SERP

When it comes to knitting and crochet, 4 ply yarn is a popular choice for creating everything from warm sweaters to delicate lace projects. This versatile weight of yarn combines strength with a slightly smaller gauge than thicker weights, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced crafters.

As an Amazon Affiliate™ I earn from qualifying purchases!

Reviews

Lion Brand Yarn Tom Daley The Cottony One Yarn, Lychee White

This cotton and acrylic blend yarn is perfect for beginners, with a nice texture that's easy to work with. Each ball gives you plenty of yards to work with (185 yd/169 m), and the soft, rope-like quality makes it comfortable to handle. Whether you're making a cozy blanket or a simple scarf, this yarn drapes beautifully and washes well, thanks to its machine washable and dryable properties.

Regia 4 Ply Color Yarn

Knitters will love the self-striping and self-patterning colorways that create attractive sock designs with just one ball of yarn. The 75% superwash wool blend makes for cozy footwear, while the easy-to-work-with yarn creates beautiful texture and pattern definition. Users praise its durability and softness for sock projects.

Deborah Norville Everyday Solid Yarn - Cappuccino

Made from 100% anti-pilling acrylic, this soft worsted weight yarn is a delightful choice for blankets, booties, and sweaters. Each 100g skein offers 180 yards of glorious softness that holds up beautifully to repeated washing. The machine-washable yarn knits and crochets up beautifully, with no splitting or fraying even when working with tight stitches.

American-Made Lion Brand Local Grown Yarn

Each skein of this 100% American-grown wool yarn weighs in at 3.5 ounces and measures 186 yards, providing plenty of material for your next knitting or crocheting project. The worsted weight yarn works wonderfully for everything from simple stitch patterns to textured designs, thanks to its natural elasticity that helps maintain the shape of your finished items. With a wide range of deep, rich colors that all coordinate beautifully together, you're sure to find the perfect shade for your next handknit or handmade project.

Lily Sugar N' Cream Yarn

This 4-ply cotton yarn combines durability with versatility, perfect for everything from home decor to clothing projects. With a range of attractive solid and ombre colors that maintain great stitch definition, it's a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced knitters and crocheters. While some might find the yarn a bit stiff or prone to splitting, particularly with certain solid colors, its affordability and color variety make it a popular pick among crafters.

Lion Brand Naptime Yarn

This super-soft chenille yarn brings warmth and texture to any project, from cozy scarves to cuddly blankets. The sweet pastel and neutral colors add a touch of elegance to your craft palette. Perfect for both beginners and experienced crocheters, this versatile yarn works up beautifully with a soft, velvety hand.

West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4 Ply Yarn, Blue Raspberry

The Signature 4 Ply from West Yorkshire Spinners combines 75% superwash wool with 25% nylon for a durable yet soft sock yarn that's been favored by British knitters for its smooth texture and crisp stitch definition. Available in a range of attractive shades, each 100g ball offers 437 yards of self-stripping color that's perfect for sock projects. These beautifully hued socks knit up quickly and wash well, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced knitters who appreciate high-quality British craftsmanship.

Malabrigo Yarn: A Beautiful 4-Ply Choice

This soft wool yarn combines machine-washable convenience with elegant texture, sporting a versatile palette of tonal and multicolor options. The 4-ply construction makes it ideal for both knitting and crochet projects, with the right tension providing a consistent drape. Whether you're creating a cozy blanket or a delicate scarf, this superwash wool yarn brings warmth and visual interest to your crafting repertoire.

West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4 Ply Rum Paradise Yarn

This British-made wool blend crochets up into a soft, self-striping yarn perfect for sock and shawl projects. The signature 4-ply construction makes it ideal for fine-gauge knitting, though some users find it splits easily when working with larger hook sizes. The delightful color changes, visible in both mesh samples and finished pieces, come courtesy of West Yorkshire's distinctive blend of British wool and nylon.

Caron Simply Soft Solids - Kelly Green

With its soft, slightly shiny texture, Caron Simply Soft yarn brings a luxurious feel to any project. The USA-made worsted weight yarn comes in a wide range of colors, from subtle neutrals to vibrant neon shades, making it a versatile choice for both simple and complex designs. Whether you're knitting a warm sweater or crocheting a delicate home decor piece, this machine-washable yarn delivers consistent quality with easy care.

