For those who work with fiber, yarn and thread, how do you know if you are working with a Z-twist or an S-twist and why does it matter?

Asked by DaphneT (5750

) July 14th, 2012

I’ve been crocheting with some yarn that seems to twist more than I’m used to, and I constantly have to un-twirl it, so to speak. I know yarns and threads are made with Z-twists or S-twists, but I’ve not grasped what the importance is, nor can I tell the difference. What am I looking for to ‘see’ the difference and what should I do with my skein when using either type? Are there special techniques for managing the pull of the skein?

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3 Answers

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I’m not too knowledgable on this, but I know S and Z twist just refer to the direction of the twist, and I don’t think that’s what’s causing your problem. It sounds like the yarn is overspun. Is it handspun? Sounds like the spinner might not be very experienced.

Mariah (25883

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I have to admit that despite being a spinner for many years, I do not know anything about S and Z twists although I do remember that when plying 2 one ply threads together to form 2 ply yarn, the 2 single ply threads would turn anticlockwise so perhaps that might be considered a S twist, I’d love to know. The yarn turned anticlockwise and the wheel turned clockwise.

Adagio (14059

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