Therefore, treat it gently to avoid tangling or breakage. These are usually on yarns that are meant for weaving, and in the US 3/2 would mean size then plies, and to further confuse things, it’s the opposite in Great Britain. If you find yourself lost between size 10 thread, size 0 yarn, 2-ply yarn, and other numerical descriptions, you’re not alone. It’s pretty darn cheap to buy too! This post explains how to wet finish and care for handwoven cotton, linen, wool, alpaca, and silk. Perfect for garments and accessories. Therefore, remember the term sock weight can include fingering weight yarn as well as DK or sport weight yarn. This helps the yarn better resist the greater friction of the weaving process versus the knitting process. Handwoven's Master Weaving Chart is also a good resource for finding the sett of most yarns. In your weaving life, you’ll become familiar with some types of yarns and will remember some fractions and what they mean. 0.9~1.15 lb cone; 100% unmercerized cotton; 34 wpi. Medium weight yarn is more commonly known as worsted or aran weight. CATEGORIES 1, 2, AND 3: SUPER FINE, FINE, AND LIGHT (APPROXIMATE EQUIVALENT OF 2 TO 5 PLY) This is suited for small items like socks, gloves, hats, or garments for babies and children. ... You can do this whether by way of threading the final about the yarn needle together with weaving that in to a number of the the need for stitches or maybe by simply executing a similar thing accompanied by a crochet hook. The lighter yarns are finer or thinner. The first number is the size of each ply that makes up the yarn. Just because a pattern states what yarn it used, doesn't mean you have to choose that yarn. 0 – Lace Weight Hook Size Range: 1.5 – 2.5 mm (Steel 6, 7, 8 or B-1) Always follow the gauge stated in your pattern. This is a very clear way to describe yarns that contain the same fiber. This Yarn Weights Chart is an infographic with everything you need to know about crochet hooks, yarn types, and projects. The Craft Yarn Council (CYC) created a standard yarn weight system for the US. But, this is no problem to the savvy weaver who knows how to figure out the sett for her/himself! Jumbo Yarn, a relatively new member of the Yarn family, is very thick and used in Arm knitting. Weaving yarn weights explained. Ply – the U.K., Australia and New Zeeland use a system built on the number of plies a yarn has. Cotton is also a great choice, but should be chosen a little more carefully for beginners. Where 0 is very thin while 7 is very thick. Not so with knitting yarns, which tend to come with knitting needle or crochet hook recommendations instead. Cobweb yarn: also known as 1ply in the UK and Australia/New Zealand. Look at the Yarn Size Chart on page 264. Mar 3, 2019 - Yarn size can get complicated Measurements and terms can vary by country. The first is a a name that describes the weight of the yarn. There are six different categories of yarn weights, and according to the Craft Yarn Council, specific weights of yarn should produce a somewhat predictable number of stitches when using a particular-sized needle. The second number is how many plies the yarn has. However, when you are new to weaving picking out yarns for your weave can be daunting so I’m going to share my best recommendations. The other end of the scale is Lace yarn, which is one of the thinnest yarns you can find. This is a very clear way to describe yarns that contain the same fiber . Weaving yarns are typically assigned a weight of 3/2, 5/2, 8/4 and the like. One trick for finding finer yarns is to shop the weaving stores! The first number … Just remember that is not a hard and fast rule. To complicate matters, in other countries these numbers are sometimes reversed, but typically the smaller number is the number of plies. By reducing the number of yarns in an inch by half, you leave room for the weft to go over and under the warp. Below I will discuss the weight ratings, what hook sizes are recommended for crocheting these weights, and what types of yarn this includes. Yards per pound is noted on the knitting yarn chart as a way to help translate knitting yarn weights into an equivalent in weaving yarns. In fact, my Beginner Rigid Heddle Weaving course project uses the popular US cotton, Sugar n Cream. (Malibrigo uses this system). Let’s get to it! You truly don’t have to understand the intricacies of yarn sizing to get started. A final piece of information that is more often seen on cones of yarn is a designation similar to the format “3/2” in regards to weight. These