This is part 2 of a series about how to choose the right yarn for your crochet projects. For part 1, which covers yarn weights 0-3, go here.
Welcome back to our series!
Piggybacking off our last post, today we dive into how to choose the right yarn for your project, specifically focusing on weights 4 through 7.
Choosing the right yarn can be a pivotal decision in your crochet journey, greatly influencing the outcome and enjoyment of your project.
Yarn weights 4 (worsted), 5 (bulky), 6 (super bulky), and 7 (jumbo) each offer unique characteristics and possibilities, from creating snug winter wear to crafting quick, chunky home decor.
Today, we’ll explore the nuances of these yarn weights, helping you understand their properties, best uses, and how to choose the perfect one for your next crochet project.
Understanding these yarn weights will expand your crafting horizons and enhance your crochet experience, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crocheter.
Essential Guide to Yarn Weights 4-7 for Perfect Projects
Weight 4 Yarn: Medium (Worsted)
Worsted weight yarn is a popular choice for crochet projects, beloved for its perfect balance of thickness and ease of use.
It’s thicker than lightweight yarn, making it an excellent choice for various projects, including afghans, scarves, hats, sweaters, and even home decor items.
This yarn is known for its wonderful stitch definition, allowing simple and complex crochet patterns to stand out. This is the most commonly used yarn, and you will use it for most projects.
Use a 5.5-6.5 mm hook for best results.
Here are a few patterns featuring weight 4 yarn:
No Place Like Home Throw
This crochet throw pattern in a rich burgundy color is designed with a mix of front and back post double crochet and cable stitches, creating a beautiful, visually appealing, and cozy texture.
Despite the sophisticated look of the cable stitches, the pattern is beginner-friendly, guiding you through each step with clear instructions.
The combination of stitches adds depth to the design and provides a satisfying texture. This throw is ideal for anyone looking to create a functional piece of decor that also serves as a cozy companion on chilly evenings.
The pattern is available for free on All Free Crochet here.
Peachtree Modern Pillow
This crochet pillow pattern, featuring a calm blend of blue, green, and white, is a beautiful project for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike.
The pattern is designed to be worked in one piece, making it straightforward and hassle-free. Easy stitches create a simple yet fun design for any home decor style.
The combination of blue, green, and white yarns brings a fresh and calming vibe to the pillow, making it a perfect accent for a living room sofa or a cozy bedroom.
The pattern’s beginner-friendly approach ensures a relaxing and enjoyable crocheting experience, resulting in a beautiful, handmade pillow that adds a personal touch to your space.
The pattern is available for free on Lion Brand here.
Calista Sweater
This crochet sweater pattern, designed in shades of grey and burnt orange, creates a chic and cozy garment using worsted-weight yarn.
The pattern is beginner-friendly, providing an enjoyable experience even for those new to crocheting sweaters. The sweater features a stylish design, combining neutral grey with a pop of vibrant burnt orange for a modern look.
A girly detail is a tie at the back, finished with a bow, adding a unique and stylish twist. The worsted-weight yarn ensures warmth and comfort, making this sweater a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
Find the pattern available for purchase on Etsy here.
Weight 5 Yarn: Bulky
Bulky weight yarn, also known as weight 5 yarn, is significantly thicker than worsted weight yarn, making it perfect for crafting warm and snug items like chunky blankets, oversized scarves, and hats.
This yarn works up quickly due to its thickness, providing instant gratification and a satisfying crafting experience.
Its substantial texture adds a comforting feel to any project, making it a favorite for creating items that offer warmth and style.
Bulky weight yarn is also great for beginners, as its thickness makes stitches easier to see and work with.
Use a 6.5-9 mm hook for best results.
Here are a few crochet patterns featuring weight 5 yarn:
Cinnamon Cappuccino Cardigan
This crochet cardigan pattern in a deep forest green is perfect for beginners looking to create a cozy and stylish piece.
