Worsted weight yarn is a medium weight yarn, between a DK/Sport weight and a chunky weight yarn. Commonly used for sweaters, scarves, hats and light blankets, it's also a great beginner yarn, where thinner and bulkier yarns can be more of a challenge. Also popular with crochet where it is often made into blankets and throws.

Needle size for worsted weight projects can vary based on desired effect so check your pattern for recommended needle size.

Also consider the number of plies your worsted yarn has, with more plies giving more strength and durablity, meaning less pilling. So for hats and gloves/mittens especially look for a multi ply worsted like Jade Sapphire's Zageo.

How to choose the best yarn for knitting or crochet?

Look at our huge collection of worsted weight yarns above: there are a lot of choices when selecting a luxury worsted weight yarn. One big consideration is your budget of course. Malabrigo Merino, Blue Sky's Worsted Organic Cotton and Woolstok are all very popular yet affordable yarns. Fab's own Peau de Soie Silk is also an incredible value on a lovely and durable silk worsted.

LUXURY WORSTED WEIGHT YARNS

For a special project you can't beat a cashmere worsted like Jade Sapphire's 6-ply Zageo or Artyarn's 5-ply Cashmere. But then you've also got Artyarns amazing beaded silk/mohair blends like Beaded Silk Rhapsody.

WHAT IS ARAN WEIGHT YARN (VS worsted)?

Aran weight yarn is similar to worsted but slightly heavier, sometimes known as heavy worsted. More commonly known in the UK and you can substitute one for another depending on the pattern. Your resulting piece will be about 10% larger using an aran weight yarn vs a worsted, so for a blanket no big deal but for garments, you'll end up with a larger size. Blue Sky's Woolstok Tweed is an excellent example of an aran weight yarn. (See pattern at right).