are updated as necessary as trends change the yarn industry and we continue to see more thick and beautiful yarn available to us. How to hem handwoven projects by hand or machine. The second number denotes how many plies the yarn has. So a 10/2 yarn and a 3/2 yarn both have 2 plies, but the 3/2 yarn is much thicker than the 10/2 yarn. Keep in mind this is a very general guideline. So size 5 yarn is thinner than size 3 yarn. For beginners, I always suggest using medium weight yarn because it is the easiest to work with and is the most common. I’ll explain things using US measurements. Knitting yarns have several methods of describing the weight of the yarn. For example: For a piece of cloth that has a balanced weave (the same number of threads going horizontally and vertically within an inch) a yarn that is 24 wraps per inch will be sett* at 12 ends per inch when you weave. * GUIDELINES ONLY: The above reflect the most commonly used gauges and needle or hook sizes for specific yarn categories. Yarn weight can get a little confusing, because different companies can use different systems to classify their yarn. The Yarn Weight Chart below gives a handy comparison of different knitting and crochet yarns along with needle and hook sizes, approximate meterage to the 100g and WPI, using UK, US, German and Australian terminology.. Yarn weight is important in achieving the correct gauge or tension for a particular project and can help with yarn substitution. In a contrast to knitting yarns weaving yarns are not washed before they are shipped out. … To guesstimate a weaving sett from wraps-per-inch, divide the wraps-per-inch by two to get an approximate sett for plain weave. To get a few different perspectives on this, three friends are sharing what they look for in a loom and some of the helpful things they’ve learned along the way. Thinner yarns have more yards per pound than thicker ones. If you are weaving twill, it will be a bit more than the plain weave sett. Fingering weight yarns are for projects with a knitting gauge of 7–8 stitches per inch. To guesstimate a weaving sett from wraps-per-inch, divide the wraps-per-inch by two to get an approximate sett for plain weave. So a 1/1 yarn of cotton (Size 1/singles) would have a grist of 840 yards per pound. Now you can easily find the right yarn size for your project based on gauge. The last method that you commonly see to describe weaving yarn is wraps per inch, or WPI. The weaving stores have wool and cotton in many thicknesses. This is a very clear way to describe yarns that contain the, For example: For a piece of cloth that has a balanced weave (the same number of threads going horizontally and vertically within an inch) a yarn that is 24 wraps per inch will be sett* at 12 ends per inch when you weave. When working with this weight of yarn, be sure to cast on and off loosely. Knitting yarn weight determines how many stitches it takes to knit 10cms (this is called a tension square). Yarn weights explained What is lace weight yarn? Both methods of describing the weight of the yarn have their individual quirks. The knitting and crochet community Ravelry uses a system with a few more weight categories added to it. Standard yarn weights from the yarn council. That is changing but its slow. It has nothing to do with how much your yarn weighs when placed on a scale. That’s what I’m often called on to explain in my knitting and crochet classes. If you have any questions, please reach out to us and we are happy to help. Yarns that are traditionally used for weaving more than knitting are typically described by a number such as 3/2, 5/2, 10/2 and so on. It is based on a number system that starts … This article is the second of a two-part series on how to buy used weaving looms. Rather, weaving yarn weight designations are used to describe the physical construction of the yarn. Would you like patterns, podcasts, and weaving inspiration delivered straight to your inbox? Our guide on popular types of yarn also explains yarn weight. This helpful chart also allows you to compare different yarns weights. It's a range, from super fine to super bulky. Getting Started With Rigid Heddle Weaving, Guide to Choosing and Using a Rigid Heddle Loom, Resources for Beginner & Intermediate Weavers, Weaver's PlayBox for Rigid Heddle (Yarnworker Collaboration). We even have free charts! Importance. To complicate matters, in other countries these numbers are sometimes reversed, but typically the smaller number is the number of plies. Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn. Top to bottom: Cotton weaving yarns in sizes 20/2, 10/2, 8/2, 5/2, and 3/2. There are many factors that work into all these weights and there is not a set standard that is followed by all knitting yarn companies. For standard gauge machines, you may be able to find some lace weight or fingering/sock weight yarn that will work well. If a weaver asks you what the set of a yarn is you can refer to this, Determining a Weaving Sett from Wraps per Inch. In this one, I want to cover super bulky weight yarn and explain what the industry means by the term. The Craft Yarn Council has developed a Yarn Weight System that is being accepted and used. It is a simple method in that the more yards per pound the thinner the yarn is! The obvious answer to this question is whatever size you want. If you are weaving twill, it will be a bit more than the plain weave sett. The ‘heavier’ a yarn is, the thicker it gets. Another method used to describe weaving yarns is ‘yards per pound’. DK: DK (or double knit) yarn is one of the most popular weight of yarn for knitters. The thinnest yarn strand would be Lace (0) and the thickest would be Jumbo (7). Curious how to care for your handwoven piece after you take it off the loom? The second number denotes how many plies the yarn has. It is lighter than bulky yarn, super bulky and chunky yarn. Truly you can use whatever yarn thickness you desire and also incorporate non-yarn items. Nothing, however, replaces sampling! It is an aran weight yarn, thicker than light worsted, so it weaves up quickly. As the name implies, it is a middle weight yarn that is a little thicker than DK yarn. The yarn you buy can come in varying thickness, also referred to as the yarn weight. Jumbo Weight Yarn Standards. Gauge: K: Single to fingering weight Doubled to sport weight Tripled- worsted weight • … If you are weaving lace, the sett will be a bit less than the plain weave sett. Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn. For … To start, let’s talk about yarn sizing or weight. If you are weaving lace, the sett will be a bit less than the plain weave sett. Many weaving yarn shops will tell you the recommended EPI and sett (we post this information on our product pages on our website), so you have a jumping off point. See the Base Counts chart on the previous page. Yarns are made from many different fibers and come in different thicknesses, otherwise known as Yarn Weights. There are all kinds of numbering systems to describe and compare yarns. Specifically, fi… ** Lace weight yarns are usually knitted or crocheted on larger needles and hooks to create lacy, openwork patterns. The number that describes the size is larger the thinner the yarn. But this system does not explain why two yarns, both labeled as fingering weight, will be different thickness. The names are listed below in heaviest to lightest weights, Some yarns use the numbering system, some yards use a name, and other yarns use ‘stitches per inch’ which is listed after the weight of the number. Great for making sweaters or … The Weaver’s Companion lists the following yardages for Size 1 of various fibers: cotton, spun silk 840 linen, hemp, jute, ramie 300 woolen (spun wool) 256 worsted (spun wool) 560. If a weaver asks you what the set of a yarn is you can refer to this chart. Here is a chart that lists the most common yarn setts. Just keep in mind that size 3 yarn in cotton is not the same as size 3 yarn in wool and linen. In the image below, you will see 6 different yarns which represent the most common yarn weights used for crochet. Yarn Weights Charts - A Helpful Explanation, Yarns that are traditionally used for weaving more than knitting are typically described by a number such as 3/2, 5/2, 10/2 and so on. So 3/2 is two plies of size three yarn and 5/2 is two plies of size five yarn. Yarn weight determines how many stitches it takes to knit 1 inch. One of the most common methods is the Standard Yarn Weight System, which classifies yarn on a scale from 0 to 7. Double Knitting: A knitting technique that gives you two distinct sides to an object, usually a scarf, making it reversible. I know metric measurements are much easier to calculate, but since I live in the US, I’ll do it the hard way. By reducing the number of yarns in an inch by half, you leave room for the weft to go over and under the warp. Fingering: Fingering weight yarn is one of the most versatile yarn weights available. The Standard Yarn Weight System . I’ll just give you enough information to get started. Although