Yarn Substitution Guide for Crafters

Written by Kate Curry

We’ve all been there - we have the perfect yarn and a pattern…but the yarn isn’t the one being used in the pattern! Sure you could just find a new pattern….but this one is so perfect! With a little math and some creativity, you can use your preferred yarn for any pattern, you may just need to add a few more strands! Don’t worry, we’ll help you figure it out!

You’re Looking To Substitute For: Lace Weight Yarn

A nest of yellow, pink, and teal lace weight silk yarn is sitting beside a large green and white geode. — Sparkle Lace Weight Silk Yarn: Pastel Dreams

Sadly, this is where you’re a little out of luck. Lace weight is the thinnest yarn available, so if you’re looking for a substitute…there’s not really anything that can be used. You can use embroidery thread and unply the strands if you need something even thinner than lace weight!

You’re Looking To Substitute For: Fingering Weight Yarn

A hand is holding a skein of light grey fingering weight silk yarn, on the table behind rests a few skeins and cakes loosely spread out across the table. — Mulberry Silk Fingering Weight Yarn: Lavender Fields

Fingering weight is #1…on the weight chart that is! If you’re looking to substitute your fingering weight with another yarn, we would suggest using 2 strands of lace weight silk yarn! These two strands will give you the perfect weight to match lace weight

You’re Looking To Substitute For: Sport Weight Yarn

A cake of rainbow sport weight twist silk yarn is sitting beside a green crystal and a bright green air plant. — Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn: Twisting Rainbows

Sport weight is a fairly common yarn, but you can substitute with either of these:

2 strands of fingering weight yarn
3 strands of lace weight yarn

You’re Looking To Substitute For: DK Weight Yarn

An up close skein of DK weight twist blue, teal, and pink silk yarn. — DK Triple Twist: Coming Soon!

DK just isn’t doing it for you? Check out these options:

2 strands of sport weight yarn
3 strands of fingering weight yarn
4 strands of lace weight yarn

You’re Looking To Substitute For: Worsted Weight Yarn

A tattooed arm holding a skein of white, black, and purple worsted weight silk yarn. Behind it, is a pile of the same worsted weight silk yarn. — Sparkle Worsted Weight Silk Yarn: Frost Bite

The most popular yarn, hands down, the majority of patterns you’ll find will be for worsted weight! If you’re looking for a substitute, try one of these:

2 strands of DK weight yarn
3 strands of sport weight yarn
4 strands of fingering weight yarn
5 strands of lace weight yarn

You’re Looking To Substitute For: Bulky Weight Yarn

A large wooden and purple ombre crochet hook is attached to a work in progress of teal chiffon ribbon, and the ball of the same ribbon on a white background. — Chiffon Ribbon Yarn

We’re getting into thick territory and you have a TON of options for substitutions:

2 strands of worsted weight yarn
3 strands of DK weight yarn
4 strands of sport weight yarn
5 strands of fingering weight yarn
6 strands of lace weight yarn

You’re Looking To Substitute For: Chunky Weight Yarn

Four skeins of multicolored sari silk ribbon yarn on a white background. — At the Bahamas: Multi Colored Sari Silk Ribbon Yarn

You’re at the tip top of the weight pyramid! But not to worry, you’ve got tons of substitutions options:

2 strands of bulky weight yarn
3 strands of worsted weight yarn
4 strands of DK weight yarn
5 strands of sport weight yarn
6 strands of fingering yarn
7 strands of lace weight

I hope this list of substitutions options helps you out! Before you start crafting, be sure to keep your eye on your gauge and the recommended yardage needed for your pattern!

Happy Crafting!

Meet the Author

Kate has been on the Darn Good Yarn team since 2018.

They have their degree in Creative Art Therapy & Psychology - and like crafting and animals a little too much.