Yarn Properties

What is Yarn? Yarns are the basic thread component of all fabric construction, excluding non wovens. Yarns have a continuous length but a small cross section and are usually held together by twisting or spinning.

Types of Yarns There are three types of yarns: Staple spun yarn Monofilament yarn Multifilament yarn

Staple Spun Yarn Is made from staple fibres – cotton or wool or manufactured fibres cut into short lengths Is an uneven, weak yarn with poor lustre and durability. Staple puns yarns have good elasticity, resiliency and absorbency Are used mainly for apparel and furnishings

Monofilament yarn Is manufactured from one filament of manufactured fibre Is fine and strong with good lustre and durability, but is inelastic, has poor resiliency and absorbency. Monofilament yarns are used primarily for hosiery and invisible sewing thread.

Multifilament Yarn Is made from two or more filaments of a manufactured fibre Is an even, strong yarn with good lustre and durability; has medium elasticity and resiliency and is slightly absorbent Is used primarily for evening wear and ligerie.

Yarn Twist The purpose of twisting or spinning the fibres is to hold them together to form a yarn. The twist is the most important factor in determining the properties of a yarn. Without twist, yarns have little strength. Twist can be inserted in a clockwise direction (S-Twist) or an anti-clockwise direction (Z-Twist).

Light is reflected from S-Twist yarns and Z-Twist yarns in opposite directions, which means that if S-Twist and Z-Twist yarns are alternated you can create a lustrous stripe in the fabric.

Single, Ply and Cord Yarn A single yarn is produced during the first stage of the spinning process A ply yarn is formed by twisting two or more single yarns together. A ply yarn is generally thicker than a single yarn, with improved strength and quality. A cord is created by twisting ply yarns together. Cords are very strong

Properties of Low Twist Yarn AESTHETIC – soft, hairy, low lustre, poor resiliency DURABILITY – weak, poor abrasion resistance COMFORT – good insulation, good absorbency, poor elasticity CARE – slow drying END USES – knitting yarn, weft yarns, soft furnishings, curtaining

Properties of High Twist Yarn AESTHETIC – firm, smooth, good, lustre, good resiliency DURABILITY –strong, good abrasion resistance COMFORT – poor insulation, poor absorbency, good elasticity CARE – quick drying END USES – warp yarns, work wear, sewing yarns