2 strands of DK = Worsted or Aran.
Sometimes you'll even see patterns use Aran and worsted interchangeably, noting that you can use a worsted/Aran weight yarn. But the two are not exactly interchangeable, especially in the U.S. Aran actually weighs slightly more than worsted yarn.
Aran weight yarns and worsted weight yarns are often interchangeable, but actually different weights. Worsted weight yarn is finer and knits on 4.5mm needles, and aran weight yarn (also known as heavy worsted or 10ply) is knitted on 5mm needles.
| Yarn Weight Conversion Chart |
|---|
| UK | USA | Australia |
|---|
| Aran | Worsted | 10 ply |
| Chunky | Bulky | 12 ply |
| Super Chunky | Super Bulky | 14 ply |
For a speedy make with fabulous results, aran crochet patterns are the way to go! From beautiful crochet aran cardigan patterns to crochet hats, jumpers and more.
2 strands fingering = one strand sportweight. 2 strands sport = one strand worsted weight. 2 strands worsted = one strand chunky to super bulky weight.
| Yarn Weight UK | Yarn Weight US | Needle Size |
|---|
| DK | Light Worsted | 4-5mm |
| Aran | Worsted | 4.5-6mm |
| Chunky | Bulky | 5-8mm |
| Super Chunky | Super Bulky | 8-12mm |
These thicker yarns are good for outdoor use and quicker knitting. For Chunky, using 6mm needles, you will get 14 sts and 18 rows to a 10cm/4" square and the WPI will be around 8 for woollen spun yarn.
The name Aran means Wild Goat Or Forest and is of Hebrew origin. Aran is a name that's been used primarily by parents who are considering baby names for boys. Hebrew name from the Bible, the younger son of Dishan in Genesis. Also a Thai name meaning "forest."
The yarn weights Aran and Worsted are both under the medium-weight category. The Aran is a little thicker than Worsted. The Worsted yarn can either be light-worsted or medium-worsted. The medium worsted is the closest category for Aran.
Characteristics. Traditionally, an Aran jumper is made from undyed cream-coloured báinín (pronounced "bawneen"), a yarn made from sheep's wool, sometimes "black-sheep" wool. They were originally made with unwashed wool that still contained natural sheep lanolin, making the garment water-repellent.
Top 10 Crochet Patterns in Aran
- Star Stitch Hat.
- Wren Sideways Shawl.
- Double Trouble Basket.
- Wool Dryer Baubles.
- Blushing Embers.
- Chloe Sideways Shawl.
- Blue Ridge Dish Cloth.
- Brianna Sideways Shawl.
Worsted (/ˈw?ːrst?d/ or /ˈw?st?d/) is a high-quality type of wool yarn, the fabric made from this yarn, and a yarn weight category. The name derives from Worstead, a village in the English county of Norfolk.
Yarn Weight (Thickness)
| Yarn Weight | US Needle Size | Knitting Stitches Per Inch, in Stockinette Stitch |
|---|
| Fine or sport-weight | 3–6 | 5–6 |
| Light worsted or DK (double-knitting) | 5–7 | 5–5 1/2 |
| Medium- or worsted-weight, afghan, Aran | 7–9 | 4–5 |
| Bulky or chunky | 10–11 | 3–3 1/2 |
Worsted weight yarn is a medium weight yarn that sits in the middle of the yarn weight family. Its medium thickness means that it's great for knitting sweaters, hats, scarves, mittens, blankets and beyond!
Choosing The Correct Yarn, Needle & Hook sizes For Knitting & Crochet
| USA | UK | Needle size (mm) |
|---|
| Worsted | Aran | 3.75mm-4.5mm |
| Chunky | Bulky | 5.5mm-8.0mm |
| Bulky | Chunky | 8.0mm and above |
| Jumbo | Super Chunky | 12.75 mm and above |
The number of wraps will act as a gauge to assess the thickness of unmarked yarn; for example 12 wraps per inch is 12 WPI, and is used to calculate how much yarn is required for various articles, so that 12 WPI is equivalent to 8 ply (worsted weight, medium weight) yarn.
Aran Wool is the midway between DK and Chunky, providing a fast growing, medium weight alternative. A prime choice for Men's garments and accessories, Aran wool can create stylish and flattering knits.
This means a strand of yarn made up of 4 plys now. could vary between being a very fine cobweb weight to extra bulky. 4 Ply is now used as a description of the thickness of the yarn regardless of its structure.
When you're substituting a yarn that's close to the pattern yarn (say the pattern calls for DK, and you have a worsted yarn) changing needle sizes offers a great chance for success without a lot of re-calculating. If you're not happy with the fabric, you can do the math.
Worsted (US) is slightly thinner than aran (UK). Both are approximately equal to 10 ply (AU/NZ). The term 'worsted' comes from a particular spinning method so it is possible to find worsted-spun DK yarn although this is relatively rare unless you're buying hand spun yarn.
Fingering weight yarn is one of the most versatile yarn weights available. Perfect for garments and accessories, you'll find fingering weight patterns run the gamut! Fingering weight yarns are recommended for projects with a knitting gauge of 7–8 stitches per inch and a crochet gauge of 5.25–8 single crochets per inch.
Compare yarn weights with our Knitting Wool Conversion Chart!
| Standard Yarn Weight System | USA | UK |
|---|
| 3 or Light | DK/Light Worsted | DK |
| 4 or Medium | Worsted | Aran |
| 5 or Bulky | Bulky | Chunky |
| 6 or Super Bulky | Super Bulky | Super Chunky |
