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  • January 17, 2021 3 min read

    Fingering weight yarn is a super fine yarn. It is often also referred to as sock weight or baby yarn. Fingering weight yarn is thinner than sport weight and DK weight yarns and thicker than Lace weight yarns. A doubled strand of fingering weight yarn is generally the same thickness as one strand of DK yarn and can be used as a substitute when necessary. As always, keep in mind that “weight” in this context refers to the thickness of the yarn and not how many grams or ounces it measures (that kind of “weight” depends on the size of the skein).

    Although “sock weight” and “fingering weight” are often used interchangeably, it’s important to note that not all fingering-weight yarn is appropriate for sock patterns. Sock yarn is generally reinforced with a synthetic fibre such as nylon for added durability, which is what you want in a sock, to be honest. We would hate for you to knit up a pair of socks and find that they immediately developed holes, so if you’re planning a sock project and want some recommendations, feel free to get in touch!

    Fingering weight yarn can be used for a wide variety of lightweight projects including shawls, light layettes, and lightweight sweaters.

    Reading the Label

    The Craft Yarn Council’s standardized category for Fingering weight yarn is #1, or super fine. We really can’t say enough good things about the Craft Yarn Council’s industry representatives who came together and created these yarn categories—they make pattern-reading so much easier and give knitters, crocheters, pattern makers, and manufacturers a set of common terms to use. The icon for fingering weight yarn is a skein with a number 1 on it.

    A typical knit gauge range for fingering yarn is 27-32 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. A typical crochet gauge is 21-32 stitches = 4 inches in single crochet. As with any project, we recommend checking the pattern’s recommended gauge and/or trying your own sample swatch to test your natural gauge.

    Fingering weight yarn is most commonly knitted with a 2.25-3.25 mm knitting needle (US size 1-3), although again, check your pattern for any specific recommendations. Your choice of crochet hook will depend on your project, but generally speaking, fingering weight yarn calls for a 2.25-3.25 mm hook (US size B-1 to E-4). If you’re crocheting a stuffed toy, consider a smaller hook such as a 1.25-1.5 mm (thread hook size 10-8).

    What’s in a name?

    History buffs and word nerds may be interested (as we were!) to learn that the term “fingering” comes from the French “fin grain,” which means “fine grain.” Mais oui! And really, with a super fine weight yarn like fingering, the name just makes sense.

    Our Selection

    Can you find fingering yarn here at Darn Yarn? Darn right, you can!

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