Have you ever wondered what the different weaving yarn size numbers mean? Its actually a pretty smart system and once you understand it, choosing the right yarn for a particular project is much easier! There are two numbers: one for the size of a single strand and the other for the number of plys (or strands twisted together).
The size (called the yarns count) is determined by how many yards have been spun out of a pound of fiber. The thickest single-spun strand of each fiber is given a size of 1, with all other sizes being a multiple of that. For example, an 8/2 cotton yarn is 2 strands of size-8 cotton singles plied together. The larger the yarns count, the finer the yarn has been spun. Imagine a pound of fiber that has been spun twice as fine as a size 1 strand of yarn: it will be half the thickness and twice as long.
So far so good! Now for the complications...
Every fiber weighs differently, so the count numbers dont correlate between different types of yarn (darn!). That means an 8/2 wool is a VERY different size than an 8/2 cotton. Following is a chart for the (a) standard number of yards per pound in a size-1 strand:
Cotton, Rayon: 840
Linen, Hemp: 300
Woolen spun wool: 256
Worsted spun wool: 560
You can use this chart and the yarns count to determine the number of yards per pound of any particular yarn. You simply multiply this magic number by the yarns actual count number to get the number of yards per pound. For example, a pound of size-1 cotton would give you 840 yards of yarn (840 x 1); and a pound of 8/1 cotton would be 6,720 yards of yarn (840 x 8). What about plys, you ask? Easy! Simply multiply by the count, then divide by the number of plys. That means one pound of 8/2 cotton would have half as many yards as a pound of 8/1 cotton.
The same process works for all other fibers, you just have to substitute the correct number for the type of fiber that the yarn is made of. Which brings up the next complication... Fiber mixes. What if you have a yarn that is part cotton and part linen? (or any other mix) Unfortunately, the correct number to use will differ by manufacturer. Some will use the count number for one of the fibers in the mix, others will use a new count number that falls somewhere between the two fibers. It is helpful to ask (or look at the yarn in person) if you are unsure of the actual size of a mixed yarn. The Swedish cottolin (cotton-linen blend) that we carry from Bockens is labeled 22/2, but it is actually very close in size to an 8/2 cotton and can be substituted for it in any draft.
Next complication! Some countries will swap the count and the ply order, or just swap it for some types of fiber (in the US we tend to swap the order on wool yarns). In Canada, an 8/2 cotton would be called 2/8 instead. Pay attention to the context and the correct meaning is usually clear (an 8-ply, size-2 yarn would be rope, and not good for dishtowels).
Finally, it helps to remember that the count method is determined by the number of yards in a pound rather than the actual thickness of a yarn. Looking at sett charts for deciding your ends per inch is a great place to start but the actual thickness of a yarn differs by manufacturer and you might want to adjust your sett accordingly. This is most apparent in wool yarns where it is possible to get a very light and lofty yarn or a very hard and tightly spun yarn with very different thicknesses but with the same count number.
FAQs
The size (called the yarn's count) is determined by how many yards have been spun out of a pound of fiber. The thickest single-spun strand of each fiber is given a size of 1, with all other sizes being a multiple of that. For example, an 8/2 cotton yarn is 2 strands of size-8 cotton singles plied together.
How to understand yarn sizes? ›
In simple layman's terms, the lower that first number, the thicker one ply of yarn is. 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.
How does yarn sizing work? ›
The idea behind sizing is to coat the yarn (usually warp, but sometimes weft too) with a substance that will make it a little stiff and compact when it dries.
How do you read yarn specifications? ›
On the yarn label you should see the amount of yards and/or grams that are in one ball/skein. It should also have the color and lot number. If you buy two skeins of the same color but the lot # is different, they are from different dye batches and may not be exactly the same.
What does 2 40 yarn mean? ›
The second number (40) represents the "Nm" count, which denotes the yarn's fineness. The higher the number, the finer the yarn. In this case, "40" indicates that there are 40 units of length (such as yards or meters) in one unit of weight of the yarn. So, a higher "Nm" count means a finer yarn.
