Ultimate Guide to Fingering Weight Yarn
Wondering what in the world fingering weight yarn is? All the yarn weights can be confusing, but it’s not too hard to learn about them. In this ultimate guide, I’ll answer all your questions about fingering weight yarn, as well as show you 7 of my favorites!
What is fingering weight yarn?
Let’s start at the very beginning. What is fingering weight yarn anyway?
Fingering weight yarn is a lightweight yarn that is amazing to crochet with! It is usually categorized as #1 yarn weight—right in between the size of lace or sport yarn. This is also known as a “super fine” yarn.
In addition, fingering weight yarns are usually 4ply (read this for more information on yarn ply), and can be found in a variety of different fibers like wool, bamboo, silk, or cotton.
How is fingering yarn different from other types of yarn?
Fingering weight yarn is lightweight, so it creates thinner crochet projects than its counterparts such as worsted or bulky weight. It also makes for better drape on any projects, which makes it an excellent choice for crocheted garments.
Another unique thing about fingering yarn is it’s tendency to be hand-dyed. It is not often found in local craft stores like Joann or Michaels.
These stores carry mostly inexpensive, acrylic yarns in heavier yarn weights. To find good fingering weight yarns, you’re likely going to have to either shop online, or find a locally owned yarn store.
Here is an example of what hand-dyed fingering weight yarn looks like. As you can see, this yarn is most often sold in HANKS, not skeins.
Fingering Yarn & Crocheting
While we’re on the topic of craft stores…another VERY important thing to talk about is how fingering weight yarn should be used in crocheting!
See, there are some stereotypes in the fiber arts world. Most crocheters tend to use cheap, heavier yarns found at stores like Joann’s, while most knitters tend to use expensive, luxury, fingering weight yarn.
Sometimes, crocheters look down on knitters for being yarn snobs, and knitters look down on crocheters for being cheap!
I am bringing this up because I think that we as crocheters actually have something to LEARN from knitters. The truth is, crocheting looks absolutely AMAZING in fingering weight yarn!
Crochet stitches are actually thicker and denser than knit stitches. So using a worsted weight yarn in a crochet sweater, for example, can turn out badly if you’re inexperienced.
Fingering weight yarn, on the other hand, is perfectly complimentary to our denser crochet stitches! It will give your project amazing drape in contrast to heavier yarns.
My point in writing this little section is to encourage crocheters to get out of their comfort zone! Try a fingering weight yarn, and I promise, you won’t be able to go back! 😉
What projects work for fingering weight yarn?
You can make practically anything with fingering weight yarn! The possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas:
- Garments
- Socks
- Lightweight scarves
- Shawls
- Anything lacy
I’ll give you some pattern links toward the end of this post! The only projects I wouldn’t recommend using fingering weight yarn on are things like baby blankets or items that may get ruined easily. Because fingering yarn is often more expensive, you may want to save it for adult items.
What colors does fingering weight yarn come in?
Fingering weight yarn comes in a wide variety of colors just like other types of yarn out there. There will be lots of solids and lots of variegated!
One thing to look for when choosing a color is how it is dyed. Hand-dyed fingering yarn can be a little deceptive because you may think you are getting a yarn that will result in color blocked stripes, when it is actually dyed in a variegated style.
Disadvantages of fingering weight yarn
While fingering weight does have a lot of benefits, it also has its downsides. Since it is thinner than other types of yarn like bulky or sport, it can also be harder to find patterns. It will also cost a lot more to make large projects with this yarn, especially if you are going the hand-dyed route.
However, this should not deter you from using this yarn! It is totally worth the extra expense…and don’t worry, I will show you some fingering yarns that are less expensive too!
7 Best Fingering Yarns to Try
Now that we’ve talked a lot about fingering weight yarn, are you ready to actually SEE some of my favorites? I have selected 7 amazing lightweight yarns, and I am excited to show them to you.
1. Knit Picks Chroma Fingering Yarn
Knit Picks Chroma is a favorite of mine! It is a fingering weight yarn that comes in many different colors with beautiful gradients. This is also single-ply yarn, meaning it will have sections of thinner/thicker yarn.
The thick to thin nature of this yarn does not have to be seen as a downside! I love using this yarn for lacy scarves and cowls. The thick to thin texture just makes them look even more elegant and beautiful!
As far as buying Chroma Fingering, your best bet will be to use the Knit Picks or We Crochet website. It is not widely available on Amazon, and will likely cost you more money there.
2. Cascade Heritage Yarn
Another amazing fingering weight yarn is Cascade Heritage! I have a bunch of these hanks in different colors in my stash that I still need to use. They are just too pretty to touch! LOL.
Cascade Heritage Yarn comes in 100 gram hanks. The 75% superwash wool, and 25% nylon fingering weight yarn is very soft. It can be machine washed and it’s also soft after being washed.
Fingering weight yarn is a great choice for crochet projects because it will make your stitches less bulky. And Cascade Heritage is no exception! Even beginners can create something beautiful without much effort when using this yarn!
3. Malabrigo Mechita Yarn
If you’re looking for hand-dyed fingering weight yarn, check out Malabrigo Mechita Yarn! This yarn is hand dyed in beautiful colors and is made from 100% superwash wool. It comes with 420 yards in each 3.5 ounce hank of yarn and is perfect for elegant projects.
