Finished Yarn
195 yds
Yield
8.2 oz
Loss
49%
Value
$78
Finished Yarn
195 yds
8.2 oz (2 skeins)
Yds/oz
24
Hours
5
Value
$78
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Inputs
Result
Wash: 16 x 0.6 = 9.6 oz. Card: 9.6 x 0.9 = 8.64 oz. Spin: 8.64 x 0.95 = 8.2 oz. Worsted at 0.85x base (28 yds/oz x 0.85 = 23.8 yds/oz). Yarn: 8.2 x 23.8 = 195 yds.
Inputs
Result
Wash: 8 x 0.9 = 7.2 oz. Card: 7.2 x 0.92 = 6.6 oz. Spin: 6.6 x 0.96 = 6.3 oz. Fingering at 1.2x base (24 x 1.2 = 28.8 yds/oz). Yarn: 6.3 x 28.8 = 181 yds.
Raw wool loses 35—55% of its weight during processing. Merino loses ~40% in washing (lanolin/grease), ~10% in carding, and ~5% in spinning, yielding about 45% of the original weight as finished yarn. Alpaca retains much more weight since it has minimal lanolin, losing only about 22% total.
| Fiber | Wash Loss | Card Loss | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merino Wool | 40% | 10% | ~45% |
| Alpaca | 10% | 8% | ~78% |
| Angora | 5% | 12% | ~78% |
| Cotton | 5% | 15% | ~72% |
Yardage depends on yarn weight and fiber type. From 1 lb of clean Merino (after washing), you get roughly 450 yards of worsted weight, 600 yards of sport weight, or 900 yards of fingering weight. Thinner yarn = more yardage per ounce but more time to spin.
Processing time varies dramatically by method. Hand-processing 1 lb of raw fiber takes 6–8 hours (washing + hand carding + spinning). Using a drum carder reduces this to 4–5 hours. Sending fiber to a mill for washing and carding brings it down to about 2 hours of spinning per pound.
Handspun yarn sells for $25–80 per 100-yard skein depending on fiber and quality. A pound of merino fiber ($15–25 raw) yields about 4–5 skeins of worsted yarn, valued at $120–$200+ as handspun. However, the labor time (5–8 hours) means the effective hourly rate is modest unless you value the craft experience.
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Last Updated: May 2, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.