Worsted Wool - What is it?

Meschuee wrote

on Jan 16, 2009 2:50 PM

Hello.

Being on the other side of the Atlantic from many of you, I find that "worsted" isn't a term used here, generally, when referring to knitting wool.  To which of our types of wool would you equate it?  The only wool I use that has that name attached is Guernsey wool.  I'm wanting to knit a pair of boot socks from an American pattern.  Is our Aran weight too heavy?  Thanks for any help you might be able to give me.

Penny :)

AndreaW wrote

on Jan 16, 2009 10:02 PM

 Hi Penny...

This chart may help you when dealing w/ patterns fr this side of the Atlantic....I use it as a reference for myself + when anyone has a ???.  Best chart I've seen...easy to read...w/ lots of info. Also links to other charts on the left side of the page. I keep a copy in one of my binders for quick access.

http://www.yarnstandards.com/weight.html

In general to me....worsted is what is commonly used in many hats/ mitts/ everyday sweaters. I would use anything fr a 4.5mm needle to a 5.5mm needle w/ it depending on what I'm making.

Hope this answers your ???'s

       Andrea

Meschuee wrote

on Jan 17, 2009 9:38 AM

Hello Andrea and thank you very much.  Very useful information.  I'm going to check out the link now. 

It's nice to be part of a community of knitters and crocheters.  I'm looking forward to receiving "Knitting Daily" and "Piecework", to which I've subscribed.

I've just finished my first ever crochet project, a throw for an armchair.  Plan to start another using geometric patterns.  I'm in the middle of knitting an Aran cardigan, in a lovely sea blue colour, and also a Guernsey.  I'm using blocks of different designs on that.

Best wishes.

Penny.

Meschuee wrote

on Jan 17, 2009 9:40 AM

p.s. From the chart you provided, it looks as though worsted equates to Aran and such-like, and light-worsted to double-knitting wool.  Thanks again.

Eileen wrote

on Jan 31, 2009 8:53 AM

 Standard Yarn-Weight System - sts per 4" swatch

 (1)  Super fine: sock, fingering and baby weight yarns (27-32 sts=4" on size 1-3 US needles (2.25 to 3.25 mm)

 (2) Fine: Sport, baby weight yarn - 23-26 sts on 3 to 5 US Needles (3.25-3.75 mm)

 (3) Light: DK, Light Worsted, 21 to 24 sts on size 5-7 US needles (3.75-4.5 mm)

 (4) Medium: Worsted, Afghan, Aran - 16 to 20 sts, 7-9 US needle (4.5-5.5 mm)

 (5) Bulky: Chunky, Craft, Rug - 12 to 15 sts on 9 to 11 US needle (5.5-8 mm)

 (6) Super Bulky:  Bulky, roving - 6 to 11 sts on size 11 needles or larger (8 mm +)

Hope this information helps you. It saved me a lot of time. 

Eileen wrote

on Jan 31, 2009 9:00 AM

 Worsted wool is the weight of the yarn corresponding to the needle size, worked up in a swatch that gives you the 16 to 20 inches per 4" guage on a size 7 to 9 US or 4.5 to 5.5 mm needle. It is classieid as Number 4 of yarn weights.

There is also the light worsted weight (Number 3 classification) that when used on a size 5 to 7 US needle (or 3.75-4.5mm) makes up a 4" swatch of 21 to 24 stitches.