Weaving Sett Calculator

Question 1

What is sett in weaving?

Accepted Answer

Sett (also called EPI — Ends Per Inch) is the number of warp threads per inch in your fabric. The right sett depends on your yarn weight and weave structure. Too open = sleazy fabric. Too tight = stiff and warp-dominant.

Question 2

How do I calculate sett?

Accepted Answer

The standard method: wrap your yarn around a ruler for 1 inch, count the wraps (WPI), then multiply by a factor based on your weave structure. Plain weave uses 50% of WPI, twill uses 60%. Our calculator does this automatically.

Question 3

What is loom waste?

Accepted Answer

Loom waste is the unusable warp length tied to the loom. It includes the warp tied to front and back beams plus any unusable length. Typical loom waste is 18–36 inches depending on your loom.

Question 4

How do I substitute a different reed?

Accepted Answer

Use our Reed Substitution tab. Enter your desired EPI and your available reed dent, and we’ll tell you how to thread it (e.g., alternate 1 and 2 threads per dent).

Question 5

How much yarn do I need for weaving?

Accepted Answer

Enter your project dimensions, sett, and loom waste in our Warp Length tab. We calculate total warp and weft yardage including shrinkage allowance for your fiber type.

Question 6

Does fiber type affect sett?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sticky fibers like wool can be sett closer because they grip each other. Slippery fibers like silk or bamboo need a tighter sett (more threads) to prevent shifting.

Structure	Factor	Description
Plain Weave (Tabby)	50% of WPI	Over one, under one. Firmest structure.
Twill (2/2)	60% of WPI	Diagonal pattern. Denser than plain weave.
Twill (3/1)	65% of WPI	Warp-dominant twill. Very dense.
Basket Weave	50% of WPI	Pairs of threads over and under.
Satin (5-shaft)	70% of WPI	Long floats. Drapey, dense sett.
Lace Weave	35% of WPI	Open structure. Lower sett for holes.
Waffle	55% of WPI	Textured, thick. Medium-high sett.

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