Aran Weight?

[AidanM]

What is Aran Weight yarn? I haven't seen this anywhere but on knit sites, is this some strange knitting term for worsted?

[Stacey]

I'm pretty sure it's just worsted, but I could be mistaken...

[mercy7]

we have aran over here and it is thicker than our double knit and i believe it is like your worsted although i normally only use double knit as it is cheaper to buy

[AidanM]

Oooh, thank you Mercy! I was having the dangdest time trying to figure it out.

[threeolivemartini]

personally .. i think aran is a tad bit larger than worsted .. in my experience..

[Aggie May]

We have 3ply, 4ply, 8ply (Double knit) 12ply (Aran weight) 14ply (Chunky or Bulky)

Aran weight is quite a lot thicker than 8ply (DK)

Would'nt it be great if we could get the world manufacturers to agree on a universal standard for needle, hook and yarn sizes.

The only problem would be, whos would we use, yours or ours, mine or theirs. What a hornets nest we could stir up.

Have fun.

Colleen

[xantha]

aran is usually slightly heavier than worsted. They are generally classified in the same category of yarn weights, however the gauges are different.

 

In terms of wpi (wraps per inch), aran is usually about 10 wpi and worsted is typically around 12 wpi. To calculate wpi, take a ruler and wrap yarn around it for 4 inches, then divide the number of wraps by the number of inches. That gives you the basic wpi.

 

Also -- 8ply: Dk, 10 ply: worsted, 12 ply: aran.

 

standard yarn weights link.