Understanding Yarns and Spinning Processes

Yarns

• Spinning is the process of converting fibers into yarn.
• Spinning holds fibers together.
• Fibers are twisted together during spinning.
• Twisting can be clockwise ("S twist") or counterclockwise ("Z twist").

Types of Yarns

• Single yarn: A group of fibers twisted together.
• Ply yarn: Two or more single yarns twisted together.
• Cord yarn: Two or more ply yarns twisted together.
• Novelty yarns: Created by twisting or folding; have unique textures.

Types of Novelty Yarns

• Nub yarn: Has thick and thin areas created by winding a yarn over the core yarn.
• Boucle yarn: Has loops projecting from the surface at regular or irregular intervals.
• Chenille yarn: Resembles a caterpillar; tufts of fibers are inserted perpendicular to the yarn twist.
• Flock yarn: Small fiber tufts are added at intervals and held in place by the twist.
• Crepe yarn: Yarns with a high twist and a grainy feel.
• Spiral yarn: Tow yarns of different colors are plied together with a loosely twisted effect yarn wrapping around the core yarn with a high twist.
• Sewing thread: A special yarn with a high twist, smooth surface, and high strength.

Tow Yarns

• Tow yarns are an untwisted bundle of continuous filaments.

Ratine Yarns

• Similar to boucle yarns, but the loops are held in place by a binder.

Weaknesses of Novelty Yarns

• Novelty yarns are often weak and have poor abrasion resistance.
• Bulky novelty yarns can make fabrics hard to handle.
• Fabrics made from novelty yarns are generally not durable as they are susceptible to wearing from abrasion.
• Parts of novelty yarns exposed beyond the surface of the ground ply are particularly vulnerable to abrasion.
• These yarns should be avoided for manufacturing fabrics requiring durability and long wear.

Next Topic

• The next topic is Fabric Structures.