Yarn Guides

Yarn Weights

2 strands of lace = one strand of fingering
2 strands light fingering = one strand sportweight
2 strands 4 ply fingering = one strand dk
2 strands sport = one strand worsted weight
2 strands dk = one strand of aran
2 strands worsted = one strand bulky
2 strands of aran = one strand super bulky /chunky

Yarn Weight Symbols

Yarn Softness

As any fiber-lover will attest, the purchase of yarn is truly a sensory experience. We take in the rich colors, the loft, the halo, and the twist with our eyes, but the real test is how it FEELS. We caress it, squeeze it, maybe even press it to our cheek.

For animal fiber yarns, micron count (fiber diameter) is the single most important characteristic in determining softness and value.

The micron count is the average diameter of a fleece’s fibers; generally speaking, the lower the number, the finer the fleece and relative softness of the yarn:

33-40 microns = a Coarse Wool – used for Carpets, Tapestries
25-32 microns = a Medium Wool – used for Sweaters, Outerwear, Socks, Upholstery
18-24 microns = a Fine Wool – used for Apparel
< 18 microns = a Luxury Wool – used for Apparel

Average Micron counts for familiar Merino Wool Classifications:
Merino Wool – 21-24
Fine/ExtraFine Merino Wool – 19-21
Super Fine Merino Wool – 15.5–19
UltraFine Merino Wool – < 15.5

Other Luxury animal fibres and their average micron counts:
Alpaca – 18-25
Angora Rabbit – 10-18
Camel – 15-22
Cashmere – 14-16
Mohair – 23-28

Yarn Spin / Ply

Wraps Per Inch

To calculate the wraps per inch (WPI), simply wrap the yarn around a pencil or knitting needles. Don’t wrap too tightly, just provide the normal slack you would if you were knitting.

Wrap the yarn for approximately 3-4” along the pencil/needle.

Use a ruler and count the number of wrap per inch.

Then use the wraps per inch chart below to finch out the gauge and weight of your yarn.

For example, let’s say we wrapped our yarn and found we have 8 wraps per inch. What is 8 WPI yarn?

According to our chart, that is a chunky or bulky weight yarn. It knits up at a gauge of 3-3.75 stitch per inch.