Twist Gauge
Twist angle in your yarn determines its strength and “feel”. Whether it is loose and soft or tight and wiry. The lower your twist angle, the more loosely twisted your yarn is, and the softer your yarn will feel. Measuring the angle of twist in your yarn is a wonderful way to ensure consistency in your handspun yarns. Note that the finer the yarn, the more twists per inch are required to achieve the same angle of twist.
5-10° Soft-Spun
Suitable for articles not subjected to hard wear or abrasion. Low-twist singles.
20° Medium-Spun
Suitable for knitting and can be used plied or as singles. Singles spun at angles higher than 20° would be “energized” and cause skewing in your knitting.
30-35° Hard-Spun
Suitable for clear patterend worsted weaving and embroidery threads. Less palatable to hand knitters.
35-45° Very Hard-Spun
Produces very high tensile strength, suitable for spinning sock yarns.
To measure the angle of twist (AoT) in your yarn, place your yarn vertically over the gauge and match up the angle of the spun fibres in your yarn with the gauge. A loupe or magnifying glass may be useful to help you see the individual fibres better. For plied yarns, use the angle created by the ply twist.
Download the Twist Gauge (PDF) here »
Sources:
- The Essentials of Yarn Design for Handspinners by Mabel Ross.
- “Understanding Yarn” by Judith MacKenzie McCuin, Interweave Knits, Fall 2002.
