July 18, 2026
Yarn Weight Terminology: US vs UK vs European
Fingering or 4-ply? DK or double knitting? A practical guide for cruise yarn shoppers buying internationally.
If you've ever bought yarn in a foreign country and wondered whether "DK" is the same as "light worsted," this guide is for you. Yarn weight naming varies by country, and cruise yarn shoppers encounter all of them.
The three naming systems
### US names
The US uses the Craft Yarn Council (CYC) system: lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, bulky, super bulky. Most modern yarn labels in the US include the CYC number (0–6).
### UK names
The UK uses traditional names: cobweb, lace, 4-ply, DK, Aran, Chunky, Super Chunky. "4-ply" and "DK" are the most common — they don't match US names exactly.
### European names
European countries use their own terms: Germany uses "Stärke" (strength), France uses "fil" weights, Nordic countries use local terms alongside UK names.
Quick reference table
| US | UK | Typical gauge (sts/4") |
|---|---|---|
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lace | Cobweb / Lace | 33+ sts |
| Fingering | 4-ply | 28–32 sts |
| Sport | 5-ply | 24–27 sts |
| DK | DK (Double Knitting) | 21–24 sts |
| Worsted | Aran | 16–20 sts |
| Bulky | Chunky | 12–15 sts |
| Super Bulky | Super Chunky | 7–11 sts |
Country-specific tips
### Iceland
Icelandic yarn is sold as lopi (loose) or plötulopi (plate). Einband = lace, þyttri lopi = bulky. Most shops know the US equivalents.
### Norway and Sweden
Nordic shops often use UK names (4-ply, DK, Aran) alongside local terms. "Garn" = yarn in both Norwegian and Swedish.
### Italy
Italian yarn shops (filati) may use UK or US names on labels. Italian merino and cashmere are worth buying regardless of the weight name.
### Japan
Japanese yarn uses a number system (1–6) that roughly maps to CYC standards. Many Japanese patterns include English translations.
What to do when you're unsure
Ask the shop staff — most yarn shops in cruise ports are used to international visitors and know the cross-reference. If that fails, buy by gauge: look at the recommended stitch count on the label or pattern and match it to your project.