A guide to gauge, yarns and substitutions for patterns

Many of the patterns available within these pages do not have an exact yarn listed - instead you will find a weight of yarn and it's relevant gauge. This makes it a lot easier for you, the knitter or crocheter, to make many of my designs in the yarn of your choice, rather than ask that you buy a specific branded yarn for the project.

However, not all crafters feel confident substituting yarns, and many do not know the equivalents between UK, US and Australian weights of yarns. There isn't always an exact equivalent for each, and as always would recommend you knit a gauge square to check before starting your project. Don't forget that you can finely tune your gauge by changing the size of needles that you use - go smaller if your stitch count comes out less than required, and go larger if your stitch count is more than required..

Do remember that I am English, so as well as using UK spelling and terminology within the patterns (more relevant to crochet) you will also see UK yarn weights used commonly. I also measure gauge over the metric 10cm as it is far more accurate than gauge per inch. However, regardless of how we name the yarn, it is the gauge that is most important!

Please note:- not all available yarn weights are included in this list, only those relevant to Woolly Wormhead patterns. You may also notice that some boxes are currently blank - this is because I have had difficulty finding reliable sources for these yarns, and will be added in due course!

 no. of sts per 10 cm/4 inches
 UK  US  Australian
 26 - 28
 4ply  Fingering
 24 - 26
   Sportsweight  5ply
 21 - 24
 DK (double knit)
 Light Worsted
 8ply
 18 - 20
 Aran Medium Worsted
10ply
 16 - 18
 Chunky   12ply
 14 - 16
 Bulky