What is the formula for yarn size? ›
Units of yarn include Tex, Decitex, and Denier, which are calculated through the direct system of measurement; the direct system is directly proportional and is computed with the equation N = (W/l) divided by (L/w). In the direct system, the higher the computed number, the thicker the yarn.
What do numbers mean on yarn? ›
Yarn Weight Symbols
Symbols will be introduced to designate the various weights (thicknesses) of yarn on labels and to designate the skill level (beginner to experienced) of a pattern. For yarn weighs a ball/skein will be used containing a number between 0–7, with 0 the finest and 7 the thickest.
How do you understand yarns? ›
The higher the yarn weight number, the thicker (bulkier) the yarn, and the chunkier the knitting. A bulkier yarn results in a lower knitting gauge (less stitches per inch of knitting), whilst a fine yarn results in a higher gauge (more stitches per inch).
What is the yarn size system? ›
The yarn size is a measurement used for the number of 840 yard hanks per pound and is many times also referred to as the spun size. The yarn size generally includes both the yarn size and number of ply. Examples include: 46/2 representing 46's cotton count – 2 ply.
What are the weights of yarn explained? ›
Yarn comes in a variety of weights beginning with lace weight (which is very thin and fine), then fingering weight (which is slightly thicker), sport weight (even thicker), DK weight, worsted weight, and on to Aran/heavy worsted, bulky (a thick yarn), and super-bulky (a super thick yarn) and finally, roving.
Using a different yarn weight and hook size will affect the size of your finished piece. A thicker yarn and larger hook will mean the finished item will be larger, and a thinner yarn and smaller hook will mean it is smaller.
What is the yarn numbering system in textile? ›
One method is called the direct yarn numbering system. In this method, the yarn's linear density is denoted as a weight-to-length ratio. This method is commonly used for synthetic or man-made fiber. For example, a 70 denier yarn means that there are 70 grams per 9000 meters.
What is yarn code? ›
Yarn is a package manager for your code. It allows you to use and share (e.g. JavaScript) code with other developers from around the world. Yarn does this quickly, securely, and reliably so you don't ever have to worry.
What is the most popular yarn size? ›
4 Weight yarn, more commonly known as worsted weight, is the workhorse yarn of the knitting and crochet world, for good reason. This yarn weight is very popular because it can be used for just about anything, from garments to accessories to home décor.
Which yarn is finer 40s or 60s? ›
To look at it the other way, lower the count, the heavier and coarser it is. Thus 40s thread count yarn is coarser and heavier than a 60s yarn and so on.
What does yd mean in yarn? ›
Terms & Common Measurements
| Measurement | Description |
|---|
| m | meter |
| mm | millimeter |
| oz | ounce |
| yd | yard |
3 more rowsMeaning, the 8/4 yarn is spun from 4 strands of size 8 thickness, and the yarn belongs to the category Super Fine. 8/6 yarn is spun from 6 strands of size 8 thickness and belongs to the category Fine, and the 8/8 yarn is spun from 8 strands of size 8 thickness and belongs to the category Light.
What does #5 yarn mean? ›
Bulky or 5 weight yarn is approximately twice as thick as worsted weight yarn. Sometimes referred to as chunky, craft, or rug yarn, it usually works up quickly using larger needles or hooks. This yarn is great for a heavier, cozy sweater, or for rugs and throws.
What does size 7 yarn mean? ›
The thinner the yarn, the smaller the number. For example, Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet Thread Size 10 would count as a size 0 (Lace). Red Heart Super Saver, Caron One Pound and Bernat Super Value are all size 4 (Medium), and Red Heart Grande and Bernat Mega Bulky is a size 7 (Jumbo).
What does size 10 yarn mean? ›
Size 10 means there are 8,400 yards of the yarn in 1 pound. ( 10 x 840) Size 20 means there are 16,800 yards of the yarn in 1 pound. ( 20 x 840) The larger the size number, the finer the yarn.
