Starting a new crochet project and feeling lost with all those numbers and symbols on the yarn label? Understanding how to read a yarn label is key to picking the right yarn for your crochet creations. In this guide, I’ll break down each part of the yarn label, helping you interpret the symbols, numbers, and terminology so you’ll always k-ow what to look for on your next yarn shopping trip.
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There is a wealth of information available for you on the back of your yarn label! On the front of the label (not pictured) you’ll find the brand name, the yarn name and often, an image of a project made using that particular yarn. Sometimes you’ll find a free pattern included on the inside of the ball bands of the ball of yarn.
Although all yarn brands have a slightly different style to their different yarn labels, they all contain important information that you need to know about the yarn before you buy it. Below I have included an image of the back part of the label from a Bernat Blanket skein of yarn that I have in my stash.
Head to my Etsy shop to grab my printable How to Read a Yarn Label Cheat Sheet – perfect for taking with you on your next yarn shopping trip!
How to Read a Yarn Label:
1. Understanding Yarn Weight Categories
The number indicated in the number of this symbol indicates what the weight of the yarn is. Weights of yarn are assigned a number from 0 – 7 and that number indicates the thickness of the yarn.
The higher the number, the thicker the yarn is. The higher the number, the thicker the yarn is. This yarn is a thicker yarn because it is a 6 – Super Bulky Weight yarn.
The lower the number, the thinner the yarn is. The thinnest yarns have a 0 – Super Fine in this symbol.
All yarn weight standards are determined by the Craft Yarn Council. Check out the Craft Yarn Council Yarn Standards here on their site.
What are the Different Yarn Weights?
- 0 – Lace Weight
Lace weight is the finest yarn, often used for delicate projects like lace shawls, doilies, or other intricate designs. It’s very thin and requires small needles or hooks to create fine, airy textures. Perfect for lightweight, decorative pieces. - 1 – Super Fine
Super fine yarn is a step up from lace, typically used for lightweight garments like socks, baby clothes, or finer accessories. It’s thin but provides a bit more structure than lace weight, ideal for projects that need a delicate touch but are more wearable. - 2 – Fine Weight
Also called sport or baby weight, fine yarn is commonly used for slightly heavier baby clothes, lightweight sweaters, or even some shawls. It’s still light enough for smaller projects but provides a bit more warmth and coverage. - 3 – Light Weight (DK or Double Knitting)
Light weight, often labeled as DK (double knitting) or light worsted, is versatile and popular for a wide range of garments and accessories. It’s an excellent choice for sweaters, scarves, hats, and baby items. It offers a balance between lightness and structure, making it a favorite for both beginners and seasoned crafters. - 4 – Medium Weight (Worsted, Afghan, or Aran)
Medium weight, or worsted weight, is one of the most commonly used yarns. It’s ideal for blankets, garments, and most accessories because it’s sturdy, provides good coverage, and works up quickly. Perfect for beginners and intermediate crocheters alike! - 5 – Bulky Weight
Bulky yarn, sometimes called chunky yarn, is much thicker than worsted. It’s great for cozy, warm projects like blankets, oversized scarves, hats, and even home decor items. Bulky yarns are fantastic for quick projects, as they work up fast and provide excellent warmth. - 6 – Super Bulky Weight
Super bulky yarn is extremely thick, making it perfect for plush, ultra-warm projects like heavy blankets, rugs, and winter accessories. Super bulky yarn works up incredibly quickly and is ideal for making statement pieces or when you want to crochet something in a flash. - 7 – Jumbo Weight
Jumbo is the thickest category, often used for arm-knitting or projects that require a lot of structure. You’ll find it in projects like giant blankets, floor poufs, and chunky pillows. Because of its extreme thickness, jumbo yarn creates bold, oversized stitches and is great for decorative pieces with lots of texture.
2. Knitting Gauge
This symbol shows the knitting gauge of the yarn and the recommended knitting needle size for the yarn.
The recommended needle size is what knitting needles the yarn company suggests that you use for your knitting project.
This example says that you should be able to get 8 stitches by 14 rows in a a 10cm x 10 cm or 4 in by 4 inch square gauge swatch when knitting using 8mm needles.
3. Crochet Gauge
This symbol shows the crochet gauge of the yarn with the recommended crochet hook size.In this example, the label is indicating that you should be able to get in a swatch that measures 10cm x 10 cm or 4 in by 4 inches square, you can expect to get 6 single crochet stitches and 8 rows in that swatch.
The gauge information is helpful if you are considering substituting a yarn for your project. If the gauge on the yarn you want to use matches the gauge of the yarn the project calls for, generally, you should be able to use that yarn for your project.
4. Care Instructions / Washing Information:
These parts of a yarn label will differ depending on the type of fiber that your yarn is made of (see Fiber Content below). The label includes information about the best way to care for your finished product made from that yarn. It will tell you if you should hand wash or machine wash your project and more.
In the second label:
- Fiber Content / Material(s): This tells you what fibers the yarn is comprised of. In this case, Bernat Blanket yarn is 100% polyester. Some yarns are made of a blend of multiple fibers and how much of each fibre is used to make up the content will be listed here. I.e. 20% merino wool, 60% acrylic, 20% nylon.
