THE CHART

Linda Ligon ,  Interweave Press

18+ wpi is Lace = 2600+ yards per pound

16 wpi is Fingering = 1900 to 2400 yards per pound 

14 wpi is sport = 1200 to 1800 yards per pound

12 wpi is worsted = 900 to 1200 yards per pound

10 wpi is bulky = 600 to 800 yards per pound

8 or less wpi is very bulky = 400 to 500 yards per pound

WAYS TO MEASURE HANDSPUN YARNS

#1 - Wraps per inch ( or wpi) wrap the yarn around a ruler for 1"or 2" and count the number of times is goes around the ruler.  From there you need to have a wpi guide to match your yarn to it's weight.

This chart is a general guide and one that I have used for awhile. It comes from the book Handspun/Handknit shown above.

#2 - Using a kniddy knoddy, take a string all the way around it and measure that string. That will give you the measurement in inches of the length of one go around. When you wrap your yarn to make a skein, count the number of times you go around then take that number and multiply by the inches you had measured the string. Done enough times, you'll remember the length. Divide that number by 36 " and you'll get approximate yardage for that skein.Weigh the skein and divide that measurement into 16- for number of ounces in a pound. Multiply that number times the yardage number and you'll get yards per pound. Again check the chart or a pattern.

For instance: you have a skein that weighs 3 oz and had 120 wraps around the kniddy knoddy. Your string measured 56" around.

120x56 =6720" divided by 36" =186.66 yards

16 divided by 3 = 5.33 times the yardage of 186.66= 995.5

So you have about 990 yards per pound give or take a few.

I use a kniddy knoddy to measure my yarns.

#3- Some of you said you take a needle gauge and double your yarn, placing it in a whole of the gauge so it easily slips thru, This gives you the needle size and the measurement of the yarn.