Double knit yarn weighs between 5 and 6 ounces per 400 yards, making it a medium-weight option for garments and blankets

Double knit (often called DK) sits in the middle of the yarn weight scale. It is thicker than fingering or sport yarn but thinner than worsted or bulky yarn. Most double knit yarn comes in 50-gram balls or skeins that measure around 150 to 200 yards, though some brands vary. The weight number you will see on labels is usually 3, which corresponds to DK on the standard yarn weight chart used across the industry.

The actual density matters more than the number alone. Double knit yarn typically has a thickness of about 2.5 to 3.5 millimeters when wound. This thickness makes it fast enough to work with for projects that do not take months, but fine enough to create garments with good drape and detail. You will see double knit used for baby clothes, lightweight sweaters, shawls, and amigurumi (stuffed toys) more often than for heavy blankets or winter coats.

Key Takeaways

  • Double knit yarn is labeled as weight 3 on the standard yarn weight chart and typically measures 150 to 200 yards per 50 grams.
  • The thickness of double knit yarn ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 millimeters, placing it between sport and worsted weights.
  • Patterns written for double knit yarn will specify DK or weight 3, and substituting a different weight will change the finished size and fabric feel.
  • Double knit works best on US size 3 to 5 needles, though the pattern you choose will give you the exact needle size to use.

How double knit compares to other yarn weights

Double knit sits in the middle range, which is why it works for so many projects. Fingering yarn (weight 1) is much thinner and takes longer to knit but creates delicate, detailed work. Sport yarn (weight 2) is slightly lighter than DK and produces a finer fabric. Worsted yarn (weight 4) is noticeably thicker and knits up faster, making it popular for blankets and heavy sweaters. Bulky yarn (weight 5) and above are reserved for quick projects and chunky textures.

The practical difference shows up in how long a project takes and how the finished fabric feels. A double knit sweater will have more structure and definition than a worsted one, but will not show as much stitch detail as a sport weight garment. If you hold double knit next to worsted yarn, you will see the worsted is visibly thicker and denser. This is why you cannot straightforward swap one for the other in a pattern without changing the outcome.

Reading the label to confirm yarn weight

The yarn label tells you the weight in two ways. First, look for a number inside a skein symbol — that number (usually 3 for double knit) matches the standard weight chart. Second, check the yardage per weight. Double knit typically shows something like "150 yards per 50 grams" or "200 yards per 50 grams." If the label says 400 yards per 100 grams, you are looking at double knit.

Some labels also list the recommended needle size, which for double knit is usually US 3 to 5. If the label recommends US 6 or 7 needles, the yarn is likely worsted weight, not DK. The fiber content (wool, acrylic, cotton, or a blend) does not change the weight category, but it does affect how the yarn feels and behaves as you knit.

Why needle size matters with double knit yarn

Double knit yarn knits best on needles in the US 3 to 5 range, though your specific pattern will tell you exactly which size to use. Using needles that are too small makes the yarn hard to work with and creates a stiff, dense fabric. Using needles that are too large creates loose, floppy stitches that do not hold their shape.

The pattern designer chose a specific needle size to achieve a particular fabric density and drape. If you use a different size, your finished project will be larger or smaller than intended, and the fabric will not feel right. This is why checking the pattern's needle recommendation before you start is essential. If you do not have the exact size, the next size up or down usually works, but going more than one size away will show in the finished piece.

Common projects that use double knit yarn

Double knit is the go-to weight for garments that need to be lightweight but still structured. Baby sweaters, cardigans, and summer tops are common choices because the yarn is fine enough to drape well but thick enough to finish in a reasonable time. Shawls and wraps often call for double knit because the weight creates good flow without being too heavy around the shoulders.

Amigurumi patterns frequently use double knit yarn because the thickness is fine enough to create defined features on small stuffed animals but sturdy enough to hold its shape. Blankets made from double knit take longer than worsted blankets but create a softer, more delicate finished product. Socks and other small accessories are also common, though some sock patterns call for fingering weight instead for a tighter, more durable fabric.

Substituting yarn weights in patterns

If you want to use a different yarn weight than what a pattern calls for, you need to do the math. Count how many yards the pattern requires, then divide by the yardage per weight of your yarn. If a pattern calls for 800 yards of double knit (weight 3) and you want to use worsted (weight 4), you will need fewer yards because worsted is thicker. However, the finished garment will also be larger, and the fabric will look different.

The safest approach is to stick with the weight the pattern specifies, especially if you are new to knitting. Once you understand how yarn weight affects finished size and fabric, you can experiment with substitutions. Keep in mind that changing yarn weight also changes how long the project takes and how much yarn you need to buy.

Storage and care for double knit yarn

Double knit yarn stores best in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep it in a sealed container or bag to protect it from dust and pests. If you wind the yarn into a ball before knitting, use a yarn bowl to keep it from rolling around and picking up lint from your work surface.

When you finish a project, the care instructions depend on the fiber content, not the weight. A wool double knit sweater may need hand washing, while an acrylic one can go in the machine. Check the label for fiber content and follow those care instructions. The weight of the yarn does not determine how to wash or dry it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use double knit yarn for a blanket?

Yes, but it will take longer than using worsted or bulky yarn. A double knit blanket will be lighter and have a softer drape than a heavier yarn blanket, which some people prefer. Expect the project to take several weeks or months depending on the size and your knitting speed.

What happens if I use the wrong needle size with double knit yarn?

Using needles that are too small creates a tight, stiff fabric that is hard to work with. Using needles that are too large makes loose, uneven stitches that do not hold their shape. Either way, the finished project will not match the pattern's intended size and feel.

Is double knit yarn the same as DK weight?

Yes. Double knit and DK are the same thing — both refer to weight 3 yarn. The terms are used interchangeably on patterns and yarn labels.

How do I know if yarn is double knit or sport weight?

Check the label for the weight number (3 for DK, 2 for sport) and the yardage per weight. Sport yarn will have more yardage per 50 grams than double knit. If you hold them side by side, sport yarn is noticeably thinner.

Can I mix double knit yarn with other weights in one project?

Mixing weights is possible but tricky. The different thicknesses create uneven stitches and fabric density. Most patterns are designed with one weight in mind, so mixing usually shows in the finished piece.