8 Ply Yarn (DK Weight)

Recommended Needle Size

Commonly they use between a 3.75mm and a 4.5mm knitting needle or crochet hook. 

Common Yarn requirement

To knit a baby jumper you will need approximately 100-200g of 4ply, DK weight yarn depending on your pattern. A toddler garment requires 200g to 300g of yarn and a child up to approximately 600g. Adult garments really depend on style and the size you knit but for a dress size 14 womens you will need in the region of 700-1kg of yarn or up to 2kg for a mens jumper between but follow the yarn requirements in your pattern. A baby blanket will need approximately 400g.

Selecting the right yarn

When selecting yarns it's important to be aware yarn weights are not an exact measurement. Some yarns classed as 8 ply by one manufacturer could be a light 10py with another. This is why it's important to knit or crochet a gauge swatch. This allows you to both check the feel of the fabric and the needle size to use (again all knitters have a slightly different tension).

The fibres used to create the yarn also alter the finished piece. Cotton yarns tend to give a firmer finish to wool and fluffy yarns such as mohair and alpaca bloom to give a beautiful halo which often allows for a looser knit. 

For more information about substituting yarns click here.

For more information about gauge swatching click here.

If you need more help finding a yarn for your project feel free to send us a message, and we’ll get back to you with our expert advice or even pop into your local store.

Looking for Patterns?

Browse our collection of 8 ply patterns here

Need needles or hooks?

Browse our collection of Knitting Needles here

Browse our collection of Crochet Hooks here

FAQs

Is DK the same as 8ply?

Yes 8 ply yarn is also known as DK or Light Worsted Yarn. It is classed as 3-Light yarn.

What is 8ply yarn good for?

8 ply really is good for almost all project types. For many it is the go to yarn for garments as it is not too thick to wear but is also much quicker to make than the  lightweight 4 ply options. It also makes lovely accessories such as hats and scarves as well as blankets. If in doubt about what weight of yarn to use, if you pick 8ply yarn and pattern you won't go far wrong!

Is DK and worsted weight the same?

DK is thinner than worsted yarn however some yarn manufactures call DK yarn Light Worsted.