DK (Double Knitting)
DK — Double Knitting — is the most versatile yarn weight in the catalogue. Quick enough that a sweater knits in a month, light enough that the result is wearable indoors.
Recommended A buyer's guide to choosing high-quality DK (Double Knitting)-weight yarn online.
Typical gauge & needles
| CYC number | 3 |
| UK / Australian name | DK / 8-ply |
| Wraps per inch | 11 |
| Stitch gauge (per 4 in) | 21–24 |
| Row gauge (per 4 in) | 26–30 |
| Recommended needle (metric) | 3.75–4.5 mm |
| Recommended needle (US) | US 5–7 |
| Yardage per 50 g | 115–140 yds |
Best uses
- Cardigans
- Adult sweaters
- Hats and mittens
- Brioche cowls
- Baby blankets
About this weight
British knitters call this weight DK or 8-ply; Australians call it 8-ply; Americans split it from worsted by gauge. A DK yarn at 22 sts to 4 inches on 4 mm needles is the textbook standard. The vast majority of free patterns on this site list a DK or worsted recommendation.
DK is the most-knit weight in the UK and one of the most popular worldwide. Choose a smooth, plied yarn for cables; a softer single-ply for next-to-skin.
In partnership Sustainable wool farms shipping DK (Double Knitting) yarn worldwide.
Swatching at this weight
DK swatches block predictably and gauge differences are easy to spot. A 5-inch swatch is comfortable.
Swatch flat, wash and block exactly as the finished garment will be cared for, and let it dry fully before measuring.
Stitch patterns that wear well in DK (Double Knitting)
The stitches below were curated as flattering at this weight; you can also browse all 481 charted stitches.
Free patterns in DK (Double Knitting) (0)
Substituting yarn weights
DK and worsted are close cousins but not interchangeable: a DK pattern in worsted at the same needle size will be 5–10% larger. Read the full yarn weight conversion reference before swapping any yarn.