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Twist & Grist - a Spinning Gauge

Use an angle and wpi gauge to check your yarn and spin consistently.

• To measure twist, hold the yarn parallel to the 0° line, crossing the angled line. Compare the twist in the fiber or the ply to the angled lines on the gauge. Spin with more or lest twist to get the desired yarn.
• To measure thickness, hold the yarn parallel to the thickness gauge and find the wpi that matches. Don't pull the yarn tightly - strecthing yarn will make it appear thinner.
• More fiber makes a thicker yarn without requiring more twist. Lofty yarns require lower twist.
• Longer fibers and crimpy fibers will hold together with less twist. Shorter, smoother fibers require more twist.

To make a take-along gauge:

1. Print this page on heavy paper.
2. Cut out the two gauges. For accuracy, the gauge should print to 1.5" high x 5" wide.
3. Glue them together back to back.
4. Laminate the gauge, or fake it with 2-inch clear tape on either side.
5. Punch a hole in the blank area at one end and add a cord for hanging.