Different yarn fibers lend different characteristics to yarn and how it will be have in the finished product so knowing what your yarn is made of is absolutely essential information. - Net Weight, Yards/Meters: Here you’ll find the amount of yarn that is in that particular skein or hank of yarn. This information is given in weight (the physical weight of the yarn skein) and yardage (the length of the yarn that has been wound up into the ball).
This information is vital in determining if you have the appropriate amount or length of yarn needed for your project and/or calculating how many balls of yarn your project will require.
If your particular pattern needs 800 yards of Bernat Blanket yarn, you are going to need to make sure you buy enough yarn for your project. This skein has 220 yards of yarn in it so I would need to buy 4 skeins in order to have enough to complete my project. - Dye Lot Information: Now this label doesn’t show the dye lot information but many other yarn brands will have what’s called a dye lot number on it. This number indicates the batch number assigned to the batch of yarn that was dyed together.
Ideally, you want to get yarns with the same colour name from the same dye lot (meaning they have the same lot number) so that the colours in your project will remain consistent.
With mass produced yarns from larger companies like Yarnspirations, Lion Brand Yarn and WeCrochet, variations within the same dye lot tends to be minimal and it can be easier to get enough balls of yarn in the same yarn lot for a larger project. If you find yourself unable to get enough yarns from the same dye lots, alternating yarn skeins with different dye lot numbers every other row or every few rows will help to minimize any potential variations in colouring.
Reading Yarn Labels FAQs:
What Do the Numbers on Yarn Labels Mean?
The numbers (often found on a little ball of yarn) on your yarn label show what the weight of your yarn is.
What Does Yarn Weight Mean?
Yarn weight is simply a way of describing how thick or thin a yarn is. But don’t let the word “weight” fool you—it’s not about how heavy the yarn is, but rather its thickness and how it works up in a project. Yarn weights are categorized by numbers from 0 to 7, with 0 being the finest yarn weight category (like lace weight) and 7 being the thickest (like jumbo yarn).
Each weight has its own personality, and different yarn weights are suited to different types of projects. For example, lace weight (0) is great for delicate shawls and fine, airy pieces, while super bulky or jumbo yarns (6 and 7) are perfect for quick, cozy blankets or chunky scarves. Understanding yarn weight helps you match your yarn to the right kind of project, ensuring that it turns out just the way you want!
What is a Dye Lot, and Why Does it Matter?
A dye lot is a batch number on a yarn label that tells you that all the yarn in that batch was dyed together, meaning the yarn color should be consistent across every skein in that lot. Dye lots matter because even the slightest variation in dye batches can result in noticeable color differences in your project, especially when using lighter or more saturated colors.
When you’re working on a big project that requires multiple skeins, it’s always best to buy enough yarn from the same dye lot to keep the color consistent. If you’re unable to get enough yarn in the same lot, a helpful trick is to alternate skeins every couple of rows. This helps blend any slight color differences, so they’re less noticeable in the finished piece.
How Can I Substitute Yarn Using Gauge Information?
Substituting yarn using gauge information is all about making sure the new yarn will work up the same way as the original type of yarn in your pattern. Gauge is the number of stitches and rows you get in a set measurement (usually a 4×4 inch square) with the recommended hook or needle size. It’s what helps your project turn out the right size.
To substitute, first look at the gauge on the yarn label for the yarn you want to use. Then, check the gauge information in your pattern. If the gauges match or are very close, you’re probably in the clear!
But here’s the important part: always make a swatch with the new yarn. Even if the label says the gauge is the same, different yarns can behave differently. Your swatch will tell you if you need to adjust your hook or needle size a bit to match the pattern gauge perfectly.
A little time spent on a swatch now will save you from a project that turns out too big, too small, or just doesn’t drape quite right later!
What Does 4×4 Mean on Yarn?
When you see 4×4 on a yarn label, it’s referring to the size of a gauge swatch, which is a small test square to check how your stitches line up with the pattern. The 4×4 means a 4-inch by 4-inch square (or 10 cm by 10 cm), which is the standard size used to measure gauge.
The label will show how many stitches and rows you should get in that 4×4 area if you’re using the recommended hook or needle size. Matching this gauge is key to making sure your project turns out the right size—too few stitches and your project might end up too big, too many and it could come out too small.
So, when you see 4×4, think of it as your guide to getting the perfect fit for your project!
Yarn labels contain a lot of information beside the color name and how much yarn it has that can help you learn more about a product before you buy if and whether it will be successful for your specific pattern you want to use. I hope this helps you decipher your yarn labels for your next project! Happy yarn shopping!
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Would be helpful to include dye lot number location. There are three numbers, and I can’t figure out which is the dye lot.
Some yarn labels do not include a dye lot number as they are improving their manufacturing processes and there are little to no variations in dye runs. The location of the dye lot information also varies from label to label. Usually, if there is a dye lot, the work “lot” will appear before the number. I will endeavour to find a yarn label with dye lot information on it to update this post in the future.