Made with weight 5 yarn, it’s substantial yet comfortable, ideal for cooler weather. The design is simple and straightforward, ensuring a smooth crocheting experience.
A standout feature of this cardigan is the wooden button closure, which adds a rustic and elegant touch to the overall design.
This cardigan is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down and is an excellent choice for those who want to start making crochet garments.
The pattern is available for purchase on Etsy here.
Rola Table Runner
This weight 5 crochet table runner pattern, crafted in a classic tan yarn, is a lovely addition to any dining or coffee table.
The use of weight 5 yarn gives the runner a sturdy yet elegant texture, perfect for both everyday use and special occasions.
The tan color adds a warm, neutral tone that complements various decor styles, from rustic to modern. The pattern is designed to be simple and enjoyable, making it suitable for crocheters of various skill levels.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of handmade charm to your home or seeking a thoughtful gift, this crochet table runner is a delightful project that combines practicality with aesthetic appeal.
The pattern is available for free on Lion Brand here.
Chunky Modern Crochet Throw
This weight 5 crochet blanket pattern is a fantastic project for those who love quick and satisfying crafts.
Designed in a modern style, this blanket can be completed in just a few hours, making it perfect for weekend projects or last-minute gifts.
Using weight 5 yarn ensures the blanket works up quickly while maintaining a cozy and comfortable feel. Its versatile design fits any setting, from contemporary to traditional decor.
The pattern is straightforward, emphasizing simplicity and style, ideal for both beginners and experienced crocheters.
Whether you want to add a chic touch to your home or create a warm, handmade gift, this fast crochet blanket pattern is an excellent choice.
Find the pattern for free on Make and Do Crew here.
Weight 6 Yarn: Super Bulky
Super bulky weight yarn, categorized as weight 6 yarn, is even thicker than bulky weight yarn and is ideal for creating ultra-cozy, quick-to-make projects.
It’s perfect for crafting plush blankets and super chunky scarves, as well as hats. The substantial thickness of super bulky yarn ensures warmth.
It allows for rapid project completion, making it a favorite for last-minute gifts or when you want to enjoy the satisfaction of a finished project in just a few hours.
Its size makes stitches bold and pronounced, offering a fantastic texture and a modern, trendy look.
Super bulky yarn is especially great for beginners due to the ease of handling and the clear visibility of stitches.
Use a 9mm-15 mm hook for best results.
Here are a few crochet patterns featuring weight 6 yarn:
Classic Raglan Cardigan
This weight 6 crochet raglan cardigan pattern is a cozy and stylish addition to any wardrobe.
Made with super bulky yarn, it’s perfect for creating a warm and comfortable garment that works up quickly, ideal for beginners or those looking for a fast project.
The raglan design adds a classic touch, making the cardigan functional and fashionable. Its versatility allows it to be paired with a variety of outfits, from casual jeans to more formal attire.
The pattern is straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring a delightful crocheting experience. This cardigan is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to craft a chic, handmade piece that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to wear.
The pattern is available for free on Joy of Motion Crochet here.
Fisherman Blanket
This weight 6 crochet blanket pattern features a textured, chunky, wonderfully cozy and inviting design.
Made using single crochet, one of the most basic stitches, the pattern is ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a simple yet satisfying project.
The super bulky yarn creates a plush and warm blanket, perfect for snuggling up on chilly evenings. Its chunky texture adds to the comfort and gives the blanket a modern and stylish look.
This pattern is great for quickly creating a functional and decorative piece for your home, adding a touch of handmade warmth and charm to any room.
The pattern is available for purchase on Lovecrafts here.
1.5 Hour Slippers
These weight 6 crochet slippers, crafted with luxurious chenille yarn, are a quick and delightful project, taking only about 1 and a half hours to complete.
The chenille yarn provides a soft, velvety texture, ensuring maximum comfort and warmth. Adding to their coziness is the faux fur edge, which gives these slippers a stylish flair and extra snugness.
