Grist: the size of a yarn. May be expressed as "length per unit weight" . May be expressed as metres per kilo or yards per pound (the Encyclopedia of Handspinning - Mabel Ross).
In spinning, our goal is maintain a consistant grist that is suitable for the fibre / breed that we are working with.
Determining and maintaining a suitable WPI (wraps per inch) for our yarn is also important.
To determine WPI -pull some of the spun single off the bobbin and allow it to back up on itself (to ply). To meausure WPI you can purchase a tool (photo left - Edward's spindle shop) or make your own (a ruler will suffice). Anything that you can wrap at inch increments will work. (I admit it - I am a spoiled fine tool freak).
On further research, it is advised that you do not wrap your yarn around the wrapper - but turn the wrapper itself, drawing the yarn onto the tool. (Imagine your are bringing a fishing line in). Apparently "wrapping the yarn around" alters the amount of twist on your sample, and this will skew your results. Once you have your yarn nicely lined up, count the number of wraps per inch. My Clun Forest sample (centre above) was 10 WPI's.
WPI Recommendations: (Patsy Zawistoski- Spinning Wool Basics & Beyond)
- Heavy yarn < 12 WPI - may vary 2 wraps either way (greater or less than desired wrap count)
- Medium yarn 15 - 30 WPI may vary 4 wraps either way.
- Fine yarn 35 - 55 WPI may vary 8 wraps either way.
- Very fine yarns 60 or more WPI may vary 12 wraps either way.
The goal is to work on consistancy!
Once you have a WPI that you are satisfied with, make a sample card to use for further reference as you spin. (Corriedale sample - Photo Right). Keep it with you as you spin and check your single thickness and WPI's . (TIP: Patsy notes that the lines on recipe cards are spaced at 1/4 inch increments. This is great for easy visuals).
This is how I have come to understand grist and WPI - if you have further understanding, or I have made an error, please make a comment. I would love the feedback - and am always willing to learn more).
I always forget about that turning the wrapper not vice versa. Thanks for the reminder. I was a whatever happens type of spinner but now I'd like to get a handle on creating consistent yarn for a project. Thanks for posting your thoughts here, it's really helping me.
Posted by: Charleen | August 10, 2006 at 08:05 AM