
I inherited a bunch of yarn from my grandma when she passed. None of it had labels, so I’m struggling to figure out what hook to use.
This one looks ‘light’ to me, but crocheted way more than 4 inches in 21 stitches when I used a 3.75mm hook, so according to that metric I found online it should be thicker. But it also made more than 4 inches in 16 stitches when I used a 5mm hook, so it’s bigger than ‘medium’ too? It’s DEFINITELY not bulky yarn! What am I doing wrong??
Understanding yarn weight is critical for crocheters, especially when working with inherited yarn that lacks labels. Yarn weight determines the type of hook to use and the overall project outcome. Yarn is typically categorized into seven weights: lace, super fine, fine, worsted, bulky, super bulky, and jumbo. The confusion often arises from varying stitches per inch. For instance, if you're achieving more than four inches in 21 stitches using a 3.75 mm hook, the yarn might be thicker than you perceive. Conversely, 16 stitches at 5 mm suggest a medium weight. A swatch is essential! Crochet a small square with your yarn and the suggested hooks. Measure the stitches and rows per inch to gain clarity on its actual weight. Using a weight conversion chart can also assist in determining the best matches for patterns. Remember, yarn weights are relative. Your personal crochet tension, the hook size, and stitch style can all affect the final gauge. Don't hesitate to seek resources and ask the crochet community—users often share similar struggles, and platforms like forums provide valuable insights. Check trending hashtags such as #yarnstruggles and #wanttolearn for advice and support from fellow crochet enthusiasts.
That looks like acrylic yarn, Medium 4, which usually calls for a 5.5 mm hook. However, to find the right hook to use, depends on the type of project you’ll be making, your tension, etc. For example, if you are making a piece of clothing vs making an amigurumi doll, they use different hooks and use the same yarn.