What is Finger Weight Yarn ?

Written by Kate Curry

What Is Fingering Weight Yarn?

Fingering weight yarn is a thin weight yarn, typically made from wool or other natural fibers, that is a very light and fine yarn. It is between lace weight yarn and sport weight yarn. Sometimes people use the term fingering weight when they really mean lace weight. Depending on where you are, you may have heard of it using the name baby yarn, superfine, or sock weight. 

A close up of a skein of two-toned green fingering weight yarn.

What Needles & Hooks Work With Fingering Weight Yarn?

What knitting needles or crochet hook you should use will vary depending on your specific yarn, so remember to check out the tag! This blog will help you: How Do You Match A Crochet Hook To Your Yarn?

The majority of fingering weight yarns use: 


Knit: US 1 - 4 // UK 13 - 10 // 2.25mm - 3.50mm needles
Crochet: US B-1 - E-4 / UK 13 - 9 //  2.25mm - 3.50mm

What is Finger Weight Yarn Good For?

Fingering weight is one of the most versatile yarn types! It’s thin and flowy, but durable without being bulky! Here are a few examples of what you can make with fingering weight yarn! 

  • Shawls 
  • A girl wearing a grey shirt and an orange and rust colored shawl.
  • Hats 
  • Doilies
  • A hand is touching a soft white hat that is laying on a soft white blanket.
  • Lightweight sweaters 
  • Cardigans 
  • Tops
  • Cowls
  • Socks 
  • A foot is sticking up into the air, wearing a long, striped, multicolored sock.
  • Scarves 

Looking For Fingering Weight Yarn Inspiration?

We’ve got you covered!

Meet the Author

Profile picture of the author, Kate Curry, wearing a dark red Nanda Poncho sitting on concrete stairs in front of brick wall.

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.