2-ply, worsted weight....

[TOmomma]

Help!! What are the different types of yarn?? I don't know what they mean. If I go to the store will the yarn be labeled "worsted weight"? Does 2- or 3-ply mean the number of little strands in the yarn??

clueless in Toronto.

[Knittin' in the Shade]

most yarns will be labelled as to the weight, meaning worsted weight, sport weight, DK weight, aran weight, etc.

"Ply" refers to how many smaller strands make up the yarn. 2 ply yarn is made of 2 plys (obviously, LOL). Generally, 3 ply yarn is thinner than 2 ply (I know you'd think it would be the other way around, but no, they like to confuse you!) each ply in the 3 ply is much thinner, making an overall thinner yarn, whereas the 2 ply is made of 2 thicker plys.

[tboroson]

If you go into an actual knitting shop (as opposed to someplace like Joann Fabrics), you can also ask. The ladies who own those places are usually thrilled to talk to you about their yarn