Choosing yarn
What Is DK Yarn? Weight, Yardage, Needles & Uses
DK, short for double knitting, is the in-between yarn: finer than worsted, heavier than sport, and probably the most versatile weight on the shelf. Here's what the label means, what needles to use, and what it's best for.
Some links in this guide are affiliate links. We earn a commission on purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you.
What does DK mean?
The name is British. It described a yarn roughly twice the thickness of 4-ply, the standard fine yarn of the day. In Australia and New Zealand the same weight is called 8-ply, and the Craft Yarn Council's US system puts it in category #3 Light, alongside light worsted.
DK at a glance
| DK yarn | |
|---|---|
| Length | 240–299 m per 100 g (about 260–325 yd) |
| Knitting needles | US 5–7 (3.75–4.5 mm) |
| Knitting gauge | About 21–24 stitches per 4 in (10 cm) in stockinette |
| Crochet hook | US 7 to I-9 (4.5–5.5 mm) |
| Also called | 8-ply (Australia, New Zealand), #3 Light (US) |
DK vs sport vs worsted
Sport is a step lighter, at 300–399 m per 100 g on US 3–5 needles. Worsted is a step heavier, at 200–239 m per 100 g on US 7–9. The boundaries blur: plenty of yarns sold as DK sit at the sport end, so compare the length per 100 g rather than the name. Our guide to substituting yarn explains how.
What to make with DK yarn
- Sweaters and cardigans light enough to layer, that still knit up in weeks rather than months.
- Hats, mittens and cowls that are warm without being stiff.
- Baby garments and blankets, where DK's softness and quick progress both count.
- Colorwork yokes, with motifs that read clearly at a comfortable gauge.
- Shawls with more body and structure than a fingering-weight lace.
How much DK yarn do you need?
| Project | Approximate yardage |
|---|---|
| Hat | 230 yd |
| Cowl or scarf | 320 yd |
| Shawl | 500 yd |
| Adult sweater | 1,150 yd and up |
See every DK yarn in the shop, with yardage, fiber and colors for each.
Questions
Is DK the same as light worsted?
They share the Craft Yarn Council's #3 Light category and are often swapped, but light worsted tends to sit at the heavier end. Check the length per 100 g and knit a swatch.
Can I use DK instead of worsted?
Sometimes. On the same needles, DK makes a lighter, drapier fabric. To match a worsted gauge you'd need bigger needles, which loosens the fabric. Relaxed, drapey designs forgive the swap more than fitted ones.
What does 8-ply mean?
It's the Australian and New Zealand name for DK. There, ply names describe a weight class, not the number of strands twisted together.
