Yarn count and ply determine fabric thickness, hand-feel and application.

What is count?

Count measures fineness — the higher the number, the finer the yarn. Metric count (Nm) = meters of yarn per gram. E.g. 48Nm/2 means 48 meters per gram, made of 2 plies.

Count vs. use

  • 3–6s (bulky): quick-knit, heavy and windproof — hats, heavy coats
  • 8–12s (medium): most versatile — most sweaters and scarves
  • 14–24s (fine): delicate — complex patterns, lightweight styles
  • 28s+ (high count): extremely fine for premium lightweight knits, e.g. 48Nm/2 wool-acrylic

What is ply?

Ply = how many single yarns are twisted together.

  • 1-ply: soft but less stable, lower strength
  • 2-ply: stable, most common (e.g. 48Nm/2)
  • 3-ply: stronger (e.g. 42/3Nm mercerized shrink-proof)
  • 4-ply+: special uses — extra strength and texture

Reading labels

"48Nm/2 70% anti-pilling acrylic 30% mercerized wool" = 48-count 2-ply, 70/30 blend, anti-pilling with luster. "42s 100% Australian wool knotless" = 42-count single-ply pure Australian wool, knot-free, premium quality. Reading labels means buying precisely.