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Wpi stands for wraps per inch and is a term used to describe yarn weight. To measure wpi, wrap yarn in a single layer around a stick so that the strands are just touching at the edges. measure an inch of the wrapped stick and count the number of wraps that fit into that one-inch space. The fewer ...
Cashmere is a warm, lightweight luxury fiber spum from the hair of the cashmere goat. Cashmere is often blended with other fibers such as sheep's wool to create more affordable yarn for knitters.
Silk yarn is made from the fibers spun by the silkworm. This lustrous fiber is beautiful, yet strong. For knitting, silk is often blended with mohair, wool, or rayon.
Crochet cotton is also sometimes used for fine knitting on small needles. This cotton usually comes on spools and has numeric sizes. Number 10 is also called bedspread cotton and is the most common weight. Larger numbers mean a finer thread, while smaller numbers indicate heavier thread.
The alpaca is a member of the same family as llamas and camels. Alpaca fiber is used to make luxury yarns as it is extra soft and warm, yet lightweight.
Wool is a natural fiber that comes from sheep. The quality of wool depends upon the age and breed of sheep. Lambswool and merino wool are among the softest. Wool is popular for knitting because it is breathable, absorbent, and warm even when wet.
Sock yarn is usually fingering weight, although sport yarn is used for heavier socks. Sock yarn often is blended with a small amount of nylon for strength, although some sock yarns come with matching nylon thread to be used for toe and heel reinforcement.
Laceweight yarn is lighter than fingering yarn. It is usually knit at a gauge of 8 to 10 stitches per inch on very fine needles, although a looser gauge may be used if the lace is to be an openwork pattern.
