How do you read yarn count?
Christopher Harper
Updated on April 13, 2026
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Similarly, you may ask, how do you determine yarn count?
The indirect system measures the length of a consistentweight of yarn, with a higher yarn count indicating afiner yarn. The direct system is calculated with the formulaN = (W/l) / (L/w). The indirect system uses the formula: N = (L/w)/ (W/l).
Secondly, what does NM mean in yarn count? The Nm stands for 'normal metric' – whichis based on 1 000 metres of yarn per kilogram. The firstnumber refers to the number of strands plied together.
People also ask, what do the numbers mean on yarn?
For a given fiber type, the higher the count, thethinner the yarn. But note that the greater thenumber of plies, the thicker the yarn. Confusingly,some sources follow a convention where cotton and linen have thesize first followed by the number of plies, while wool hasthe number of plies first.
What is decitex?
DTEX stands for Decitex (textiles; measuring unitfor yarn; 1 gram per 10000 meters)
Related Question AnswersWhat is yarn made up of?
Yarn is made from many different fibers --animal, plant and vegetable. Animal fibers include wool, mohair,angora, silk, cashmere, llama, alpaca and qiviut (musk ox) and aremade of mostly protein. Cotton, linen and ramie arevegetable fibers.What is number 4 yarn?
3—Light (DK, Light Worsted) Slightly heavier thana fine weight yarn, this weight is used for itemssuch as garments and heavier baby items. 4—Medium(Worsted, Afghan, Aran) Worsted weight yarn is the mostfrequently used. 6—Super Bulky (Roving) Super bulkyyarn is a thick yarn that works upquickly.What is size 4 medium weight yarn?
Yarn Weight (Thickness)| Yarn Weight | US Needle Size | Knitting Stitches Per Inch, in Stockinette Stitch |
|---|---|---|
| Light worsted or DK (double-knitting) | 5–7 | 5–5 1/2 |
| Medium- or worsted-weight, afghan, Aran | 7–9 | 4–5 |
| Bulky or chunky | 10–11 | 3–3 1/2 |
| Super bulky | 13–15 | 2–2 1/2 |