Quote Originally Posted by Steve Ashton View Post
The rule of thumb for comparison to WPI (Wraps Per Inch) is that for balanced plain weave you take 1/2 the WPI, and 2/3 WPI for balanced Twill weave.
If you follow the rule of thumb this would give you a yarn that is about 24/2.
Perfect agreement!

That is the same number I came up with a few minutes ago (maybe by coincidence ; I'm not sure of my maths anymore), as I am fixin' at this moment to write to Brassard (Plessisville, Quebec, Canada), who have an extensive catalogue of yarns, and very attractive prices http://www.mbrassard.com/. That company comes recommended by Leclerc, a Canadian loom-maker company past 125 years of operation, that I have grown fond of (especially because they make their vintage manuals openly available, lots of good ideas as to loom architecture) http://www.leclerclooms.com/draw_inst/Draw_inst.htm .

Though, with shipping and unknown tariffs, who knows right now...

Anyway, at the end of the day, the width of the thread is the exact needed measure but hard to ascertain really until woven (compression, elasticity vary), but the best indicator prior to buying is probably still the oz/sq yard accepted numbers (16oz heavy, etc) translated as necessary by the count of threads per inch (and doubling, as per weft+warp). I feel I will need to be rounding up 3,000 yards per pound, if I'm aiming for 3 setts vertically at 42 TPI to stay "canon."

However. I have a feeling that, in the words of Mr. Spock, "this doesn't compute." Such fine, fine yarn, while possible, is unlikely to be used by a crofter for his own family use (and I want the feel of the moors rather than one of an Edinburgh salon). Unless in making a heirloom... (I've read of very fine ancient fabric, but its fineness is then attributed precisely to perhaps being part of a dowry, or something extra valuable).
I'll munch on that matter, but, as wisely advised, I'll try not to overthink it.

For Duncan, 2xGreen, 1xBlue, a pinch of Red, White, Black, adding up to some amount of pounds for 8 yards at 22 inches width. I've been prototyping, and "to the sett" feels might need some extra length, but I'm still too new to speak. Plus lossage of different types. 3.5 lbs feels about right, but I better make a spreadsheet; the numbers, they runneth over, by now. 130 $CAD sound like an amazing deal, for 3.5 lbs Brassard's 2,100 yds/lb, even 350 $CAD is within budget parameters for the incredible 5040 yds/lb that they call 18/2 Merino.

Might have to give up on the homespun for the first major go. Possibly not enough time to have it made to order in the Bolivian Highlands at such fine dimension and brought over, considering I must more urgently address building the loom as the next major developmental milestone.

Thank you oh so very much for those detailed pictures, certainly helps me envision the issues.