Wraps per inch

Let's see if we can answer both those questions here.

What is a WPI gauge ?

In a nutshell - it's a tool to tell you what tension / gauge your yarn will knit to.

How?

The number of times your chosen yarn wraps around the tool tells you the WPI of that particular yarn.

It's more accurate than relying on the International symbol or ball band information alone.

Why do I need to know that?

You'll be able to quickly decide which pattern to use for yarn you already own in your stash.

and/or

Which yarn to use if the pattern's recommendations aren't available at your location (or is simply too expensive).

These wraps per inch gauges have been used for eons by hand spinners to determine what gauge/tension, and later which commercial ply, their finished handspun wool would knit to.

This information may have stayed in the handspinning realm except for the internet and knitters purchasing patterns from worldwide sources....often the yarn is obsolete (frequently true with free to download patterns) or alternatively the suggested yarn isn't available, or is too expensive, to purchase by knitters locally.

But thanks to this handy little free to make tool knitters can source their patterns from wherever they choose and know they will be able to find a yarn to suit....

Nowadays you an buy these gauges but why not make your own, in a couple of minutes from items you have around your house, and use your money to buy more lovely yarn?

Once you have your tool and know how to use it (instructions are on tool making page ) you're ready to put it into good use.

This link takes you to our constantly updated wpi gauge chart giving measurements and substitutions yarns falling into the same category. Bookmark that page - I gaurantee you'll use it again and again.

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