Holding two strands of yarn together can make some beautiful projects. I came across several blogs and lovely patterns on Ravelry which show some spectacular outcomes of holding two yarns of the same weight together.
I’ve got it in my head to do a gradient sweater with a set of Miss Babs Fingering Weight yarn and I’m not too keen on knitting it at a fingering weight. I once knit a sport weight and it took me over a year to complete it (of course not knitting monogamously). And yet, patterns like the Happily Sweater by Katy Banks, the Progressive Pullover by Faina Goberstein and the Gradient Pullover by Amy Miller are calling my name!
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I’ve been looking for a key to holding two strands together and couldn’t find a definitive source. This won’t be one either, as this is not an exact science. But after researching and testing I came up with what you could use as a good rule of thumb. After that, swatching should get you the rest of the way.
First to the Craft Yarn Council to get the “standard weight” categories, including a “new” knitted yarn weight called Jumbo—which I often get by hold three worsted weight strands together. The table below is a modified version of what you’ll find at their site. I encourage you to look there for the full table.
Category |
Fingering 10-count thread |
Sock, Fingering, Baby |
Sport, Baby |
DK, Light Worsted |
Worsted, Afghan, Aran |
Chunky, Craft, Rug |
Super Bulky, Roving |
Jumbo, Roving |
Gauge Range Over 4” |
33–40 stitches |
27–32 stitches |
23–26 stitches |
21–24 stitches |
16–20 stitches |
12–15 stitches |
7–11 stitches |
6 stitches or less |
In general, from standard yarn sources (e.g., Quince and Co, Lion Brand or Cascade Yarns, in general I find the following is true:
- 2 strands of thread weight = Lace weight to fingering
- 2 strands of lace weight = fingering to sock to sport weight
- 2 strands of sock = sport weight to DK
- 2 strands of sport = DK or light worsted
- 2 strands of DK = Worsted or Aran
- 2 strands of Worsted = Chunky
- 2 strands of Aran = Chunky to Super Bulky
- 2 strands of Chunky = Super bulky to Jumbo
Always check your gauge, since your mileage may vary. I’m selfishly sharing so I could put the list in a place I could find it. 😊
Maybe next time I’ll do some tests with mixed weights, since I do an awful lot of those combinations too. And after that maybe three strands.
Like so much with knitting, the possibilities are endless!
Thank you so much for this handy key! It also should work in reverse for a number of patterns I have that call for knitting with multiple strands of yarn that’s a little (or a lot) outside my budget 😉
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If I hold worsted and mohair together will that give me Aran weight?
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Quite likely, if the mohair is fingering weight.
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This is really helpful. Thank you!
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Thank you so much for your idea of doubling thinner yarn for patterns that call for thicker yarn. I am a beginner and get so confused. Marge
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So glad it worked for you. I’ve got some upcoming blogs on estimating weight and yardage that you might also find helpful coming soon. Happy knitting!!
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THANK YOU! I have a sweater pattern I want to knit, but I am unemployed and unable to purchase 8 skeins of chunky yarn that cost $26 each, but I have a stash of worsted weight yarn languishing in my stash. You have no idea how much this is appreciated! I would definitely be interested in your mixed weight experiments.
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I will definitely share. So glad you liked it!
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Excellent posting, thanks so much. I have lots of yarn in my stash…lots of fingering. I’ll try a marling two colors together and play.
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I have lace weight yarn and the pattern calls for DK weight. I’m hoping that 3 strands will equal DK weight. Do you have a 3 strand chart for what it equals. I’m going to give it a try, I’ll let you know if it works.
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That would be great! I was thinking about doing a 3-strand post and even a post on different weights held together–but just haven’t managed it. I’d love to see what you find out.
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Does anyone know what size needles to use when joining two double knitting acrylic threads together. Thanks!
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if 2 strands of worsted weight yarn gives me chunky (#5 yarn) what would be the size of my crochet hook?
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Boy! you’ve got me stumped. I don’t crochet. Sorry about that!
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The Crafty Yarn Council says that a K-10 1/2 to M-13 hook for chunky yarn. Link below:
https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/yarn-weight-system
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Hi! This is great! Thanks for the chart. Have you, perchance, a charge for mixed weights? I want to knit a laceweight mohair/silk yarn with a fingering or sport weight merino yarn but I do not know what yarn weight I will end up with. Thanks!
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I haven’t, but it seems like a good thing to do. And it wouldn’t be too hard. I can just take the two strands together and see how they work against a single strand like I did with the doubling. Maybe I’ll get to that next month! I’m just buried right now!
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