Is Aran wool very different from DK?

Aran is a bit thicker than double knitting wool so it would be better to use an aran pattern although

if you used a larger size needle and less stitches it could work I have done several times with plain

knitting but I have not tried it with an aran pattern on the knitting.

Using a pattern designed for the yarn weight and type selected is always the easiest approach to a needlework project. Since each knitter works the yarn differently, the actual gauge of the finished project can be slight different from the gauge listed on the yarn band and/or in the pattern instructions. By selecting the correct combination of pattern and yarn, the slight changes caused by the amount of tension the knitter introduces to the project will have a negligible impact.

There are many patterns available for Aran weighted yarn and light worsted weighted yarn, so enjoy searching.

===

CATEGORY 4 - Worsted Weight: Afghan, Aran yarn

Pure wool is a robust, hard wearing yet soft 100% yarn.

Knit Gauge Range in Stockinette Stitch to 4 inch Swatch

Tension/Gauge Stitches: 16-20

Recommended Knitting Needles:

Knitting Needle (US): 7-9

Knitting Needle, MM: 4.5-5.5

---

CATEGORY 3 - Worsted Weight: Light Worsted yarn

Knit Gauge Range in Stockinette Stitch to 4 inch Swatch

Tension/Gauge Stitches: 21-24

Recommended Knitting Needles:

Knitting Needle (US): 5-7

Knitting Needle, MM: 3.75-4.5

Ah, yes, another example of someone that really NEEDS to take a basic beginner knitting class!

The problem with names like this is that they mean very little. You should be using an accurate measure of the yarn; even wraps per inch is better than nothing.

Usually Aran is thicker than DK, but by how much, no one really knows.

Yes, you can use ANY yarn you like to knit with on any project. The trouble is that the finished size will NOT be the same as those given in the directions. You need to use the exact same size of yarn that was used in the pattern. That is why they give you the gauge... oh, really, you just need to take a class because to explain all the basics of knitting to you here is pointless.

DK gives you approx 6 stitches per inch

Aran gives approx4.5 sts per inch so you can see that would make quite a difference in size.

There's some difference, but it could work. Try knitting a swatch, and try different needle sizes.

Are you a member of Ravelry?

http://www.ravelry.com/

You can search their pattern database of thousand of patterns, and limit your search to items made with Aran yarn, as well as many other search parameters. I looked, and found 24,225 results by limiting my search to knitting, Aran.

You can also limit your search to find only patterns that are knitting, free and Aran (7047 matches).

Aran is quite a bit thicker and chunkier than double knit. Best to get a pattern written for aran wool.