Super fine / fingering yarn
Fingering and sock yarn commonly fall in category 1, called super fine. Its typical stockinette gauge is 27–32 stitches across four inches.
Gauge and tools
- Category
- 1
- Common names
- Sock, fingering, baby
- Stockinette stitches per 4 inches
- 27–32
- Needles (mm)
- 2.25–3.25
- Hooks (mm)
- 2.25–3.5
These are starting ranges. Follow the gauge in your pattern and measure the washed fabric.
Working with this weight
Fine-gauge socks and lightweight fabric. For socks, judge the density and stretch of the actual fabric around the foot, not just the word sock on the band. Check the composition and wash instructions before choosing a yarn for frequent wear.
Compare a replacement
A super-fine yarn is a different starting point from sport, category 2. A finer replacement needs more stitches for the same width unless a new swatch reaches the pattern gauge with acceptable fabric.
Calculate replacement yarn and compare washed gaugeWorked check
A 64-stitch tube at 32 stitches per four inches has an unstretched circumference of eight inches. Fit still depends on the fabric and the pattern’s intended ease.
Calculate your gauge difference