These slippers are perfect for relaxing at home, keeping your feet toasty and pampered. The pattern is straightforward, making it suitable for crocheters of all skill levels.
Whether you’re making them for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, these crochet slippers are sure to be a hit.
You can find the pattern for free on Crochet Dreamz here.
Weight 7 Yarn: Jumbo
Jumbo weight yarn, classified as weight 7, is the thickest yarn available in the crochet world. It stands out for its extreme thickness and is perfect for creating the coziest, most dramatic projects.
You can crochet incredibly plush blankets, oversized scarves, and statement home decor items like chunky cushions and poufs with jumbo yarn.
Its impressive thickness allows for the fastest project completion, often using arm crocheting or large hooks, making it an exciting choice for creating eye-catching, tactile pieces.
It’s also great for beginners, as the large stitches are easy to work with and quickly build confidence. Jumbo weight yarn transforms any crochet project into a luxurious, snuggly masterpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to use.
Use a 15 mm or larger hook for best results.
Here are a few crochet patterns featuring weight 7 yarn:
Dulsee Scarf
This beginner-friendly crochet scarf pattern is made with weight 7 jumbo yarn, creating a giant and incredibly cozy accessory.
The use of jumbo yarn ensures that the scarf is not only warm but also has a luxurious, plush feel. This pattern is perfect for those new to crochet, as the thick yarn and simple stitches make it easy to work with and quick to complete.
The finished scarf is ideal for cold weather, providing substantial warmth and comfort. Its oversized nature makes it a trendy and stylish addition to any winter outfit.
Whether bundling up for outdoor adventures or adding a cozy touch to your indoor ensemble, this jumbo yarn scarf is a beautiful and practical project.
The pattern is available for free on Lion Brand here.
Bernat Yarn Scrunchie
Using weight 7 jumbo yarn, this crochet scrunchie pattern is a cozy and practical project that can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
The jumbo yarn gives the scrunchie a plush feel, making it perfect for keeping hair up without sacrificing style. Its oversized design adds a fun, trendy touch to any hairstyle and ensures comfortable wear, being gentle on the hair.
This quick and easy pattern is great for last-minute gifts or for using leftover yarn.
Whether you’re an experienced crocheter or just starting, this jumbo yarn scrunchie adds a handmade charm to your accessories collection.
You can find the pattern for free on Easy Crochet here.
Winter Chunky Crochet Blanket
This weight 7 jumbo yarn crochet blanket is a beginner-friendly project, perfect for crafting a cozy addition to your home.
Made with winter white jumbo yarn, the blanket provides substantial warmth and brings a serene and calming vibe into your space.
The design includes playful blue poms on each corner, adding a whimsical and fun element. Despite being crocheted, the pattern gives the blanket a knit look, offering the best of both worlds in style and texture.
This blanket is ideal for chilly evenings, providing a cozy and comforting layer. The simplicity of the pattern ensures an enjoyable and straightforward crocheting experience, making it a great project for those new to working with jumbo yarn.
The pattern is available for purchase on Etsy here.
In conclusion, navigating the world of yarn weights 4 through 7 opens up many possibilities for your crochet projects.
Each weight offers unique charm and functionality, from the versatile worsted weight to the luxuriously thick jumbo yarn.
By understanding the properties of these heavier yarns, you can make informed choices that elevate your crochet creations, whether crafting cozy sweaters, chunky blankets, or statement home décor.
We hope this guide has shed light on the characteristics of each weight and inspired you to experiment with these bolder, more substantial yarns in your future projects.
Stay tuned for more crochet insights!
Hannah is the eldest of the Bonner family’s three kiddos. She graduated from the University of North Texas with her Bachelors in Elementary Education. She enjoys reading, yoga, movies & TV, and (obviously) crocheting. She is excited about furthering her writing career & spending her days surrounded by yarn. All the yarn.