If you are like me, you more than likely have more than just a few partial skeins of “scrap yarn” laying around in your stash. If you are also like me and are missing some labels for said scrap yarn, here is a quick and easy hack to determine the size of your yarn.
Wraps Per Inch (WPI) Method to Determine Yarn Size
This method is the easiest and quickest way to determine yarn size. Just get a ruler and start wrapping the yarn around it. Be careful not to wrap it too tight (this would result in more WPI’s than it should be). Also, make sure the yarn is just touching each other – not smashed together. Now, count how many wraps there are in one inch. For my examples below, I started at the 2-inch mark and wrapped around until I reached the 3-inch mark (thus covering 1 inch of the ruler).
In the 1st picture above, you can see that there are 5 wraps per inch (WPI). Now, consult this chart from the Craft Yarn Council to determine what size yarn it is. In the first example, it is a size 6 yarn or Super Bulky as there are 5 wraps around the ruler and the chart says it should be 5-6 WPI for size 6 (Super Bulky) yarn.
The 2nd picture above has 12 WPI. Consulting the chart, it is a category 4 or Medium weight yarn.
The 3rd picture above has 14 WPI and is a size 3 or Light weight yarn according to the chart.
Yarn Size Tool
If you prefer to have yarn measuring tools in your crochet kit, these (sponsored link) are great to have!
Losing a yarn label doesn’t have to be a roadblock to your crafting projects. By using the method above to determine yarn size without the yarn label, you can confidently choose the right needle or hook size and continue creating beautiful handmade items. Remember that while this technique provides a good estimate, it can help you get close to the right yarn weight, ensuring your projects turn out as intended.
Happy crocheting!
