We’re taking a deep dive into the different yarn weights available to knitters, starting with DK or double knitting, which is one of the most widely used yarn weights, suitable for almost any kind of project.

What do we mean by Yarn Weight?

‘Weight’ in this context is actually referring to the thickness of the yarn, rather than the actual weight. The greater or ‘heavier’ the yarn weight, the thicker the yarn. And a heavier yarn will generally result in a thicker (and warmer) finished project.

Where does DK fit in?

DK sits somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, between fine and medium weight yarn. It’s around double the thickness of 4-ply yarn, but not as heavy as worsted or aran weight, and is a great all-rounder that can be used throughout the year. DK is a good choice for beginner projects because it’s not too fine, but also not so thick as to be unwieldy.

What’s in a name?

The name ‘double knit’ (generally shortened to dk’) refers to the fact that it is double the weight of 4-ply yarn. Historically, 4-ply was the most widely available weight of yarn and people would hold two strands of it together to make thicker garments that knitted up faster. When DK became available, it was generally made of 8 plies (or strands) of yarn twisted together, so it was the equivalent to working with two strands of 4-ply.

You might also see the term ‘double knitting’, or ‘double knit’ to refer to a knitting technique that uses slipped stitches to creates a reversible fabric. This techniques is often used for colourwork and button bands, and can be worked in any weight of yarn. It should be clear from the context whether a pattern is referring to the DK yarn weight or the double knitting technique.

Similarly, knitting with two strands of yarn together may be referred to as double knitting (although it’s more likely to be called ‘holding the yarn double’). This can also be done with any type of yarn and isn’t related to DK yarn weight.

DK yarn specifications

Although DK yarn was originally 8-ply, this is often no longer the case. Nowadays DK refers solely to the weight, rather than the construction of the yarn.

DK yarn usually comes in 50g or 100g balls or skeins, and you can expect approximately 200-250m per 100g. It has 11-14 wraps per inch (wpi) and gives a gauge range in stockinette stitch of 21-24 stitches per 10cm/4in on a 4mm needle.

DK weight yarn is usually knit on 3.5-4.5mm needles, and crocheted with a 4.5-5.5mm hook. Smaller needles will give a denser fabric, while larger ones will give a more open, drapey result. Patterns will usually give a recommended needle size, but you should always swatch before you start a project because everybody knits at a slightly different gauge.

How to tell if a yarn is DK

The first thing to look for is ‘DK’ or ‘Double Knitting’ on the ball band. DK might also be called ‘light worsted’, especially in the US. If you don’t have the ball band, then there are a couple of things you can do to identify whether you have a DK weight yarn.

1) Calculate the wraps per inch (wpi)

You will need something with a consistent circumference, such as a pencil or a knitting needle, and a ruler with inches marked. Wrap the yarn around the pencil for a few inches. It should be snug, with strands lying next to each other but not overlapping. When you have done this, use the ruler to measure the number of wraps in an inch. You may wish to do this in a couple of places, or count more than an inch and then divide to get an average. If you have 11-14 wraps per inch then the yarn is a DK weight.

Here there are wraps in two inches. We can divide this number by two to give 12 wraps per inch - it is a DK weight.

Bear in mind that this method is quite subjective, and the number of wraps per inch will depend on how tight the yarn is wound. We would always suggest working up a gauge swatch before you start a project.

2) Knit a gauge swatch

Use the Knit a swatch in stockinette on 4mm needles. The swatch should be larger than 10x10cm, to allow you to measure the gauge accurately. If you get between 21 and 24 stitches per 10cm then you have a DK weight yarn.

What can I knit with DK yarn?

DK is a really versatile yarn weight. It’s heavy enough to make warm sweaters and accessories such as hats, scarves and gloves. It’s also suitable for clothes and blankets for babies, although it may be too thick for baby accessories such as hats and socks. It’s great for blankets and shawls.

DK is generally too thick for socks that will be worn with shoes, although it could be used to make lovely thick house socks or felted slippers.

DK yarn currently has the highest number of published patterns on Ravelry (around 160k), just ahead of 4-ply/fingering at around 149k.

Approximate yarn requirements for DK weight yarn:

Project Type	Approximate Meterege	Approximate Weight
Hat	180-220m	70-110g
Scarf	340-450m	130-225g
Socks	250-360m	100-180g
Shawl	340-500	140-250g
Adult Jumper	1000-1500m	400-750g
Baby Blanket	1000-1200m	400-600g
Large Blanket	2700-3200m	1000-1600g

DK Pattern Suggestions

A DK weight patterns that have caught our eye recently.

The Brick Road Scarf from Laine Magazine Issue 23

A play on the garter stitch scarf that is many beginner knitters’ first project, this beautiful scarf by Sarah Ottosson uses three skeins of The Fibre Co Lore DK and features a slip stitch pattern reminiscent of bricks laid out in a herringbone pattern. It would also work well in tweedy, woollen spun BC Garn Loch Lomond DK.

Find the pattern in Laine Issue 23.

The Bruna Hat from 52 Weeks of Accessories

Bruna is a classic colourwork hat with a folded brim for extra warmth. This would be great in Glencroft Clapdale DK, or you could use The Fibre Co. Lore Dk Minis - 25g balls that are perfect for colourwork.

The pattern for this hat is one of many DK weight patterns featured in 52 Weeks of Accessories.

Romney Marsh Wools Hot Water Bottle Cover

Sometimes the simple things really are the best! This classic hot water bottle cover is perfect for ensuring that your hot water bottle stays hot. It fits a large 3l hot water bottle, and takes only a single skein of Romney Marsh Wools Pure British Romney DK. Available as a Hot Water Bottle Cover Kit.

The Blatna Sweater from Making Stories Issue 12

An homage to the intricate gates and railings of the Art Nouveau period, Blatna by Helen Metcalfe is a bottom up sweater featuring different types of cables. The original yarn is ByLaxtons Wooltrace, but it would also look lovely in ByLaxtons Sheepsoft DK, or Baa Ram Ewe Woodnote DK.

The pattern is available in Making Stories Issue 12, or individually from the Making Stories website.

The Vakka Vest from Laine’s Finnish Knits

This vest is designed by Susanna Kaartinen and features in Laine’s newest one-off issue Finnish Knits. The name is a Finnish word meaning wooden or woven basket or container, and the geometric pattern is created with knit and purl stitches with a cable at each underarm. Knit this one in a woollen spun yarn such as BC Garn Semilla Melange or Loch Lomond DK for a lightweight wardrobe staple.