I have knitted and crocheted for years but have kind of put it on the back burner. So how nowadays do you know when reading the label on yarn do you know what ply it is. AI can't figure out what they now say is 4 ply.

m/mi thanks so much for the answer to my request.I thought I had it figured out and for once I was right.
What brought this up is I bought the Beekeeper knit pattern, it says 4.5 dbl needles and 4 ply yarn (maybe I should go back and reread the pattern) but I find that 4 ply is to large for those needles. Well must go shopping I think.

There's different weights of yarn.
What are you making?

The Beekeeper knit afghan. That seems to be the cause of my problem it says 4ply yarn and 4.5 dbl needles. Not working for me.

Needle size 4.5 mm is equivalent to US size 7, which should be OK for medium (worsted) weight yarn, or for DK weight.

Ply refers to how many strands are twisted together to make the yarn, so 4-ply can be different weights.

What is the gauge for the project? That might make it easier to figure out what type of yarn you need.

Well thanks for all the answers ladies, but I have misplaced my instructions so will have to go on a search. I swear the older I get the worse my mind works.
The one thin I now remember is it called for 4 ply or sock yarn.

I share your frustration re label language. Two things I need to know: ply of the yarn and wt. of the skein. In most cases it's there on the label, but you have to weed it out from all the sometimes useless info.

Also some patterns give the required amount of yarn in yardage. Math whiz I'm not.

4 ply and sock yarn are not the same. Sock yarn is 2 0r 3 ply thinner - fingering yarn. It requairs finer needles and will produce a small product.

When all is said and done knitting and crochet can be sooo relaxing, it's a valuable part of my life.

Is this the pattern you are trying to make?

It does call for fingering yarn:
Knit with fingering weight yarn at a gauge of 24 sts and 34 rows per 4", using US size 4/2mm needles.
So that would be like fine baby fingering yarn or sock yarn.

Edited because the link didn't come up.
Beekeepers Quilt Knit Pattern

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Crafts by Cheri,

yep that is the one, and I ordered from Annies but have now mispslaed my dirctions and am on a search. I don't remember seeing the fingering yarn, just sock or 4 ply no wonder I am so confused. Thanks for the info all. It really helps. Oh yes could someone tell me where I put the directions? I know I will find it in the last place I look,LOL.

Did you order the copy that was mailed or did you purchase the download copy? If you did the download you can probably go to your account and find the link to download it again or find it somewhere on your computer.
Cheri

I bought the download copy. Now I have a copy again. I think I will always buy that way if I get the chance then when I lose things (which I am prone to do) I can get them again, well at least from Annies Attic.

I am glad you were able to download another copy of the pattern.
Cheri

m/mi, Thanks for the chart. I am also just getting back inti knitting and found it very confusing when I went to buy yarn. Going to make a copy of the chart so I know what i am doing next time.