Scheepjes Catona 4 Ply Yarn

The perfectly-sized 25g balls of Scheepjes Catona cotton yarn are a hit with crafters, each ball containing just enough for small projects like amigurumi or baby clothes. The soft, mercerized cotton feels wonderful to work with, though some might find it slightly stiffer than very fine yarns. The generous selection of bold, true-to-color options makes it a popular choice for any cotton project.

4 Ply Cashmere Yarn

Classic cashmere's finest qualities are captured in this 4-ply yarn, measuring a generous 200 yards per 55-gram skein. The softness rivals that of a cuddly puppy, while the versatile weight suits both simple accessories and bold multi-colored creations. Whether you're knitting for everyday wear or special occasions, this premium Mongolian cashmere treats your project to the ultimate in luxury fiber.

Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn (Purple)

This mercerized cotton yarn offers vibrant color and durable quality for a wide range of projects. Whether you're crafting clothing, home decor, or baby items, the 100% natural fiber holds its shape and color well through multiple washes.

Rowan Summerlite 4 Ply Yarn

This soft cotton yarn from Rowan combines excellent stitch definition with a delightful drape, making it ideal for both knitting and crochet projects. Whether you're creating a lightweight summer shrug or working on detailed colorwork, the 100% cotton yarn delivers a high-quality result without the usual cotton shrinkage issues. The natural mattness of the yarn shows off textures beautifully while maintaining a neat finished look.

Premier Yarns Everyday Soft Worsted Yarn

This soft acrylic yarn makes delightful projects that stay neat and tidy thanks to its special anti-pilling treatment. Whether you're crocheting a cozy blanket or knitting a soft sweater, the smooth texture keeps your hands happy while you work. The best part? Projects made with this yarn look just as fresh after washing as they did the first time you hold them.

Red Heart Petal Pink Yarn

This classic American yarn has stood the test of time, offering reliable performance for both knitting and crocheting projects. The 100% acrylic construction makes it durable and easy to care for, though some might find the texture a bit scratchy. With the brand's long history of quality, it's no wonder this yarn remains a popular choice for home décor and craft projects across generations.

Peter Pan Wendy 4 Ply Acrylic Yarn

This delightful Peter Pan yarn combines a soft polyamide blend with premium acrylic for a wonderfully touchable quality. The light pink hue is both pretty and versatile, perfect for adding a warm pop of color to your projects. Machine washable and easy to care for, it's the ideal choice for anyone who wants a high-quality yarn that's straightforward to work with.

Patons 100% Cotton 4 Ply Yarn Kiwi 01703

With its mercerized finish and delicate texture, this 100% cotton yarn knits up beautifully for everything from elegant angel patterns to practical dish cloths. The soft hand feel makes it a dream to work with, though the slightly waxy texture might take some getting used to for experienced crocheters. The warm white color pops perfectly in both simple and intricate projects, earning high praise from users who appreciate its strength and quality.

Lion Brand Pound of Love Yarn - Pastel Green

This beloved yarn makes lovely gifts and garments, though some colors may not match photos. The soft acrylic yarn comes in generous 16-ounce skeins with 1,020 yards each. With excellent value and decent quality, it's a reliable choice for beginners and experienced crafters alike.

Premier Yarns Everyday Solid Yarn

The Premier Yarns Everyday Solid Yarn in Peacock delivers on its promise of softness and durability. Made from 100% anti-pilling acrylic, this medium-weight yarn handles well in both knitting and crocheting, with a consistent texture that works especially well for baby projects and washable garments. Users praise its smoothness and comfort during crafting, though some noted a slight challenge in finding the start of new balls when working with multiple skeins.

Fyberspates Vivacious 4 Ply Yarn

This hand-dyed 100% superwash merino wool yarn combines rich color variation with exceptional softness, making it perfect for special projects like socks or shawls. The subtle color shifts create a gorgeous visual texture in every piece you knit. The 365 meters per 100g skein gives you plenty of yarn for even intricate designs.

Katia Merino Baby Yarn

This soft merino wool yarn knits up beautifully with a lovely stitch definition. The 50g skein gives you plenty of color options for your next project. Machine washable and super-soft against baby's skin, it's a great choice for those who want reliable quality without synthetic blends.

