Usually, ply means the number of threads used to create a yarn strand. So, in 8 ply yarn, there are 8 threads. You can make almost anything with 8-ply.
What is the Availability of 8 Ply Yarns?
8 ply yarn is what you see in most of the garments. It is available in many colors and textures. This ply is also known as medium weight or double knit depending on the country you live in. If you have 4-ply yarn and would like to convert it to DK yarn follow this article.
What is 8 Ply Yarn in Canada and the US?
8 ply yarn in Canada and the US is called double knitting yarn, commonly known as DK yarn. Double knitting can mean a lot of things like an actual knitting process or holding yarns of two different lengths together while crocheting or knitting. But in this case, DK only means the yarn weight. It is also known as “light yarn” or “baby yarn.”
What Puts DK Yarns Ahead?
According to the Standard Yarn Weight System, DK yarn is said to be the #3 light. Due to its versatility and wide range of applications, it is one of the most popular weights. It is lighter than worsted and heavier than the sport weight. The gauge for Double Knit is five to six stitches/inch on a US four to six needle.
Where Can I Use DK/8 Ply Yarns?
Almost anything can be made with the DK yarn. These yarns are commonly used for garments, shirts, coats, thick socks, jumpers, sweaters, and accessories such as mittens, hats, handbags, scarves, and more. You will often see these yarns in lightweight garments and infant wear.
Is 8 Ply the Same as DK?
8-ply is the same as DK. The term ply is usually used in Australia and New Zealand whereas DK is used in UK, US, and, Canada. It may be imported as “light worsted” in the USA.
Although ply means the number of threads in the yarn strand and DK means yarn weight, they both mean the same in this case. DK, also known as 8-ply yarn gives a versatile balance between texture and lightness. It’s the go-to yarn.
Is Worsted Weight Yarn 8 Ply?
No, the worsted weight yarn is not 8 ply.
Weight is described as the thickness of the yarn. In Europe and UK, yarn weights are often called by their numbers. For instance, they might say “number three yarn” instead of “DK yarn weight.”
“Worsted weight yarn” is the American term which is known as “10 ply” in the UK or Australia. You will find this on American shelves as it is a common yarn weight. You might also find it labeled as “medium-weight yarn.”
8 ply is the most common yarn in Australia. It’s equivalent to “DK” in the US and is quite standard in the UK. So, the worsted weight and 8 ply are not the same.
What Size Needles for 8 Ply?
The size of the needle plays an important role in the craft world. It affects the stitch lengths and thus the result. The number of stitches that can fit into 1 in. of knitting depends on the needle size. Usually, 3.75 to 4.00 mm needles are used to get the average knitter’s tension.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. Can I unwind and use the yarn again if I make any mistakes?
Ans: Yes, you can. But it might be crimped or crinkled when you unravel it. In this case, you can rinse or lightly steam the yarn. You can steam it with an iron or hang it in places for a few days where there is steam like the bathroom.
And when you are rinsing it, dunk it in warm water, squeeze out the water, and dry it on a towel. Let it dry fully and then you can wind it into a ball!
Q. What type of yarn is DK?
Ans: The Double Knit is a light yarn weighing about 50 grams. These are thicker than the Aran yarns and are mostly used for jobs that require lightweight yarns. Such as caps, summer sweaters, children’s clothing, and accessories.
Conclusion
If you are a beginner in knitting, then 8-ply is probably the best option for your project. Since it is a commonly used ply, you get the patterns readily available. Moreover, many of them are made to be knitted by amateurs.
Leave a Reply