Upgrade Your Crocheting: A Beginner’s Guide to Worsted Yarn
Crocheting is a pleasant activity, whether because of the satisfying repetitive movements or the patterns in which they result. Unsurprisingly, it's the hobby of choice for many people of all ages, and after the year 2020, it's become even more popular. Whether you're a beginner crocheter or have mastered different techniques, you likely know you can use various kinds of yarns. You can even recycle non-fibre yarn-like alternatives into lovely works of art.
However, existing yarn recommendations are there to help crocheters, especially beginners, to help us choose our first yarn. For making your first swatches or learning how to crochet, some yarn options are easier to work with than others, making them the best beginner choice. The 10-ply yarn, also known as aran or worsted yarn, is one of those. Here's what you need to know about this popular knitting and crocheting yarn weight.
What Is 10 Ply Yarn?
The 10-ply or worsted-weight yarn is a medium-weight yarn, heavier than the Double Knit (DK), sports- and baby-weight yarn and lighter than the chunky or bulky yarn. When we say yarn weight, we're not talking about the actual weight of a yarn skein but its thickness, which is a key to any project. Therefore, the worsted yarn (labelled as number #4 or "medium" by manufacturers using the standard yarn weight system developed by the Craft Yarn Council) is an excellent medium-weight yarn.
While some newbies also find the DK and bulky yarns acceptable, others find them too thin or more challenging. Yet, most beginner crocheters find working with 10 ply yarns made of different materials most effortless. That makes this variety the ideal beginner-level yarn.
Claims from large-scale manufacturers and retailers like Lion Brand Yarns and Bernat have confirmed this yarn weight's popularity; they proclaimed the worsted yarn their most popular weight for crocheting and knitting. Others like Coats and Clark claim that their Red Heart Super Saver has been their best-selling yarn weight for over 70 years.
Best Uses for Worsted Yarn
Crochet enthusiasts, knitters, weavers, and other textile artists use 10 ply yarns for various projects, such as afghans, home decor items, toys, clothing, accessories, and more. This weight is excellent for quick and large projects, as it quickly knits up and shows progress. Its heavier weight allows for crocheting and knitting warm, cosy outfits, perfect for colder weather. When browsing the range of worsted-weight yarns, you'll notice different colours and undyed varieties so you can dye your produce later.
What Are Worsted Weight Yarns Made From?
At first, you may wonder how to determine which yarn fibre is best for your project. However, as you advance and it becomes second nature, you can decide only by looking or feeling the yarn. Until then, learn to read the yarn label; it will tell you the fibre type and provide all the information you need to choose the correct yarn for your project.
Wool
Wook is a resilient and forgiving fibre excellent for practising crochet stitches. If you make a mistake when crocheting with a wool 10-ply yarn, you can quickly unravel and reuse it (this is called frogging in crocheting). It's an excellent yarn for crocheting unless you are allergic to wool.
Cotton
Since cotton is a less elastic fibre than wool, it is slightly more challenging to work with. That inelasticity makes it excellent for specific projects where you're crocheting an item that needs to hold its shape. Cotton yarns are ideal for crocheting in summer when higher temperatures make it unpleasant to use wool. Also, they're lighter—perfect for summer projects.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a popular fibre choice among crochet lovers since it is widely available and reasonably priced. It is also available in many shades. One important thing to remember is that some of the less expensive acrylics can be difficult to work with since they tend to split. While uncommon, this can occasionally occur, so if you're new to crocheting with acrylic and finding it difficult, consider trying a different kind of acrylic yarn or yarn made of cotton or wool. That will reduce your stress level when learning to crochet.
Recommended Hook Sizes for Worsted Weight Yarn
While the recommended knitting needle sizes for 10-ply yarns (4.5 and 5.5 mm) are easily accessible, finding the best hook sizes for crocheting is more challenging. Hook size is a personal preference, and there are no rules about what size to use with any given yarn weight.
Since every crocheter has a slightly different style, you may (or may not) prefer a different hook size than someone else. Additionally, the kind of object you are trying to crochet may significantly impact the hook size you wish to use.
Beginners often start with a G hook and worsted weight yarn, but experimenting with different sizes can help refine your technique. For stiff, tight projects like amigurumi, a smaller hook, such as size G or F, is ideal to prevent stuffing from showing and to maintain shape. Pot holders, which need to be both insulating and flexible, typically require an H hook around 5.0 mm. Larger hooks like I, J, or K will work best if you aim for loose, drapey fabric. The Craft Yarn Council suggests using a 5.5–6.5 mm hook (I–9 to K–10 1/2) for worsted-weight yarn.