McIntosh Fabulous Yarn

These hand-dyed skeins blend the warmth of British wool with the luxurious glide of mulberry silk, creating a yarn that's both cozy and elegant for your projects. Each 100g ball holds just the right tension between the two fibers, making it a pleasure to work with. When you do start your project, you'll appreciate the carefully crafted color variations that make each skein truly one-of-a-kind.

Red Heart Super Saver Yarn

Super Saver yarn combines affordability with durability, featuring 100% acrylic construction that holds up well to repeated washing. The worsted weight yarn works great for both knitting and crocheting projects, with consistent texture and no unraveling issues.

Red Heart Super Saver Aspen Print 4 Ply Yarn

Super Saver yarn has brought warmth and texture to countless projects since its 1989 debut. The 100% acrylic blend combines durable construction with reliable performance across multiple washes. Available in over 120 colors, it's particularly strong in the solid variants that maintain consistent thickness and hue.

Red Heart Super Saver Yarn

Red Heart Super Saver Yarn has been a popular choice among crafters for over three decades. This American-made worsted weight yarn comes in over 120 colors and is known for its durability and consistent quality. While some may find the initial texture a bit stiff, the yarn holds up well to repeated washing and is ideal for projects where you want your work to stand the test of time.

Caron One Pound Yarn - Pale Green

With its smooth texture and consistent color, this Caron acrylic yarn makes a great base for both knitting and crochet projects. The generous 742 yards per skein gives you plenty of material for your next home decor or accessories piece. While some may find the yarn slightly thicker than others in the same color family, the beautiful pale green shade and easy care properties make it a solid choice for any crafter's stash.

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Yarn

Wool-Ease combines the warmth of wool with the carefree maintenance of machine washability. The yarn's versatile worsted weight makes it suitable for both knitting and crocheting projects, though some users note occasional difficulty in undoing crocheted patterns due to how the yarn's fibers interlock. Available in a wide range of solid and multi-colored options, this classic Lion Brand yarn has earned praise for its texture and durability while sparking some disagreements about its sizing consistency across colors.

Vannas Choice Medium 4 Dusty Purple Yarn

When Vanna White created this acrylic yarn, she struck the perfect balance between durability and softness. The medium weight yarn works up quickly into beautiful projects, and the dusty purple color has a subtle depth that sets it apart from more generic pinky-browns. While some knitters have reported issues with inconsistent skein weight and minor dye variations, the overall quality and value make it a solid choice for beginners and experienced crocheters alike.

Pepperell 4-ply Yarn Assortment

This double-weight 4-ply acrylic yarn comes in a convenient dispenser box with nine 8 oz. cones, each containing approximately 280 yards. The selection features a vibrant array of nine assorted colors, though specific shades may vary.

Regia 4-ply Snowflake Yarn

Knitters will appreciate the self-striping and self-patterning colorways that make every ball of Regia 4-ply Color unique - one ball even creates a matching pair of socks! The 75% wool blend is tough enough for seriously worn socks, with an unexpected bonus of machine-washability. While some colorways are a bit darker than advertised, the softness and durability make these German-made socks yarn a solid choice.

Opal 4-ply Petrol Sock Yarn

Crafted from 75% pure new wool and 25% polyamide, this 100g ball delivers robust durability with 425 meters of knitting potential. The sock yarn's 10x10 cm gauge makes it ideal for detailed patterns, while the machine-washable properties mean your finished socks stay fresh and wearable. The Petrol colorway adds a subtle depth to your projects, though the yarn's reliability shines through in every hue of this popular collection.

Lion Brand Yarn Tom Daley The Cottony One Yarn

Each ball of The Cottony One carries 3.5oz of soft, durable yarn that measures 185 yards per 100g. Made from a comforting blend of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic, this medium-weight yarn is ideal for crafting everything from cozy sweaters to detailed amigurumi projects. Its machine-washable magic makes cleanup a breeze, though some might find the fibers a bit clingy when crocheting at a quick pace. The muted color palette pairs beautifully with creams and natural tones, while the bright white adds lovely contrast to darker shades.

