WHAT IS DK WEIGHT YARN?

DK weight yarn is one of the most popular choices for knitters. It's versatile, comes in a wide range of colors, and is easy to work with. It’s also a common choice for people who are new to knitting, as it's not as thin as superfine weight yarn and not as thick as worsted weight yarn.

But before you go out and purchase a ball of DK weight yarn, it’s important for you to first understand what it is and how you can use it for your next knitting project.

What is DK Yarn (Double Knitting)?

DK yarn is a Lightweight Size 3 yarn that is often used for various knit and crochet projects. It's also known as "double knitting" yarn, which comes from a technique used to knit a double-layered fabric.

This makes the finished product more warm and durable, which is why it's often used for winter garments like sweaters, hats, afghans, and more. DK yarn is usually made from wool, acrylic, or a blend of both fibers.

What Size Yarn is DK Weight?

The size and weight of DK weight yarn can vary depending on the brand and type of yarn. Most DK weight yarns are between 3 and 5-ply, with a gauge of 22 to 24 stitches per 4 inches. The weight of DK yarn is usually between 50 and 100 grams, depending on the brand.

How Do I Know If My Yarn is DK Weight?

If you're new to knitting or crochet, you may be wondering how to tell if your yarn is DK (double knit) weight.

First and fore most, the yarn label should indicate the yarn's weight. The U.S. Craft Yarn Council sets standards for yarn weights, and DK weight is categorized as "light." If there is no label, you can try to find the gauge. DK weight yarn should have a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows per 4 inches (10 cm).

Another way to tell if your yarn is DK weight is by its thickness. DK weight yarn is thinner than worsted weight yarn (size-4-worsted weight yarns) but thicker than sport weight yarn (2-fine yarns).

Is DK Yarn the Same as Worsted?

DK yarn and worsted yarn are often confused because they can feel so similar, but there are some important differences between the two yarn sizes that you should be aware of before beginning your next knitting or crocheting project.

Worsted yarns are thicker and may have more plys enhancing the loftiness of the yarn, this loft adds bulk to the design of your items. Worsted weight yarns are great for afghans but this bulkiness should be factored in when designing garments. DK yarn, on the other hand, has a shorter pile decreasing while maintaining loft and creates a drape that falls closer to the body. This is one of the reasons why DK yarns are often a first choice when designing garments that show off texture and fit close to the body.

Can I Use Aran Instead of DK?

Whether or not you can substitute DK weight yarn with Aran yarn depends on your project. Aran yarn is heavier than DK yarn, so it may work better for projects that need extra warmth or durability, like winter sweaters or blankets. On the other hand, DK yarn may be a better choice for projects that require lighter-weight yarn.

Our Popular DK Weight Yarns

If you’re looking for DK weight yarns for your next project, Mary Maxim has a vast catalog you can explore. Here are some of the popular yarns from our collection:

Premier Anti-Pilling Yarn - Everyday DK

Made of 100% anti-pilling acrylic fiber, this Everyday DK yarn has superior durability and will look new even after several washes. Its fiber makeup allows it to resist pilling, retaining its natural look for longer. Further, it comes in more than 40 colors, giving you versatile and flexible options.

Bernat Softee Baby Yarn

If most of your knitting or crocheting projects are aimed at creating baby clothes and garments, you’ll find the 100% acrylic Bernat Softee Baby Yarn a must-have. It’s the softest yarn you’ll ever hold and run between your fingers and comes in pastel colors that are perfect for your baby projects.

Patons Astra Yarn

The Patons Astra is a 3-light DK yarn made of 100% acrylic fiber. Its lightweight composition makes it a good option for afghans, baby blankets, sweaters, and more. It also comes in the most popular colors you need in your kit, including variations of grey, white, black, medium blue, and baby pink.