there are no official categories for yarn weights, many knitting books and yarn manufacturers use common terms to indicate a yarn’s thickness and the size of the needle with which you work on the yarn. In simple layman’s terms, in the US system, the lower the first number, the thicker one ply of the yarn is. Yarn Weight Symbols. Also, knitting yarns tend to be fluffy and stretchy and they are washed before they reach the customer. Weaving yarn sizes and their naming system can seem like gibberish when you’re starting out, but it’s good to have basic understanding of yarn sizes so you’ll know if the yarn you are choosing will have the appropriate epi or sett for your project. So a 10/2 yarn and a 3/2 yarn both have 2 plies, but the 3/2 yarn is much thicker than the 10/2 yarn. Understanding how wraps per inch (or WPI) works is the secret. Projects: Cast on and off loosely. CATEGORY 0: LACE (APPROXIMATE EQUIVALENT OF 1 PLY) This is the lightest weight of yarn used for making doilies and other lovely lace designs. If you’re interested in a fantastic and in-depth explanation of the numbering system, see Peggy Osterkamp’s blog here. Photo by George Boe. 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).. Yarn weight is important in achieving the correct gauge or tension for a particular project and can help with yarn substitution. Posted on June 5, 2020 by admin. The Craft Yarn Council creates and sets yarn standard on commonly used gauges and needle/hook sizes. And why do I need to know them? Apr 22, 2020 - Learn about the types of yarn available for crochet/knitting. Laceweight: most commonly 2ply (UK/AU/NZ) thickness. What do the numbers mean? Worsted weight yarn refers to a medium weight yarn, which is heavier than DK yarn also known as double knitting yarn, sport weight yarn, baby weight yarn and fingering weight yarn. Let’s get started! In the simplest terms, yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn. Accordingly, a gauge range is difficult to determine. (You will also see knitters using this term sometimes, and it is also common among spinners to describe their hand-spun yarn) WPI is valuable to weavers as it is a good place to start when you are figuring out how to weave a project. There are many variables that factor into that decision and while you can tell a customer ‘A typical sett for that yarn is X’ you always want to add, "but the best way to figure out what will work best for your project is to make a sample!’. If all this still has your head swimming, don’t despair! Yarn Weights Explained The Best Guide To Yarn Weights For. The size refer *Sett is how a weaver describes how many warp (vertical) threads per inch that makes up the cloth they are weaving. One of the most important things to understand about yarn is that they come in different weight categories. Yarn is typically described as knitting yarn or it is described in weights that are commonly associated with weaving. It’s no wonder a crafter might get a little confused. This weight of yarn is typically categorized as a weight 3 yarn, and it's great for things like socks, scarves, and sweaters. Worsted weight yarn is probably the most popular yarn weight because it is easy to work with, fast to work up and can be used for nearly any project. Weaving yarn weights are not used to describe how much the yarn weighs. If you’re not familiar with the concept of sett in weaving, I explain it in this video: Have a look on the ball band (or our yarn information box) for information on the number of stitches and the number of rows that a particular knitting yarn weight will need to … Yarn Weights and Yarn Types Go Hand in Hand. For fine gauge, you may need to buy yarn on cones or be limited to lace weight yarns. BTW - Knitting yarns can be used to weave! Starting with the thinnest yarns, this category covers: Thread: approximately the same thickness as sewing thread or 10 count crochet cotton. Weaving Yarn Weight Information Yarns that are traditionally used for weaving more than knitting are typically described by a number such as 3/2, 5/2, 10/2 and so on. All you need is your chosen yarn and an inch ruler. Many designers prefer to use weight 2 yarn for lace because you can more easily see stitch definition, and it's faster to work. Weight 3: Light (DK, Light Worsted) One of the more popular yarn weights, DK weight (which stands for double knit) is very versatile. And even if you don’t have that information, you can calculate your EPI and sett once you have the yarn in hand, and you’ll be off to the races!