One of my favorite things about this yarn is how wonderfully soft it is. Because it is made from merino wool, you get such a lovely finished feel on your project. And since Malabrigo Mechita is also a superwash wool, it will take your washings without a problem and still look great for years to come.
This yarn will be a bit more on the expensive side. However, that is usually the case with hand-dyed yarn. And trust me, it is totally worth the price!
4. Knit Picks Hawthorne Fingering Yarn
One of the most common uses for fingering weight yarn is SOCKS. And Knit Picks Hawthorn yarn was designed just for that! The colors, fibers, etc. were all designed to be great for socks. See more info below!
Knit Picks Hawthorne fingering yarn is made from 80% Fine Superwash Highland Wool and 20% Polyamide. Each 100 gram hank comes with 357 yards in each. It is made with a high twist for extra durability and bounciness. This is what makes it great for socks!
However, you are also not confined to socks when using this yarn! Hawthorn is also great for precision projects that require a high level of detail such as lace or intarsia designs. It can be used for sweaters, as well as accessories such as hats, scarves, socks or gloves.
The only thing I would keep in mind is that this is not the softest fingering yarn out there. It is not scratchy, but also not soft, if you know what I mean. This is because it is made from highland wool, not merino wool.
When purchasing, this is another yarn that will be cheaper to buy directly from the supplier, rather than on Amazon.
Overall, Hawthorn will create a fabric that is light, yet warm. The color options are amazing and it is definitely worth checking out!
5. Lion Brand Summer Nights Yarn
A beautiful, elegant fingering yarn…meet Lion Brand Summer Nights Yarn! Coming in 4 variegated colorways, this yarn works great for summer projects like shawls.
If you are looking for an acrylic fingering weight yarn, this is a great option. It can be hard to find good lightweight acrylic yarns, because most fingering yarn is made from wool or other animal based fibers.
Lion Brand Summer Nights is sure to impress! It comes in many colors with multicolored strands twisted with a strand of metallic thread.
It’s also fully machine washable and dryable, making it easy to care for your crochet projects! This fingering weight yarn comes in 3.5 ounce balls with 437 yards, making it great for a variety of projects.
As far as purchasing options go, I would recommend buying this yarn on Amazon. At the time of writing, it is actually cheaper to buy here than from the supplier, which is rare!
6. Sugar Bush Itty Bitty Yarn
Another great fingering yarn is Sugar Bush Itty Bitty Yarn. When bought on Amazon, this yarn comes in packs of two 50 gram balls, and you get a total of 306 yards with your purchase.
The colors of this yarn are easy to mix and match! You can buy several packs and create your own color scheme, or you can buy an already variegated yarn pack. There’s lots of options to choose from!
This fingering weight yarn is 65% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon, and 10% Cashmere. This makes it extra soft, yet still durable enough for crochet projects that need a bit more strength.
You won’t want to miss out on Sugar Bush Itty Bitty Yarn!
7. Knit Picks Stroll Sock Yarn
Last but NOT least, meet Stroll Sock Yarn! This is a soft yet strong fingering weight yarn that comes in a ton of different solid color options (like literally over 30!) I just love this yarn and have used it for multiple projects.
Stroll Sock Yarn is It is also machine washable and dryable, which makes it perfect for those who want to crochet something beautiful without worrying about how difficult it is going to be to care for the finished product.
What’s more, this fingering weight yarn is made from 75% Fine Superwash Merino Wool and 25% Nylon! Your finished product will be soft and warm as well as durable. With so many features to offer, Knit Picks Stroll Sock Yarn can’t help but please.
Buying Hand-Dyed Fingering Weight Yarn
One other option you have when it comes to fingering weight yarn is to support small businesses! There are so many individuals who hand-dye their own yarn—and the most common weight these dyers use is fingering!
Here is a list of some of my favorite hand-dyers that you can buy yarn from online:
Fingering Weight Yarn Crochet Patterns
Before we finish this post, there is one more thing to show you: lots of patterns that use fingering weight yarn!
1. Summer Breeze Vest
Remember Stroll Sock Yarn? Well, it doesn’t have to just be used for socks! I made it into this Summer Breeze Vest, which I love to wear. The pattern comes in sizes S-3XL!
2. Wave Shawl
One of my favorite ways to make use of fingering weight yarns is with shawls! This Wave Shawl uses a gradient cake yarn called Stroll Gradient. Isn’t it so pretty?
3. Autumn Leaves Cowl
Remember when I said I loved using Chroma Fingering yarn for lightweight cowls? The Autumn Leaves Cowl uses just one ball of that yarn, and it is one of my favorite cowls to wear! It works great as an accessory when you need just a bit of added warmth.
4. Juniper Cardigan
Fingering yarn also is amazing for garments. The Juniper Cardigan is a perfect example! It is a great summer garment to dress up an outfit.
5. Two-Toned Scrunchies
Stroll Sock yarn does it again! If you want to try out fingering weight yarn but need a quick project, check out these Two-Toned Scrunchies. I used Stroll Sock, but you can really use any lightweight yarn you have in your stash.
6. Aspen Shawl
Last but not least, meet the Aspen Shawl! This easy shawl pattern uses two hanks of hand-dyed fingering weight yarn.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning a lot more about fingering weight yarn! This truly is an amazing type of yarn that is so versatile and fun to use. When you try it for the first time, I’m sure you will love it!
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Happy Crocheting!