Alden Amos says in his, Big Book of Handspinning, that there is no reason to spin 5-ply yarns.
In fact, 5-ply yarns are more supple for their thickness, and thus easier to knit into weatherproof fabrics.
5-ply yarns are also more durable than a 2 or 3-ply yarn of the same fiber and grist.
Those issues may not enter into your decision making, but if you are thinking about knitting a sweater that will keep a seaman warm on a long sea voyage, they are valid reasons.
Alden Amos lives in California....hence the reason to have no reason for 5 ply yarn....
ReplyDeleteI ski in California - in sweaters knit from 5-ply.
ReplyDeleteI sail in California - in sweaters knit from 5-ply.
I garden in California - in sweaters knit from 5-ply.
I like the warmth and durability of 5-ply yarns.