[mswarped]

Why is 4 ply yarn known by more than one weight type as in these two websites
http://www.fibergypsy.com/patterns/bonnet.shtml
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarn_weight

 

[chickkie]

4 ply is usually fingering weight, but many yarns are made from just 4 plies of yarn to get the weight required for DK, bulky or even lace weight can be made with 4 plies of very think yarns.

if you notice on the second link there are different classifications of yarn depending on the country of origin too.

 

[knittingagain]

One shows US yarn weights & one shows both US & UK, which are different.

 

[StitchDesigner]

The number of plies is meaningless in the US. Red Heart Super Saver is 4-ply and worsted. Plymouth Boku is 1-ply and heavy worsted.

 

[mswarped]

So if you had a pattern that just said 4 ply how would you know which one to use?

 

[chickkie]

So if you had a pattern that just said 4 ply how would you know which one to use?

you need to do a tension swatch, or check the ball band for stitches per inch. If you find a pattern made with bulky yarn you will know it is not fingering weight.

if the pattern is produced in the US, then the US weight classifications will be probably be correct.

 

[mswarped]

Thank you all for your quick replies

 

[rainie]

WPI (wraps per inch, [2.54cm]) is quick to find out what the yarn maybe. You will still have to swatch to get your correct gauge.

 

[gigi 722]

Love your avatar.

 

[mswarped]

Thank you. I love his acting and his warped sense of humor

 

[Diane D]

i saw a pattern that called for 4 ply worsted yarn...

 

[lindseymary]

4ply in the UK, is lighter than our DK,but not lace weight. Used mainly for baby clothes or very fine jumpers and knitted on 2.75-3.25mm needles.Lindseymary

 

[Lillyhooch]

The Australian and New Zealand use of 'ply' in describing yarn refers to thickness of yarn not necessary the actual number of plies used in its construction. So when I say 4 ply yarn here, knitters immediately know what is meant.

I would be very happy if all yarn labels had wraps per inch (or centimeter for those countries who are metric) for yarns. So much easier to determine what we are dealing with don't you think?

Is it worth a campaign to get this idea across to manufacturers?

Edit: Just thought of further good reasons for wraps per inch: easier for quickly deciding substitute yarn, and just perfect for hand spinners to classify their yarn.

 

[Diane D]

Lillyhooch, i agree....

 

[Wheelchair Nana]

Yes I agree even in Australia yarn is being labeled as DK 4mm needles but is only equivalent to 4 ply.

I got caught out with substituting yarn looked at the recommended needle size and stitch count on band but had to use 2 strands for correct weight.

Universal standards would be great!!

 

[mswarped]

I totally agree with having universal standards. That would take the hassel out of trying to decipher and convert