A Yarn meter is simply a tool used by knitters, weavers, fiber spinners and other fiber users to accurately measure the length of yarn.
Other names for mechanical yarn measurers are spinning yarn meter and yarn yardage meter.
Examples of ways the meter is used by crafters include: - To determine how much yarn has been spun on the spinning wheel.
- Measure leftover, or mystery yarn, to see if there is enough for a new project.
- Accurately measure a ball or skein of yarn when the label has been lost.
- Measure and subdivide a cone of yarn to make accurate balls or skeins of yarn.
There are two basic types of mechanical yarn measuring devices.
One is a 'fishing line meter' mounted on wood and clamped to a table.
The yarn is passed through the meter and little guides and gears measure the yarn as it passes through.
This is fine for the thinner yarns and cost $55 to $150.
Caution should be used with some of these as the fiber slips occasionally and the reading will under report yardage.
Also be sure the clamping system will fit over the table being used.
Another type is the 'wheel' yarn meter.
Here the yarn is passed through guides and around a wheel attached to the meter.
Some of these can be used without clamps and can be placed on any flat surface.
These are usually home made and available on line for under $50.
Both types of meters usually measure in feet so a little simple math is necessary to arrive at the yardage figure.
Pairing a yarn meter with a ball winder, users can also make balls of yarn, label them, and quickly and efficiently organize yarn remnants in their crafting supplies.
Often two or more knitters, weavers, or fiber spinners will share the cost of a yarn meter and share it among themselves.