Weaving Sett Chart
Sett is the number of warp ends in one inch of weaving, written as EPI (ends per inch). It decides whether your cloth comes off the loom open and drapey or firm and sturdy, so it is one of the first numbers to settle when you plan a project.
How to read the chart
- The lower number gives a lighter, drapier cloth. Good for scarves and shawls.
- The higher number gives a firmer cloth. Good for towels, placemats and anything that gets heavy use.
- Twill needs more ends per inch than plain weave, because the threads float over more than one thread at a time.
- For a balanced weave, your picks per inch (PPI) will usually be close to your EPI.
Weaving yarns
| Yarn | Yards per lb | Plain weave (EPI) | Twill (EPI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maurice Brassard 8/2 Cotton | 3,360 | 16–20 | 20–24 |
| Maurice Brassard 16/2 Cotton | 6,720 | 24–30 | 30–36 |
| Maurice Brassard 8/4 Cotton | 1,680 | 10–14 | 12–16 |
| Maurice Brassard 8/8 CottonSpecial order | 840 | 8–10 | 10–12 |
| Maurice Brassard Cottolin | 3,360 | 16–20 | 20–24 |
| Maurice Brassard Perle 8/4 | about 1,680 | 10–14 | 12–16 |
| Maurice Brassard Tencel | 3,360 | 15–20 | 22–30 |
| Harrisville Shetland | about 1,800 | 8 | 10–12 |
| Harrisville Highland | about 900 | 8–10 | 8–10 |
Harrisville yardage is for unwashed yarn. Wool blooms when it is wet finished, so sample before you commit to a full warp.
Rug and tapestry warp
| Yarn | Yards per lb | Sett (EPI) |
|---|---|---|
| Seine Twine #12 (4/12/2) | 1,260 | 8–12 |
| Seine Twine #6 (4/12/3) | 840 | 6–8 |
| Seine Twine #9 (5/12/3) | 672 | 6–8 |
Use the looser end of the range for wall hangings and the denser end for rugs and firm tapestry.
Always weave a sample first. Every loom, every weaver's beat and every finishing method is a little different. Weave a few inches, wash it the way you will wash the finished piece, and adjust from there.
Ready to plan your project?
Once you know your sett, the Weavers Weft Yarn Calculator works out how many yards and tubes you need for your warp and weft. Special orders always welcome. Most orders ship same day, and everything ships within one business day, so you can get back to your weaving.