Selling yarn - how do I measure?

[Deleted]

I have a mixed lot of nice wool yarn from a local farm - all partial skeins. I have the labels for some but not all of the yarn. Should I list the weight of each ball? Or just show them next to a tape measure or soda can for size reference?

[sunsetpainter]

I would weigh them. New skeins have the weight on the label and some older patterns have the amount of yarn in ounces or grams. But I would also show how big the ball is by taking a pic of it in your hand or the soda can is a good idea too.

[Deleted]

Thanks, I'll do both then.

[mupcycledcouture]

By weight, in grams if you can.

[jandsknight]

If it's on the label I give weight and length. Otherwise I give weight in grams and ounces. I have also included a photo of a small knit and/or crochet sample using the yarn and tell the size needle and/or hook used and the gauge (number of stitches per inch).

[betabutton]

If the yardage is listed on those with labels, do the math after you weigh each skein since you cannot rely on either the weight or yardage listed on the labels as you stated these are partial skeins. Customers will then know the actual yardage as well as actual weight of the skeins you are selling.
If there are multiple skeins of identical items I would group them with an index card or other label for the group showing the total weight and yardage for that group.
i don't know how big the lot you have is but if all the yarns are the same "weight" (referencing the size of a strand, as many patterns will state fine, sport weight, DK double knitting worsted, medium worsted) and hopefully that weight is marked on the label, that would be helpful information. If the yarns are textured and not "plain" then that information would probably not be available.

if no "weight" (size of strand) is available, I would show an image of a tape measure with a #2 pencil crossing it and a little further along the tape measure, I would place a strand of each yarn to show approximate size.

[jandsknight]

Excellent advice, betabutton. I read the initial post too fast & didn't comprehend the skeins were all partials. And I love your advice on photoing.

[betabutton]

Thanks, jandsknight, I used to be a weaver and ran a Weaving store so answering yardage and "weight", both scale weight and size weight questions for customers was a constant, especially since some customers liked to return for credit or trade their partial skeins or cones.
I do have a little problem with keeping my answers brief! 

[chapeaunoir]

Beta - you are a goldmine of real, usable information!

[betabutton]

Chap, I gave you a thumbs up for your generous comments about my post but I also need to add that I have gleaned tons of very helpful information from reading your posts as well as those of so many others on this board.

Outside of the "selling business", I am so touched by the variety and depth of support board members give to other members, especially when there are personal issues and challenges. This is a really nice place to be.

[unknown]

Apr 14, 2017 19:42:19 GMT @ahrncitygal said:

I have a mixed lot of nice wool yarn from a local farm - all partial skeins. I have the labels for some but not all of the yarn. Should I list the weight of each ball? Or just show them next to a tape measure or soda can for size reference?

Do you plan to list it individually or as a huge lot or multiple lots or what?

[Deleted]

One lot - there are only 6 balls.

[unknown]

Just give the total weight, the info from the labels you have and maybe a closeup of a strand. Don't make it harder on yourself than you need to.

Are they home spun?