Lace vs Fingering weight

I've been browsing through my book, Decorative Crocheting and it calls for 2 ply wool. I've noticed fingering usually seems to be 4 ply so does that mean lace is 2 ply? Is there a washable merino in 2 ply?

Tags: ply, weight, wool, yarn

0 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Diana Matthews on October 14, 2011 at 2:07pm

Well, I looked up the recommended yarn from Norway and it is a fingering wt. 28st/4 inches(knit I assume). A fingering 2 ply.

Something 7/2, then 2ply 3500m/kg.

I suppose spinners understand the meaning of plies and weights. :o oy!

I think Palette would work just as well. Though I want the convenience of washable without potentially felting the finished item. Maybe, ??Stroll sock yarn would work just as well.

Permalink Reply by Cathie Duff on October 14, 2011 at 5:15pm

We need to get a spinner in here! I am pretty sure that ply is a function of the way something is spun rather than a determining factor for the weight of the yarn. I recently finished a project with a heavy worsted that was a single ply hand painted yarn. Maybe we should post a question on the Fairy Godknitters site -- there are spineers there!

Permalink Reply by Cathie Duff on October 14, 2011 at 8:19pm

I posted this on Ask the Fairy Godknitters and there is a good explanation there -- you can find it here or in the Discussions list.

Permalink Reply by Anna Murphy on October 15, 2011 at 7:04pm

I tell you who will know and that is Knutty. She told me once that the 2-ply mystery yarn is lace, and because of industry standards, I would be able to figure out the yardage from the weight, i.e., all lace is x yards/gm.

Permalink Reply by cherylbwaters on October 16, 2011 at 2:35pm

Thanks, Cathy, for pointing to Ask the Fairy Godknitters. One of the knitting members dubbed Peggy Stuart, Susan the Blue Lake Knitter and myself as the Three Fairy Godknitters after Kelley interviewed us for one of her podcasts. Or around that time period. But we will welcome any of the crocheters to ask questions or give answers over there. Susan and Peggy do crochet though they prefer to knit. Peggy always says it is because crocheting uses up yarn so fast and the projects tend to be over too quickly.

Permalink Reply by Anna Murphy on October 17, 2011 at 7:08am

I like projects being over quickly to feed my instant gratification monster. :)

Permalink Reply by cherylbwaters on October 17, 2011 at 9:41am

That I can understand! I have a feeling that more crocheters are product oriented rather than process oriented. I don't know statistically but I'm going to guess that knitters probably tend to have more UFOs than crocheters. I am definitely a process knitter.

Permalink Reply by Diana Matthews on October 17, 2011 at 10:12am

Just depends on what the item is, overall I'm like a kid and want something finished fast. (like Anna) lol

Then on some projects I just like to take my time and enjoy the process. ie. like my Playtime cardigan with colors and texture that make me happy.... My Fishermen sweater is also no rush, cabled vest, Fanshell shawl.

What I really like to do, so I don't get too bored or frustrated is to move from one project to another. Little projects mixed with bigger ones. hmmm, I think UFOs are a problem for alot of crocheters as they see another item they like more and the desire for something different takes over. According to one survey one of the most popular crochet item is afghans.

Permalink Reply by cherylbwaters on October 17, 2011 at 4:09pm

I am like a kid in a candy store. I love books, patterns, needles, yarn, fiber, spindles. I could have a huge house filled with all of those things. I can start a gazillion projects and then want to start more.

Permalink Reply by Diana Matthews on October 18, 2011 at 9:13am

lol Like me having to have my latest book with Nordic tapestry crochet.

I was thinking this AM that I would love to have some pillows for the family room (also known as all my crochet stuff room) couch with some of those lovely vintage designs.

Not to cause you more candy cravings but they have lots of knit patterns! Books, patterns...

Permalink Reply by cherylbwaters on October 20, 2011 at 12:13pm

I have it book marked so I can look closer later!

Permalink Reply by Diana Matthews on October 20, 2011 at 12:37pm

Nordic Fiber Arts? Did you see the section on Stockings, Judy's colors?

I need to wander to your photos, I keep meaning to check out your stocking photos.

:-)