Yarn weight

Yarn weight refers to the thickness of yarn used by knitters, weavers, crocheters and other fiber artists.

Importance

Changing yarn weight or needle size can have a significant impact on the finished project, so standardized systems have been spread about, as well as conversion systems for regional standards (especially needle sizes[1]).

Yarn weight is important in achieving the correct gauge or tension for a particular project and can help with yarn substitution. The Craft Yarn Council of America has developed a system that seeks to standardize the labeled weights of yarn.[2] Most yarns state their weight on the ball band but some may not, only giving the composition. Some brands use a standardized numbering system that uses seven ranges of relative thickness of yarn. However there are methods for individuals to gauge weight for themselves.

Wrap method

One way of determining the weight of an unknown yarn is to use the wrapping method. This convenient method is also used to calculate the amount of yarn needed for a project. By this method it is possible to check yarn for sale with a simple pencil and ruler[3] without unwinding the skein, simply slipping the pencil under approximately an inch of the threads and holding a ruler against them.[3]

Wrap the yarn around a large needle or a ruler. Make sure the yarn lies flat. Push the yarn together so there are no gaps between wraps. Smooth it out so it is neither too loose nor too tight. Measure the number of wraps per inch (2.5 cm). For better accuracy, measure the wraps at the center of your yarn sample.

The number of wraps will act as a gauge to assess the thickness of unmarked yarn; for example 12 wraps per inch is 12 WPI, and is used to calculate how much yarn is required for various articles,[3] so that 12 WPI is equivalent to 8 ply (worsted weight, medium weight) yarn.[3]

Swatch methods

A more hands-on method, there is the Test swatch and the Gauge swatch. Knitting a Test swatch requires at its simplest, knitting the yarn into a small, roughly 4 in (10 cm) square textile of even stitches.[4] Comparing this with recommended needle sizes, yarn, and the knitter's own signature tension, allows for adjustments to all of these things. For example, changing needle size is one way to bring the test swatch nearer to an accurate measurement in yarn weight.[4]

The Gauge swatch goes further. Not only is it a tool for checking whether yarn conforms to a desired dimension, but it is usually produced with some of the complexities of the intended project (i.e. multiple colours, varied stitches, edgings) making it a much larger test piece. This larger sample is then "dressed" meaning washed, ironed, and subjected to other processes expected of the finished item. It is especially used for items that require a lot of work and time, to avoid dimensional mistakes in the long run.[4]

International standard weights

Below is a table comparing yarn weights (ply or thicknesses) in a range of countries—

USA [5] UK [6] Australia [7] Germany m/100g [8] Wraps Per Inch,[8][9] Recommended knitting needle size, mm,[5][8] Recommended crochet hook size, mm [5] Other terms used,[5][8]
0 or Lace 1 ply More than 800 40+ wpi 1.5 - 2.5 1.5 - 2.5 Single, Cobweb, Thread, Zephyr
0 or Lace 2 ply 2 fädig (ply) 600-800 30-40 wpi 1.5 - 2.5 1.5 - 2.5
1 or Super Fine 3 ply 3 ply 3 fädig 500-600 20-30 wpi 2 - 3 2.25 - 3.5 Light Fingering, Sock, Baby
1 or Super Fine 4 ply 4 ply 4 fädig 350-450 14-24 wpi 2 - 3 2.25 - 3.5 Fingering, Sock, Baby
2 or Fine 5 ply 6 fädig 250-350 12-18 wpi 3 - 4 3.5 - 4.5 Sport, Baby, 3-ply (obsolete American)
3 or Light DK (Double Knit) or 8 ply 8 ply 200-250 11-15 wpi 4 - 4.5 4.5 - 5.5 Light Worsted, DK
4 or Medium Worsted, Aran, Triple Knit (rare) 10 or 12 ply 120-200 9-12 wpi 4.5 - 5.5 5.5 - 6.5 Worsted, Afghan, Fisherman, 4-ply (obsolete American)
5 or Bulky Chunky, Double Double Knit (rare) 12 or 16 ply 100-130 6-8 wpi 5.5 - 8 6.5 - 9 Craft, Rug
6 or Super Bulky Super Chunky Less than 100 5-6 wpi >8 >9 Roving
7 or Jumbo Less than 100 n/a 12.75 mm and larger 15 mm and larger Roving

Fabric

The following equation may be used to determine the weight of warp and weft required for a particular fabric:

  • Weight of warp = (0.65 x qty. of fabric (metres) x no. of warp ends) / count

If there are two colors in the warp, use the following equations:

  • Weight of color A (kg) = (0.65 x qty. of fabric (metres) x no. of warp ends of color A) / count of color A
  • Weight of color B (kg) = (0.65 x Qty. of fabric (metres) x no. of warp ends of color B) / count of color B

If the counts of two warps are the same:

  • Weight of color A (kg) = (total weight of warp reqd. x no. of ends of color A) / total no. of warp ends
  • Weight of color B (kg) = (total weight of warp reqd. x no. of ends of color B) / total no. of warp ends

or

  • Weight of color (B) = total weight of warp reqd. - weight of color A
  • Weight of weft = (0.6 x qty. of fabric (metres) x PPI x reed space) / count

If there are two colors in the weft:

  • Weight of color A (kg) = (0.6 x qty. of fabric (metres) x PPI of color A x reed space) / count of color A
  • Weight of color B (kg) = (0.6 x qty. of fabric (metres) x PPI of color B x reed space) / count of color B

or

  • Weight of color (B) = total weight of weft reqd. - weight of color A
  • Another formula
  1. Reed x width / 7000 = Ans
  2. Ans x quantity (mtr) / count = The weight required (Kg)
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See also

References
  1. "Knitbuddies Crochet and Knitting Needle Conversion Charts".
  2. The CYC weight system can be found at http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/weight.html
  3. Wraps per inch with tables
  4. The Principles of Knitting By June Hiatt, Simon & Schuster. p.457
  5. "Standard Yarn Weight System | Welcome to the Craft Yarn Council". craftyarncouncil.com. Retrieved 2014-07-12.
  6. "Knitting Stuff - Conversion Tables". knitting.stuff.freeuk.com. Retrieved 2014-07-12.
  7. "Ultimate Guide to Yarn Weights". knittingauthority.com. Retrieved 2018-03-01.
  8. "Yarn Comparison Chart". knitting-naturally.com. Retrieved 2014-07-12.
  9. "Hand Knitting Yarn Sizes - there is no truly meaningful size system". paternoster.orpheusweb.co.uk. Retrieved 2014-07-12.
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