When it comes to knitting or crocheting projects using red heart with love yarn, one of the most common questions is: what weight is this yarn? Red Heart with Love is a popular medium worsted weight yarn that works up beautifully for a wide range of knit and crochet patterns. Understanding the weight system for yarn can help knitters and crocheters select the right yarn for their projects.
What Does Yarn Weight Mean?
Yarn weight refers to the thickness or size of a yarn fiber. It is measured in ‘ply’ which refers to the number of strands twisted together to create the finished yarn. The ply measurement ranges from lace weight (single ply) up to super bulky or ‘roving’ (multiple thick plies).
Standard yarn weights used for knitting and crochet include:
- Lace
- Super Fine
- Fine
- Light
- Medium
- Bulky
- Super Bulky
Yarn weight gives an indication of how thick or thin the yarn is. Thicker yarns like bulky or super bulky work up faster and create a looser drape, while thinner yarns like lace or fine require more stitches and create a tighter fabric. Matching the yarn weight to the right knitting or crochet pattern is important.
How is Yarn Weight Categorized?
To standardize yarn weights across different brands and types of yarn, a numbering system is used. The yarn weight numbers range from 0 (finest) to 6 (heaviest). The numbers indicate the ply of the yarn fiber:
| Yarn Weight | Ply | Knitting Gauge* | Crochet Gauge* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lace | 1 | 33-40 sts | 32-42 sc |
| Super Fine | 1-2 | 27-32 sts | 21-31 sc |
| Fine | 2-3 | 23-26 sts | 16-20 sc |
| Light | 3-4 | 21-24 sts | 12-17 sc |
| Medium | 4 | 16-20 sts | 11-14 sc |
| Bulky | 5+ | 12-15 sts | 8-11 sc |
| Super Bulky | 6+ | 7-11 sts | 5-9 sc |
*Gauge is given over 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch for knitting and single crochet for crochet.
This numbering system allows you to compare different brands of yarn and select the right weight for knitting or crochet patterns. The higher the number, the thicker the yarn.
What Weight is Red Heart With Love Yarn?
Red Heart With Love is classified as a medium worsted weight yarn with a number 4 yarn weight. It is made of 4-ply strands twisted together to create a smooth, solid yarn. The specifics of Red Heart With Love include:
- Fibers: 100% premium acrylic
- Ply: 4
- Weight: Number 4 medium
- Knitting Gauge: 17-18 stitches over 4 inches on size US 8 (5 mm) knitting needles
- Crochet Gauge: 12-14 single crochet over 4 inches on size US I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook
With a ply of 4 and number 4 weight, Red Heart With Love fits neatly into the medium worsted weight category. It has good stitch definition and drape that works well for knit and crochet garments and accessories.
Working with Red Heart With Love Yarn
Understanding that Red Heart With Love is a medium weight yarn helps determine the right needle and hook sizes to use. Some tips for working with this yarn include:
- For knitting, use US size 7, 8, or 9 needles
- For crochet, use US size H, I, or J hooks
- Gauge in knitting: 16-20 stitches over 4 inches
- Gauge in crochet: 11-14 single crochet over 4 inches
- Suitable for garments, blankets, accessories, toys, and home décor items
- Soft, smooth texture that is easy to work for beginners
- Good stitch definition
- 100% acrylic fiber is machine washable and dryable
Always check your gauge before starting a project and use the recommended needle or hook size from the pattern you are following. Swatching helps confirm you are achieving the correct gauge for the yarn weight.
Substituting Red Heart With Love in Patterns
The medium weight of Red Heart With Love makes it suitable for substituting in patterns calling for other number 4 worsted weight yarns. Some examples of popular yarns that can be substituted include:
- Caron One Pound
- Lion Brand Heartland
- Bernat handicrafter Cotton
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease
When substituting yarns, always match the weight and fiber content as closely as possible to achieve the intended drape, feel, and stitch definition. Make adjustments to hook or needle size as needed to match gauge.
Red Heart With Love Yarn Weight in Summary
To summarize key facts about Red Heart With Love:
- Fiber content: 100% premium acrylic
- Yarn weight: Number 4 medium
- Ply: 4-ply
- Gauge for knitting: 17-18 stitches over 4 inches
- Gauge for crochet: 12-14 single crochet over 4 inches
- Suitable needle sizes: US 7 to 9
- Suitable hook sizes: US H to J
Knowing these specifications helps knitters and crocheters select the right tools and patterns when working with this popular medium worsted weight yarn. Red Heart With Love is a versatile yarn that suits beginners and advanced makers alike.
Conclusion
Determining yarn weight is an important first step for any knitting or crochet project. Red Heart With Love is classified as a number 4 medium worsted weight yarn, made from 4-ply acrylic fibers. This versatile yarn works up with good stitch definition into garments, accessories, blankets, toys, and home décor items. Understanding the weight and specifications of Red Heart With Love allows crafters to substitute it easily in patterns calling for other worsted weight yarns. With its smooth texture and wide range of colors, it’s no wonder Red Heart With Love is a favorite among knitters and crocheters.