Soft Acrylic Crochet Yarn

This 100% acrylic yarn combines softness with affordability, though some might want to give it a wash to remove any residual factory scent. With 280 total yards across two 50g skeins, it's perfect for a variety of projects from amigurumi to accessories. The ten assorted colors mean you're sure to find something that matches your imagination.

JubileeYarn Bamboo Cotton Sport 4 Ply Yarn

This soft bamboo cotton blend yarn is perfect for light sweaters, socks, and scarves. At 4 ply weight, it works up faster than lace but still looks elegant with its consistent texture and vibrant colors. The 50% cotton, 50% bamboo composition makes it hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin. The thin knots in some skeins and occasional unraveling might require extra patience when working with the yarn, but the overall quality and performance make it worth using for your projects.

Buyer's Guide

4 ply yarn, also known as double knitting yarn, is a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced knitters. Its medium weight makes it suitable for a wide range of projects, from scarves and hats to sweaters and blankets.

Yarn Weight and Characteristics

4 ply yarn typically measures 19-22 stitches per 10 cm on size 3-4 UK needles (3.25-3.5 mm). This medium weight allows for quick projects while maintaining good stitch definition. The fiber content can vary widely, with common options including wool, alpaca, and cotton blends, each offering different performance characteristics.

Choosing the Right Fiber

Consider the end use of your project when selecting yarn type. Wool blends provide warmth and durability, making them ideal for outerwear. Acrylic options offer affordability and excellent washing properties. Natural fiber blends like alpaca or bamboo provide hypoallergenic benefits and improved moisture management.

Project Requirements

When selecting 4 ply yarn, consider the project requirements. Thicker yarns may be easier to work with for beginners, while thinner options allow for more intricate designs. Check your pattern's recommended yarn weight to ensure compatibility.

Care and Maintenance

Most 4 ply yarns require similar care, washing in mild detergent and air drying. Some natural fiber blends may require special care instructions. Understanding the care requirements helps maintain the longevity and quality of your finished project.

FAQ

What is 4 ply yarn?

4 ply yarn combines four strands of singles yarn twisted together to create a larger, more robust yarn. This weight of yarn is ideal for various knitting and crochet projects, offering a balance between thickness and texture.

The term "ply" refers to the number of strands twisted together to create the final yarn. 4 ply typically produces a yarn that is slightly thicker than superfine or fine weight yarn, making it suitable for projects requiring medium gauge needles or hooks.

How does 4 ply yarn compare to other weights?

In terms of thickness, 4 ply falls between superfine and light fingering weight yarns. It's slightly thicker than lace or fingering weight but thinner than sport weight.

When choosing between 4 ply and other weights, consider the project requirements. For instance, 4 ply is ideal for items like scarves, cowls, and lightweight garments where you want the texture of a thinner yarn without the delicate nature of lace weight.

What are the benefits of using 4 ply yarn?

The primary benefit of 4 ply yarn is its versatility. It combines the workability of finer yarns with the durability of thicker options, making it suitable for both intricate patterns and simple stocking stitch projects.

Additionally, 4 ply yarn typically offers better stitch definition and texture than finer weights, making it ideal for creating visually interesting projects with minimal effort.

What considerations should I make when choosing 4 ply yarn?

When selecting 4 ply yarn, consider the fiber content for project suitability. Wool and wool blends are common, but silk, alpaca, or cotton alternatives offer different properties like moisture resistance or breathability.

The dye lot and color availability can significantly impact your project outcomes. Since 4 ply yarn shows texture and stitch definition more prominently, ensure the dye lot matches for consistent coloring across your project.

How should I care for 4 ply yarn projects?

4 ply yarn generally requires similar care to other weight yarns. Most projects can be hand washed in cold water and laid flat to dry, though specifics may vary based on yarn fiber content.

When storing 4 ply projects, avoid harsh chemicals or direct sunlight, which can damage the yarn over time. Proper storage helps maintain the shape and quality of your finished projects.

Where can I find 4 ply yarn?

4 ply yarn is widely available through online retailers, local yarn shops, and craft stores. Major yarn brands offer a range of options, from basic blends to specialty fibers like silk or bamboo.

When purchasing, consider factors like fiber content, dye quality, and brand reputation. Reading reviews and comparing options from multiple sources can help you find the right yarn for your project.