Sport weight yarn is a type of yarn that is medium-thin and is usually used for lightweight projects such as garments and accessories. It is slightly thicker than fine-weight yarn (also known as sock-weight or fingering-weight yarn) but thinner than light-worsted-weight yarn.
Sport weight yarn is often made from natural fibers such as wool, alpaca, and cotton and can be used for a variety of projects, such as lightweight sweaters, baby garments, and shawls. The gauge of sport weight yarn is typically around 6-8 stitches per inch on a US 2-4 (2.75-3.5mm) needle, and it can be knit or crocheted to create a variety of textures and patterns. It is a versatile yarn that is suitable for a range of skill levels and projects.
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What thickness is sport weight yarn?
Sport weight comes in three common sizes:
1) 100 g / 3.53 oz.
2) 50 g / 1.76 oz.
3) 25 g / 0.88 oz..
Sizes larger than 100g are typically referred to as “fine.” The metric size indicates the total weight of the skein or hank, and the imperial size indicates both the weight of the skein or hank and its length.
What is a sport weight yarn made with?
Sportweight wools are often dyed using vibrant colors that can go from solid to variegate easily. Sportweight yarns are almost always wool-based but can also be blended. The most common fibers in this range include merino, alpaca, baby llama, silk, bamboo, and cotton.
Related: What is Blocking in Knitting?
What is sport weight yarn equivalent to?
Is sport yarn the same as DK?
Sportweight wools are often compared to DK weight wools. Sportweight wools tend to be a more refined version of DK-weight wools. They have a similar hand, but the sport’s weight is slightly thinner, and the yarn has less loft. If you’re looking for a close substitute, any light-worsted or even light-bulky-weight wool will be an equivalent match.
What types of stitches can you make with sport-weight yarn?
Sportweight wools are often used for garments such as socks, sweaters, shawls, and scarves because they are light enough to show intricate details in your stitch patterns yet still offer warmth and coverage for areas of the body that get cold first. Sportweight wool does not have as high heat retention as chunky or super-chunky, so if you’re looking for something extra warm, keep that in mind when choosing your yarn.
Related: What is Aran Weight Yarn?
How do you choose your yarn types?
Choosing yarn for any project depends on personal preference and what best showcases that pattern’s texture or colorwork. Sporting weight wools tend to have a bouncier feel and a more fuzzy texture. They are also generally softer than fingering weight wools, which means they can be worn next to the skin or directly against a baby’s sensitive skin without irritation.
Sportweight wools work well for knitting projects such as socks, sweaters, shawls, scarves, and hats because it is light enough to show intricate details in your stitch patterns but still offer warmth and coverage for those areas of the body which tend to get cold first.
Sport weight yarn brands (some examples)
Patons Beehive Baby Sport Yarn
Patons Beehive Baby Sport Yarn is a premium quality, machine washable, and dryable 100% mercerized cotton yarn for all your baby knits or crochet projects. This sportweight features an easy-care blend of 50% cotton and 50% acrylic with the durability of nylon to make your designs soft yet firm. This versatile weight can be used in any baby pattern calling for a DK weight yarn. Easy-care machine wash and dry
Herrschners Sport Weight Yarn
Herrschener’s Sport Weight Yarn is a 100% superwash wool yarn ideal for many baby and children’s projects. This yarn comes in a wide range of colors in which you can make various designs. This specific yarn is made in Turkey and has a weight class of 4/medium.
