wool thread dimensions, sourcing

[Pleater]

English wool used a 560 yard skein - if 4 skeins of the finished yarn weighed 16 oz that would be 4ply yarn. It would be - probably - 2/8 worsted count as it would be 2 ends twisted together of wool spun to 8 skeins to the pound.

Worsted count, Cotton count and High Bulk Acrylic count are all being phased out in favour of the metric count - though it is less useful to hand knitters as the density of the yarn is not taken into account - but industry seems to be coping just fine.

Wraps per inch is something I only came across when I started dealing with hand spinners.

I have a fishing line measurer and accurate scales from the time I used to make yarn to sell and needed to ensure that I was getting the correct length per weight.

Anne the Pleater

[NHhighlander]

English wool used a 560 yard skein - if 4 skeins of the finished yarn weighed 16 oz

I am starting to have a feel that length / weight ratio might be the one measure that can translate apples into oranges.

Hmm, let's put that to the test...
The amazon yarn I purchased was 1.8 oz skeins, 130 yards(light/DK weight, whatever that is, I've seen this DK indicator in several places). At 40 ends/inch warp, and weft, a square yard, 40x36x2, 2880 yards. divided 130, times 1.8, 39 ounces. No good. Let's inverse see how dense I can max out. 16 ounces, divided 1.8 times 130, 1155 yards. Divided 2, divided 36, this particular yarn maxes out at 16 threads each of weft and warp, for 16 oz fabric. Must be less than half the weight to be considered "heavy" at 40 EPI. Ouch.

I have a fishing line measurer and accurate scales from the time I used to make yarn to sell and needed to ensure that I was getting the correct length per weight.

Anne the Pleater

Now that's an idea! I mean, a fishing line measurer to have a reference for whether the homespun I acquire is what I want/need.