What the heck is S or Z yarn?

How to determine if your yarn is S or Z plied so you know how to turn a ball winder to add or subtract twist. S and Z refers to the ‘slants’ or ‘diagonals’ you see on a strand of yarn. Majority of commercial yarns have final S twist but not all. Knowing how to read your yarn is helpful in understanding how your yarn behaves. Certain needle arts add or subtract twist.

[@thistleanddoug5957]

I know and understand S and Z twist and plying....what I didn’t think about before was how I was ball winding....I had an “ah haaaa” moment!!! Thank you so much! Your explanation was super clear and the light came on in my head. I look forward to more videos!

[@spinningthepast9630]

Glad it was helpful

[@Karla-uh6pv]

thank you very much for this video, I was asking myself this exact question. I also have another question, I think you answered it already but I am not sure if I got it: If you were to spin two (or more singles) and afterwards twist them together - would you rather spin the singles both in the same direction and then twist them together in the other or would you spin the singles in different directions before twisting them together?

[@spinningthepast9630]

Yes. Both singles need to be spun same direction. Usually Z direction. Then plied S which is the opposite.