What exactly is Lace weight yarn?

Spring is in full swing so it’s time to think about warmer weather knits.

Socks, lightweight tops, and lace shawl projects will soon be the only thing on the needles.

Obviously lace can be knit with many different yarn weights, even bulky yarn.

But, there is an actual yarn weight designated for lace.

So don’t rush to buy a lovely skein of luscious lace yarn just yet. First, let’s take a minute and explore this often misunderstood yarn weight.

in this article we’re going to discuss:

What makes a yarn lace weight
The right needles to knit with it
Project types that work best with lace weight yarn
and some of our favorite yarns in this weight

So let’s dive in!

Defining lace weight yarn

Most people think of “lace” yarn as thin yarn that you knit lace with, which to some degree is true.

However, there is an actual yarn weight category for lace.

According to the Craft Yarn Council, lace weight yarns have a stitch gauge of 33-44 sts per 4 inches (10cm).

That’s about 8 sts or more per inch.

Yarns in this weight class are the thinnest and lightest of all 8 yarn weight categories. You will find them listed as CYC #0.

Terms like cobweb lace and #10 crochet thread describe yarns in this category. They are also called LIGHT fingering and lace* yarn.

Most lace weight yarns will have 2 plies (twisted with 2 strands of fiber). Some single ply and 3 ply lace yarns exist, but are not as common.

*NOTE: There are some yarns called “lace” that are technically fingering weight. Their gauge is less than 8 sts per inch, which is much bigger. Not a huge deal but something to be aware of.

What needle size is best for lace knitting?

There’s actually a wide range of needles that work well for knitting lace weight yarn.

The Craft Yarn Council recommends needles ranging from US size 00000 (1mm) up to US size 1 (2.25mm).

That encompasses 6 needles sizes!

These incredibly tiny needles work best for intricate lace work.

While UK needles sizes used to correspond with standard wire gauge, no one knows the origin of US sizes.

Needles in these smaller sizes are not very common. But, you can still find them through some online retailers.

For most knitters a US size 0 or 1 will work just fine.

What fiber types are best for lace weight yarn?

You’ll find lace weight yarns made from many common fiber types.

There are some affordable lace acrylic yarns. You can also find plenty of merino wool, and even a few cotton varieties.

However, lace is often made into detailed and time consuming shawl patterns.

These items usually are for special occasions like weddings or anniversaries.

That makes them perfect for indulging in yarns which use spun with rare or luxury fibers.

Most lace yarns are made from mohair, wool, or silk.

Estonian Square Shawl by Kerin Dimeler-Laurence

What is lace weight yarn good for?

There are two good use cases for for lace weight yarn.

The first is shawl projects.

In fact, as far as knitted items go, shawls are most suited to lace weight yarn.

It’s possible to knit sweaters, but the resulting fabric is so light it will be mostly decorative.

Knitting so many stitches by hand for a non-functional garment may not be worth the effort.

That brings us to the second use for lace yarn…

Marling.

This is a technique where you knit while carrying two yarns together.

In the case of lace yarn, this can be used to add a hint of color, or some halo (from mohair).

It’s a fun way to add an extra pop to your fabric without a lot of bulk.

Lace Weight Yarns We Love

Regardless of what you’re knitting, you want to buy the best lace yarn for your budget.

We’ve scoured our favorite online retailers to give you plenty of options to choose from.

Here’s a few you might want to check out:

Aloft by Knit Picks

Lace Weight (CYC #0)72% Super Kid Mohair, 28% Silk (260yds / 25g)

Luxuriously soft, light, and airy, Aloft is a dreamy blend that you will want to knit with again and again. The silk provides a radiant core that shimmers and shines through the soft halo of the mohair while adding a beautiful drape and texture to any shawl, stole, or scarf. Whether you use this yarn on its own or as an accent, you will find Aloft to be a versatile yarn perfectly suited for any project, big or small.
Get it here
Ariel by Berroco

Lace Weight (CYC #0)65% superkid mohair, 35% silk (284yds / 25g)

Looking for gorgeous colors, soft mohair, and shiny silk? Look no farther than Berroco Aerial. This super-soft yarn makes an ideal carry-along - it also looks amazing all on its own, talk about a heavy hitter!
Get it here
Alpaca Cloud Lace by Knit Picks

Lace weight (CYC #0)100% Baby Alpaca (440yds / 50g)

Alpaca Cloud Lace is a soft, light, and amazingly warm fiber made of 100% Baby Alpaca. Perfect for shawls and light accessories, Alpaca Cloud can also be doubled for gorgeous garments you’ll wear constantly.
Get it here
Ultra Lace by Jamieson's of Shetland

Lace weight (CYC #0)50% Shetland Wool/%50 Lambswool (212yds / 25g)

Jamieson's delivers natural yarns grown & spun on the Shetland Islands of Scotland. The family-owned business, spanning five generations, uses specialized wool from the native Shetland sheep in their unique and sturdy fibers. Made from 50% Shetland wool and 50% Lambswool, Ultra Lace Weight feels great against the skin making it perfect for light baby projects and shawls!
Get it here
Lace by Malibrigo

Lace weight (CYC #0)100% Baby Merino Wool (470yds / 50g)

Malabrigo Lace is spun from the finest Merino wool, coming from sheep bred for generations by ranchers in the northern part of Uruguay, where the ideal climate for this breed is found. As per its namesake, this lace-weight yarn packs a punch, holding a generous 470 yards per skein. The story behind this yarn helps you connect with a special place in the world, paired with the unforgettable journey your next favorite project will take you on!
Get it here