Whether you are a hand-knitter, machine-knitter, or weaver, understanding yarn weight and Nm counts is essential for selecting the right fiber for your projects. At That Yarn, we specialize in industrial cone yarn and mill surplus fibers sourced globally, and we’ve noticed that many makers struggle with international yarn measurement systems.

This guide explains Nm counts, yarn weights, and conversion between metric units and US units like ounces, pounds, and yards — helping you choose yarn confidently for knitting, weaving, or spinning.

What is Nm in Yarn?

Nm (Number metric) is a European yarn measurement that indicates how many meters of yarn exist per gram.

Formula:

$$\text{Length (meters)} = \text{Nm} \times \text{Weight (grams)}$$

Example:

• 1/28Nm → 100g = 2800 meters

• In US units → 100g ≈ 3.53 ounces → 2800 meters ≈ 3,061 yards

• 2/28Nm → 100g = 1400 meters

• In US units → 100g ≈ 3.53 ounces → 1400 meters ≈ 1,531 yards

Higher Nm = finer yarn, lower Nm = thicker yarn.

Nm is widely used in industrial yarn production because it directly reflects fiber structure and thickness — something often lost in retail skein labeling.

For more detailed Nm calculations, see our Yarn Weight (Nm) page

Adjusting Yarn Weight by Plying: A Practical Guide for Hand-Knitters

For hand-knitters, you don’t need to rely solely on industrial yarn thickness. You can ply multiple strands together to achieve your desired yarn weight.

At That Yarn, we provide a ply conversion chart showing how combining 2, 3, or more strands of different Nm counts affects the resulting thickness. This is especially useful when using cone yarn or mill surplus fibers for fine knitting, weaving, or crochet projects.

Example: Five strands of 2/30Nm yarn combined ≈ 1/3Nm equivalent, suitable for Sock-weight projects.

For more 2/30 Nm yarn examples, visit our 2/30 Nm Yarn Collection

Using multiple plies gives makers control over texture, drape, and stitch definition, allowing industrial yarn to adapt perfectly to home projects.

Why Nm Matters for US Makers

1. Accurate Substitutions – Nm allows you to convert European or industrial yarn to US skein standards.

2. Consistency Across Projects – Industrial cone yarn provides uniform gauge, which is important for fine knitting, weaving, or machine knitting.

3. Planning Yardage – With Nm, you can calculate total meters or yards needed per project:

Formula:

$$\text{Yards} = (\text{Nm} \times \text{grams}) \times 1.09361$$

(where 1 meter ≈ 1.09361 yards)

Nm vs Other Yarn Measurements

• Tex – grams per 1,000 meters

• Denier – grams per 9,000 meters

• WPI (Wraps Per Inch) – manual thickness measurement

Nm is particularly useful when working with industrial cone yarn, deadstock fibers, or fine wool, as it provides precise control over thickness, strength, and drape.