Conversion of international measurements and yarn thicknesses: Nm, Ne, Inch, Yard & Ounce explained clearly
If you have ever searched for yarn for weaving — especially in international online shops or from English-speaking manufacturers — you will certainly have come across measurements like "yard", "oz" or yarn counts like "Ne" or "Nm". But what do these figures actually mean? And how can you convert them easily?
In this article we give you a quick overview of the most important units of measurement and help you understand yarn counts more easily. Particularly useful if you use English-language sources or want to order weaving yarn from abroad.
Want to know more about choosing the right weaving yarn in general? Then take a look at this article: How do I choose the right weaving yarn?
Looking for new weaving yarns? Explore our selection at Berliner Webstühle now: Weaving Yarns
1. Units of Measurement: Inch, Yard and Pound
In English-speaking countries, different units are often used for length and weight than we are used to. Here is a brief overview of the most important conversions:
| Unit | Equivalent in cm / g |
|---|---|
| 1 inch (in) | 2.54 cm |
| 1 foot (ft) | 30.48 cm |
| 1 yard (yd) | 91.44 cm |
| 1 ounce (oz) | 28.35 g |
| 1 pound (lb) | 453.59 g |
These conversions help you, for example, to better contextualise the running length of yarns in familiar units.
2. Yarn Counts: Nm and Ne Simply Explained
When choosing yarn, one of the most important specifications is the yarn count, also called yarn fineness. There are two systems:
- Nm (metric count): indicates how many metres of yarn weigh 1 gram.
- Ne (English count): indicates how many yards of yarn weigh 1 pound.
Example: "Nm 10" means: 10 metres of yarn weigh exactly 1 gram. The higher the number, the finer the yarn.
The English system also distinguishes by fibre type:
| Material | Ne count | Nm count |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 1 NeB (840 yd/lb) | 1.6934 Nm |
| Linen | 1 NeL (300 yd/lb) | 0.6048 Nm |
| Worsted | 1 NeK (560 yd/lb) | 1.1289 Nm |
| Woollen spun | 1 NeW (256 yd/lb) | 0.5161 Nm |
Example as sold:
Venne BIO Cotton/Linen Nm 13/2 - Nel 22/2 – 1000g – 66 colours
Tip: When plied yarns show e.g. "Nm 48/2", this means two strands of Nm 48 have been plied together — the overall fineness is then approximately Nm 24.
Why does this matter to you as a weaver?
The right yarn count is crucial for your weave — whether you want to weave fine scarves, firm fabrics or rugs. With this knowledge you can also confidently convert figures from English-language sources and decide which yarn is right for your project.
Conclusion:
With a little background knowledge of units of measurement and yarn counts, you can compare weaving yarns from around the world and shop more purposefully. Especially if you want to get the most out of your loom, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Looking for new weaving yarns? Explore our selection at Berliner Webstühle now: Weaving Yarns