Worsted & Aran – What’s the Difference?

The names aran and worsted are often used interchangeably, but are aran and worsted the same thing? And if not, what’s the difference?

Aran and worsted weight is sometimes mentioned as two separate yarn weight categories, but at other times they are clumped together and used as one. This is because they are very similar in weight. As a matter of fact, the difference is so small that they both fall under the category, 4 medium, in the American yarn weight standard.

These medium thick yarns are popular among both knitters and crocheters. And that’s no wonder why. The medium yarns are heavy enough to work up quickly, at the same time they are light enough to have a nice drape and fine detailing.

Aran and worsted yarns come in all colors, fibers, and textures. I give you some lovely examples of that at the end of the post along with some knitting and crochet kits that will certainly spark your interest!

So, what’s the difference between worsted and aran?

The yarns that fall under the worsted category are slightly lighter than the aran yarns. They have a higher yardage/meterage and gauge.

Worsted yarns are typically knitted on needles US 6–8 / 4–5mm and have a gauge of around 18–20 stitches per 4 inches/10 centimeters.

The crochet hook sizes recommended for worsted weight yarns are US 9–10 / 5,5–6mm

Aran yarns are sometimes called heavy worsted and are typically knitted on needles US 8–10/5–6mm and have a gauge of around 16–18 stitches per 4 inches or 10 centimeters.

The recommended crochet hook sizes for Aran yarns are US 10–10,5 / 6–6,5mm.

As you can see, there’s not much difference to talk about, but enough to mess up your gauge if you are not careful!

A common question is whether you can substitute between worsted and aran yarns. The short answer is: It depends. For the long answer please head over to this post!

Worsted weight yarns

Re-Up

Using Re-Up from Lion Brand Yarn for your next knitting or crochet project is a win-win type of situation.
A win for you as you get a lot of yardage for your buck, a cone holds 651 yarns of yarn.
And a win for the environment as the yarn is made from 70% recycled cotton and 30% recycled polyester.
As a bonus, it’s also machine washable!
See the price and more colors at Lion Brand Yarn

Wool of the Andes

Wool of the Andes is a classic wool yarn made from Peruvian wool.
A perfect yarn for sweaters, blankets, and accessories like shawls and scarves. As you can see there are a lot of colors to choose from!
Buy Woll of the Andes from KitPicks

Stitch Soak Scrub

This fun 100% nylon yarn is designed for making scrubbies. Just imagine what colorful little gems you could create with this. It’s definitely a chance to brighten up your cleaning game!
The link below is for a 6-pack of assorted mini skeins like those in the image. This yarn is also available in full skeins.
Buy some Stitch Soak Scrub from Lion Brand Yarn and brighten up your kitchen right away!

Aran weight yarns

Snuggle Puff

I just love the name of this yarn!
Snuggle Puff is a lightweight and lofty cotton yarn. The yarn is made by blowing Pima cotton fibers into a nylon mesh tube instead of the traditional spinning.
This new technique makes a softer, lighter yarn with a lot of drape. A good replacement for wool, if you are not into wool yarn.
Buy your Snuggle Puff at KnitPicks!

Vanna’s Choice

In the aran category, we find the popular acrylic yarn Vanna’s Choice from Lion Brand Yarn.
This yarn has been around a long time and comes in both solids and tweed colors!
Buy Vanna’s Choice from Lion Brand Yarn

Muse

Looking for some luxury yarn? Muse is hand dyed by artisans in Japan. The base is a firmly twisted single strand superwash merino.
This yarn is incredibly soft, stunningly beautiful, and easy to care wash!
Take a closer look at all the colors and buy some luxury hanks at KnitPicks!

Worsted & aran knitting kits

Tender Hearts Blanket Knit Kit

What could be more heartwarming than welcoming a new child into the world with the beautiful Tender Hearts blanket?
Buy the kit to knit the Tender Hearts blanket from Annie’s

Dish Towel Set Kit

The kit for making this cute set of dishtowels includes five 100-gram skeins of Dishie 100% cotton yarn and a digital pattern.
The yarn kit is available in several lovely color combos!
(and to be honest, the deal is pretty good so you may want to get it even if you are going to make something else with the yarn…)
Get the Dish Towel Set Kit from Knit Picks

Gingham Pullover

The Gingham pullover is knit with big blocks of colorwork in a rosy color scheme. I think it’s beautiful, but if you like you can change the colors to your taste before checking out.
Buy the Gingham Pullover knit kit from Lion Brand Yarn

Fisher Mans Shawl

The Fishermans Shawl is a lovely warm shawl with pockets to warm your hands.
The pattern and fringe make this shawl special and due to both lace stitches and the medium yarn, I think it will knit up rather fast.
Buy the Fishermans Shawl knitting kit from Mary Maxim

Learn to Knit Kit: Accogliente Socks

Knitting socks are fun, small projects are fast to make and perfect to take with you.

When buying a Learn to knit kit from KnitPicks you get more than with the usual kit, the Learn to Knit Kits includes everything you need to get started!

If knitting socks isn’t your cup of tea KnitPicks have Learn-to-Knit Kits with other themes like cables, lace, mittens, and colorwork as well. Their kits section is well worth a look!

The kit includes:

  • 1 learn to knit socks booklet
  • 1 ball of Chroma Twist Worsted
  • 1 project bag
  • 1 tapestry needle
  • 1 set of double pointed needles
  • 1 set of stitch markers

Buy a Learn to knit kit: Accogliente Sock from KnitPicks!

Knit & Crochet shawl Kit

Why should you have to choose between knitting and crocheting?
This shawl is first knitted and then finished off with a crochet lace border, all made with sparkly yarn. The kit is available in several beautiful colors!
Buy a kit in your favorite color from Mary Maxim

Worsted & aran crochet kits

Lullaby Baby Blanket crochet kit

The Lullaby baby blanket features a beautiful textured crochet stitch. Framed by a thin edging.
The Lullaby Baby Blanket crochet kit is available at Lion Brand Yarn

Sweater Weather Cardi

Sweater Weather Cardi is a long cardigan perfect for layering. It’s long, it has a wide folding collar, and best of all – it has pockets! Love it 🙂
Buy the Sweater Weather Cardi kit from Lion Brand Yarn!

Sunburst Crop

Sunburst Crop is a fun summer top created by sunburst granny squares and textured stitches.
Get your Sunburst Crop crochet kit from Lion Brand Yarn

Woodland Friends blanket

Let the forest friends add some fun and cuteness to the nursery!
This blanket is warm and cozy to snuggle up with but can also be used as a playmat or a wallhanging.
Buy the Woodland Friends blanket from Mary Maxim

Summer Breeze tote bag

Use it for the beach, for shopping, or maybe for a crochet project. You can never get too many cute tote bags, right?!
Get the kit to crochet the Summer Breeze tote bag from Lion Brand Yarn!

Snowbound Pullover

Crochet a comfy and beginner friendly pullover with simple stitches and simple construction!
The Snowbound Pullover is worked top down, which means you can easily try it on and customize the fit if needed.
Buy the Snowbound Pullover kit from Lion Brand Yarn

More to read about yarn weights

––> What’s lace yarn? + some cute patterns!
––> What is Fingering yarn? + yarn and kit suggestions!
––> What’s Sport yarn? + yarn & kit tips!
––> What’s DK yarn?