Yarn FAQs & Weight Guide | CraftOnline Australia

CraftOnline Yarn Help Centre

Your Yarn Questions, Answered

Find quick help with dye lots, yarn weights, colour matching, digital patterns and yarn substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the yarn questions our team is asked most often.

What is a dye lot?

A dye lot identifies a batch of yarn that has been dyed together. While manufacturers carefully match colours, slight variations can occur between dye lots.

For larger projects, we recommend purchasing enough yarn from the same dye lot whenever possible to ensure colour consistency throughout your project.

How do I request the same dye lot?

You can request matching dye lots by adding a note in the Order Instructions section during checkout.

You can also contact our team before placing your order:

While we will always do our best to supply matching dye lots, this cannot be guaranteed due to stock availability.

Where are you located? Can I visit your store and browse yarn?

CraftOnline is an online-only store. We do offer Click & Collect from our Sunshine Coast warehouse.

If you have questions about a particular yarn, our team are always happy to assist. We can also arrange an appointment to view selected yarns before purchasing where possible.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Do you have yarn sample swatches available?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual yarn samples or swatches.

However, we do offer the Poppy Crafts Yarn Sample Pack, which is a great way to explore different yarn fibres and weights before purchasing larger quantities.

How do I choose the right yarn for my project?

The best yarn depends on your pattern and the finished result you’re hoping to achieve. Always check your pattern recommendations for:

  • Yarn weight
  • Fibre content
  • Recommended hook or needle size
  • Required metreage or yardage

If you’re unsure, our team is happy to help you find a suitable yarn substitute.

How accurate are the yarn colours shown on your website?

We do our best to ensure yarn colours are displayed as accurately as possible. However, colours may appear differently depending on:

  • Computer or mobile device settings
  • Screen brightness and calibration
  • Individual monitor displays
  • Dye lot variations

For this reason, we cannot guarantee that the colour you see on screen will exactly match the physical yarn.

What do yarn weights mean?

Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn, not the weight of the ball itself.

Choosing the correct yarn weight is important for achieving the size and appearance intended in your pattern.

Download our Yarn Weight Chart for a helpful guide to yarn weights and recommended hook and needle sizes.

Do you have digital patterns available?

Yes! We offer a large range of free digital knitting and crochet patterns.

  1. Add the pattern to your cart.
  2. Complete the checkout process.
  3. You will receive an order number.
  4. A download link will be emailed to you shortly after your order is processed.

If you cannot find the email, please check your spam or junk folder. If you’re still having trouble accessing your pattern, please contact our team.

Can you help me find a yarn substitute?

Absolutely. If a pattern calls for a yarn that is discontinued, unavailable or difficult to source, our team can help recommend suitable alternatives based on:

  • Yarn weight
  • Fibre content
  • Gauge requirements
  • Project type

Simply contact us with the pattern details and we’ll do our best to assist.

I’m new to knitting or crochet. Can you help?

Of course! Whether you’re picking up a hook or needles for the first time, we’re here to help.

We can assist with:

  • Choosing beginner-friendly yarns
  • Selecting hooks and needles
  • Understanding yarn weights
  • Finding suitable patterns
  • Yarn substitutions

Feel free to contact our friendly team with any questions.

Yarn Weight Guide

Yarn weight refers to the thickness of yarn. Use this quick guide to compare common yarn weights, AU ply, needle sizes and hook sizes.

Yarn Weight Common Names AU Weight Metric Needle Size Metric Hook Size Common Uses
Lace Fingering, Cobweb, Thread 2 ply 1.5–2.25mm 1.6–2.25mm Lace knitting, cloths, doilies
Super Fine Sock, Fingering, Baby Weight 3 ply 2.25–3.25mm 2.25–3.5mm Socks, shawls, baby clothes
Fine Sport Weight, Baby Weight 5 ply 3.25–3.75mm 3.5–4.5mm Light sweaters, baby items, accessories
Light DK, Light Worsted, Jumper 8 ply 3.75–4.5mm 4.5–5.5mm Sweaters, garments, scarves
Medium Worsted, Afghan, Aran 10 ply 4.5–5.5mm 5.5–6.5mm Sweaters, blankets, hats, scarves
Bulky Chunky, Craft, Rug, Heavy Worsted 12–14 ply 5.5–8mm 6.5–9mm Jackets, blankets, chunky sweaters
Super Bulky Super Chunky, Roving 16 ply 8–12.75mm 9–15mm Heavy blankets, rugs, sweaters
Jumbo Jumbo, Roving 20 ply 12.75mm and larger 15mm and larger Arm knitting, rugs, heavy blankets
For the full guide, including WPI, metres per 100g and US sizing, download the complete Yarn Weight Chart.

Still need help choosing yarn?

Our friendly team is happy to help with yarn weights, substitutions, pattern questions and dye lot requests.

Email: support@craftonline.com.au
Phone: 07 5443 5585

Office Hours, QLD Time:
Monday–Thursday: 8:00am–3:00pm
Friday: 8:00am–12:30pm
Closed weekends and public holidays