Fibre Blends

Why blends are created: Blending fibres creates: Fibres, yarns, fabrics with a more beneficial set of performance characteristics. An improvement in the quality of fabric, meeting specific end use requirements such as performance, comfort or ease of care that would not otherwise be available in single fibres.

A better texture, hand or appearance, such as the addition of colour or lustre or the production of a fancy effect yarn that adds value to the aesthetics of a yarn or fabric A reduction in costs Increased profitability through the control of fibre costs and controlling supply and efficiency in the manufacturing process

TYPES OF BLENDS Intimate blends – an intimate blend is when two or more fibre types are combined to form a uniform mixture before the single yarn is spun. Intimate blends cannot be separated; they are mixed together throughout the entire yarn. Cotton and polyester is a very common intimate blend.

Mixture Blends – a mixture fabric uses a combination of yarns; for example, one type of fibre is used in the warp and another fibre is used in weft weave. A mixture blend also occurs when two different yarns are knitted together.

Combination blends – in combination blends, ply yarns are used. This means that at least one component of the ply yarn is different to the other components in the yarn.

SUCCESSFUL BLENDS The blends that are successful are those that consumers find have the best end-use qualities to address the demands of aesthetics, durability, comfort, appearance and care.

DISADVANTAGES OF BLENDS Different fibres have different chemical properties, which means their reaction with certain chemicals can be very different.