It is me again.  I am reading a pattern for a scarf.  It calls for 4ply cotton at 840yd/lb: 350 yd for warp and weft. In this case, it is listed as Peaches and Cream, and I know what plys are, so I am pretty sure I know what to buy.  Can I assume that I need 350 yards?  If it did not list Peachs and cream, I would have been lost.

The next yarn is cotton chenille 900 yd/lb:  50yds of one color and 25 yds of another color.  Short of trying to weigh yarn in the store, how do I know what I am looking for?  I can measure the EPI if I know what the weight to EPI would be.

I have always made textured tapestries using scrap yarn, different thickness, and never follow a pattern.  This is my first pattern following weave on a jack loom.  I want to use an inexpensive yarn that I can get easily at a local store.  I am following the pattern in "the Best of Handwoven: Scarfs on Four Shafts"  pg 7.  Soft Cotton scarf with chenille stripes.

Thanks ahead of time for your help.  I know I will eventually get this yarn weight thing.

Debbie

 

 

Comments

Sat, 02/11/2012 - 07:23

laurafry

Most *weaving* stores will give yards per pound and how many ounces or pounds a yarn package weighs.  Trying to buy weaving yarn at a knitting store (or Wal-Mart) is a bit of a challenge because the yarns are different - possibly in how they are constructed - and in how they are sized.  All you can do is look at yarn labels and try to figure out something of equal yards/pound.

cheers,

Laura

Sat, 02/11/2012 - 16:07

mrdubyah (not verified)

Debbie, Calculating yarn count is one of the many mysteries of weaving that baffles the uninitiated.  It's actually quite simple once you know the secret formula, and once you know that there's a different formula for each material (cotton, wool, and linen).  For a detailed explanation, see the excellent article at: http://www.knitting-and.com/spinning/ycount.htm

Sat, 02/18/2012 - 14:50

Kade1301

With a bit of luck the cotton chenille should come in balls with labels that state the lenght and weight - something like 100 yards (or meters) and 50 g (or whatever that is in ounces - almost 2, I belive). Then it's a matter of getting out your pocket calculator and figuring this yard's length per pound - that should give you an idea of its suitability for the project (alternatively, look at the picture in the book, observe how the cotton chenille looks in comparison to the 4ply, and look at the yarns you want to buy in your local store - hopefully you can get all of them at the same store).

50 yards and 25 yards sounds like it would be less than a ball (I think - I've never bought or worked with cotton chenille) and you'll have to buy a whole ball, so I wouldn't worry about the lenght you need to buy.

Happy weaving, Klara