Yarn comparison
DK vs worsted yarn
DK is CYC category 3 Light; worsted is category 4 Medium. They are adjacent, not interchangeable by name alone. Recalculate from a gauge swatch.
Side 1
DK
- CYC category
- 3 · Light
- Knit gauge guideline
- 21–24 stitches per 4 in (10 cm)
- Needle guideline
- 3.75–4.5 mm
Side 2
Worsted
- CYC category
- 4 · Medium
- Knit gauge guideline
- 16–20 knit stitches / 4 in
- Needle guideline
- 4.5–5.5 mm needles
Decision checklist
Compare fabric, not just names.
- Match the pattern gauge after washing or blocking.
- Compare yards per ounce or meters per gram.
- Check fiber content and expected stretch or bloom.
- Recalculate the number of balls from total yardage.
- Test color, texture, and drape in a generous swatch.
Source notes
Last reviewed September 1, 2026
- Craft Yarn Council: Standard Yarn Weight System Yarn weight categories, common names, gauge ranges, and tool ranges.