Yarn Weight, Knitting Needle and Crochet Hook Conversion Charts for USA, UK and Australia

Yarn Weight, Knitting Needle and Crochet Hook Conversion Charts for USA, UK and Australia
by Kristin Omdahl

Updated 3/23/2021: Visit the Yarn 101 page for more information

This is an often talked about and often confusing subject matter. I get asked all the time about it. Here is a video explaining some of the myths and truths about yarn weights. Then below that, please find charts comparing metric, US and UK conversions for yarn weights, knitting needle sizes and crochet hook sizes. Pin the charts to your Pinterest boards for safe keeping! This information is invaluable when yarn shopping or substituting yarn in any pattern or project.

*Note: the suggested crochet hook and knitting needle suggested size range in the following charts does not reflect using larger sizes for achieving drapey gauge for lace. This suggested range is for making a standard fabric of rows of stockinette stitch (for knitting) or rows of double crochet (for crochet).

Yarn Ply

Spinners pull fiber into single, long threads. These threads are often plied together to make up a yarn’s desired weight (thickness). This also adds strength to the yarn. Traditionally the names of yarns were specifically describing the number of plies of thread. Currently, many companies spin yarn at various weights so a 3ply yarn could be much thicker due to the fact that each ply could be thicker than they once uniformly were.

Knitting Needles

Knitting needles come in straight, circular and double pointed categories. And each type of needles comes in a variety of sizes. Those sizes can be measured in metric or by names depending on what part of the world you live in. This chart compares each metric size to its US and UK names for your convenience.

Crochet Hooks

Crochet hooks come in a variety of styles and materials including plastic/resin, aluminum, and wood/bamboo. Then each type of crochet hook comes in a variety of sizes. These sizes are broken down into two categories: regular standard hooks (ranging in size from 2mm – 25mm) and steel crochet hooks (ranging in size from 0.6mm to 1.95mm). The sizes can be measured in metric or by names depending on what part of the world you live in. These charts compare each metric size to its US and UK names for your convenience.

 

Kristin Omdahl is the best-selling author of dozens of knit and crochet books; designer of almost 1000 knit and crochet patterns; and producer of award-winning videos. You can join Kristin LIVE 5 days a week for The Kristin Omdahl Show on YouTube and browse through thousands of tutorial videos there, too. Kristin donates a portion of every sale to help survivors of domestic violence. Learn more about Kristin’s charity, Project Kristin Cares HERE.

• Shop Kristin Omdahl Crochet Patterns
• Shop Kristin Omdahl Knitting Patterns
• Shop Kristin Omdahl Books
• Shop Kristin Omdahl Courses

I would love to see your creations. Just as much fun as making these myself is the satisfaction I get from seeing my designs come to life and other knit and crochet fans wearing them too. There are now 2 ways you can share what you have done!

• I have recently added a wonderful new interactive section to the website which I invite you to take part in, it has been a smashing success and such fun so far. It is the new “Share Your Project” section. You, my creators, can upload images and descriptions of your creations to share with the ever growing community! To upload simply click here. 
• If you want to continue the party, join the KO Community Forums on my website. It is 100% PRIVATE! You can start or join forum posts, and even direct message others, too. Join the KO Community forums HERE 

Additionally, I host a livestreaming podcast, vlog or show weekday on my YouTube Channel called The Kristin Omdahl Show. You can join the audience and even ask me questions LIVE! I often do a show and tell, or quick demo and I always interact with the live audience. It is a lot of fun!

You can browse through over 1000 previously recorded episodes HERE: The Kristin Omdahl Show Playlist. Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get reminders when the next episode airs LIVE.

You can also Refer-A-Friend and get rewarded, too! Learn more HERE

I look forward to seeing what you create!

xoxo,

Kristin