What does “ply” mean in yarn?

📌 What does “ply” mean in yarn?

• “Ply” refers to the number of strands (or plies) twisted together to make a yarn.

• So:

  • 2 ply = 2 strands twisted together.

  • 4 ply = 4 strands twisted together.

  • And so on.

📏 Does it indicate the yarn’s thickness?

Not always, but it often does.

• Traditionally, in the British system, ply numbers were used to indicate yarn weight:

  • 1 ply → very fine (lace weight).

  • 2 ply → fine.

  • 4 ply → fingering or sport weight.

  • 8 ply → double knitting (DK).

  • 10/12 ply → worsted or aran.

➡️ However, with modern yarns, the ply number does not always correspond to the thickness. For example:

• A 2 ply can be thicker than a 4 ply if its individual strands are thicker.

• What matters is how the yarn is made, not just how many plies it has.

🧶 Technical and tactile differences

• 2 ply: tends to be rounder, good for delicate work, and offers nice stitch definition.

• 4 ply: more stable and durable, good for structured knits.

• More plies → more strength and less pilling, but sometimes less drape or softness.

✅ In summary: