If you've ever searched for yarn while weaving—especially in international online shops or from English manufacturers—you've probably come across measurements like "yard," "oz," or yarn weights like "Ne" or "Nm." But what do these measurements actually mean? And how can you easily convert them?
In this text, we'll give you a quick overview of the most important units of measurement and help you better understand yarn thicknesses. This is especially useful if you use English-language sources or want to order weaving yarns from abroad.
If you want to learn more about choosing the right weaving yarn, check out this article: How do I choose the right weaving yarn?
Looking for new weaving yarns? Discover our selection at Berliner Webstühle: Weaving yarns
1. Units of measurement: inch, yard and pound
In English-speaking countries, different measurements for length and weight are often used than in Germany. Here's a brief overview of the most important conversions:
| Unit | Equivalent to 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 classify the running length of yarns in known units.
2. Yarn thicknesses: Nm and Ne simply explained
When choosing yarn, one of the most important factors is the yarn count, also known as yarn gauge. There are two systems:
- Nm (metric number) : Indicates how many meters of yarn weigh 1 gram.
- Ne (number in English) : Indicates how many yards of yarn 1 pound weighs.
Example: “Nm 10” means: 10 meters of yarn weigh exactly 1 gram. The higher the number, the finer the yarn.
The English system also distinguishes between yarn types:
| material | Ne-indication | Nm specification |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| carded yarn | 1 Newton (256 yd/lb) | 0.5161 Nm |
Example representation in retail:
Venne Organic Cotton/Linen Nm 13/2 - Nel 22/2 – 1000g – 66 Colors
Tip : If, for example, twisted yarns are labelled “Nm 48/2”, this means that two threads of Nm 48 thickness have been twisted together – the total fineness then corresponds to approximately Nm 24.
Why is this relevant for you as a weaver?
The right yarn weight is crucial for your weaving—whether you're weaving delicate scarves, sturdy fabrics, or rugs. With this knowledge, you can confidently convert, even when using English-language sources, and decide which yarn is right for your project.
Conclusion:
With a little background knowledge of measurements and yarn weights, you can compare weaving yarns from all over the world and shop more carefully. It's especially worth taking a closer look if you want to get the most out of your loom.
Looking for new weaving yarns? Discover our selection at Berliner Webstühle: Weaving yarns