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Close-up of knitting machine needles threaded with yarns of different weights, demonstrating the range of yarns suitable for machine knitting

Essential Yarn Guide for Machine Knitters

Learn about yarn types, tips, and a handy chart to help you choose the perfect yarn for your machine knitting projects

needle pitch yarn YPP

Essential Yarn Guide for Machine Knitters

Not All Yarn Is Created Equal

Just because a yarn says "DK weight" or "fingering" doesn't mean it'll work smoothly with your machine. Unlike hand knitting, machine knitting demands yarn that glides across needles without excessive resistance or slippage. It’s not just about weight - it’s about behavior.

What to Look For in Machine Knitting Yarn

  • Consistency: Even thickness with minimal slubs or variation for predictable results.
  • Fiber Content:Yarn choice matters more than fiber content alone. While acrylics and blends are commonly used, natural fibers can work beautifully too—just be mindful of how they behave on your specific machine.
  • Structure: Smooth, tightly spun yarns glide better than fuzzy or loosely plied ones.

Cone Yarn vs. Ball Yarn

Cone yarn is made for machine knitting - consistent, often waxed, and ready to go. But don’t rule out yarn in balls or skeins. With the right setup (think tension mast and careful winding), they’re usable too.

Label Lies

Ignore the "recommended needle size" and instead swatch with your machine. Yarn labels are for hand knitting. Gauge rules everything in machine knitting.

Don’t Skip the Swatch

We can’t say it enough: Always knit and measure a swatch. Even cone yarns behave differently based on fiber content, humidity, and machine condition.

Special Considerations

  • Wax vintage or dry yarns to reduce friction and static.
  • Rewind yarn from balls or skeins onto cones or cakes for more consistent tension and smoother knitting.

Final Word

The perfect yarn for one knitter might be a nightmare for another. Get to know how your machine behaves with different yarns. Build your own stash of trusted yarns. And above all - swatch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What yarns work best for machine knitting?

Smooth, consistent, tightly-spun yarns work best — especially those sold on cones, which are designed for machine use. Avoid yarns with slubs or excessive fuzz.

Can I use hand knitting yarn with my knitting machine?

Yes, but expect to swatch and experiment. Hand knitting yarn can work well if it's rewound properly and behaves consistently through the machine.

Why is my yarn breaking or snagging?

This usually points to poor yarn quality, dryness, static, or improper tension. Try waxing the yarn or adjusting how it’s fed into the machine.

Do I have to swatch for every yarn?

Absolutely. Every yarn behaves differently on the machine. Swatching helps avoid wasted time and materials and ensures your garment will fit as expected.

What’s the difference between cone yarn and regular yarn?

Cone yarn is often waxed, wound for tension consistency, and designed to flow smoothly through a knitting machine. Regular yarn in balls can be used, but may require rewinding and more attention.


NOTE:
The "Yarn types" terms are different in different parts of the world. What terms do you use? Please comment below

Symbol Category Yarn Types Yards Per Pound 4" (10cm) Machine/Pitch UK AUS Hand Knitting Needle Size
Lace Lace
Fingering
2-ply
10-count crochet thread		 4000 - 10,000 ypp 33-40 sts Standard
4.5mm (stranded)		 1 ply 2 ply 1.5 - 2.2mm
Super fine Sock
Fingering
Baby
3-ply		 3000-4000 ypp 27-32 sts Standard
4.5mm (stranded)		 2 ply 3 ply 1.25 - 3.5mm
Fine Sport
Baby
4-ply		 2000-3000 ypp 23-26 sts Standard
4.5mm / Double Bed		 4 ply 5 ply 3.5 - 4.5mm
Light DK
Light worsted		 1000-2000 ypp 21-24 sts Mid-Gauge
6.0 |6.5| 7mm/Standard 4.5mm		 DK 8 ply 4.5 - 5.5mm
Medium Worsted
Afghan
Aran		 800-1000 ypp 16-20 sts Mid-Gauge
6.0 |6.5| 7mm/Bulky 9mm		 Aran 10 ply 5.5 - 6.5mm
Bulky Chunky

Craft
Rug		 500-800 ypp 12-15 sts Bulky
9mm		 Chunky 12 ply 6.5 - 9mm
Super Bulky Super bulky
Roving		 100-500 ypp 6-11 sts May not be appropriate Super Chunky 14 ply 9mm +

NOTE:
The "Yarn types" terms are different in different parts of the world.
What terms do you use and where do they fit in the chart?

Please comment below

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11 COMMENTS
Kristin C
 Mar 14, 2024
I'm in the US. I use lace weight, fingering weight, sport weight, DK weight, Aran or Worsted weight, chunky, and super chunky to describe yarn weights. I do like that they're now putting the number symbols on yarn so it's easier to tell at a glance if it's a candidate for a project.

I get confused with coned yarn weights because the numbering system doesn't make sense to me. And then it's completely different for cotton yarns. I usually buy a shade card for coned yarns so I can also feel the texture and see if I need to double it triple strand.

Hege M
 Mar 11, 2024
I use meters per 50 grams (or 100 grams) That is all I understand (and stitches per 10 cm)

Sheila W
 Mar 9, 2024
I use 2/28 coned yarn. I know that two ends of 2/28 knitted together equals an English 3 ply or a “lace weight” yarn and would be good for double bed knitting on a Passap machine. For knitting on a Japanese machine, I would use 3 or 4 ends together. I don’t wind them together, just run them through the same yarn tension unit. I live in Australia where we are still able to buy coned yarns.

Janet J
 Mar 9, 2024
Being a Brit living in the USA is totally confusing to me. Not only are the yarn definitions different, the crochet terms are too.. I used to know what DK, 4 ply was no problem, now I have to look it up for the American version. Then I started machine knitting, guess what? cone yarn has a language all to itself lol..

Terri S
 Mar 9, 2024
I use the yarn numbers 0-6 Free yourself……..Invest in a good to great ball winder and wind your machine yarn. This establishes some consistency for your machine . AND FIND A YARN YOU LIKE THAT YOUR MACHINES LIKES TOO, AND KNIT A BUNCH OF THINGS OUT OF IT. I think these two things really really help thatmavhine knitting learning curve

Morag W
 Mar 9, 2024
I usuallt use 4ply yarn for my machine but use DK yarn for hand knittingThank you Morag Walker from Dundee in Scotland.

Shirley M
 Mar 9, 2024
4ply is the yarn I mostly use on my standard gauge SK280. I also use yarn count 2/30 either 3 or 4 strands depending on the garment I want to knit. On the LK150 I tend to use UK double knit which comes in balls and readily available. I live in the UK.

Sue J
 Mar 9, 2024
4 ply is one of those "mystery" terms to me (I know it's used commonly in the UK) ... how many yards per pound? What gauge does it knit? Where do you think it fits on the chart? ~Knit it Now Sue

Edith M
 Mar 9, 2024
I haven't used any of the terms above so far. I have a standart maschine and know, be experience, that I can use yarn up to needle 3 with my maschine.

Mary R
 Mar 9, 2024
Metric measurements are used in UK…centimetres and grams eg 150cm/100 gms

Terri S
 Feb 28, 2024
I use the symbols 0-6 ( lace to bulky)

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