Textile and Yarn Fundamentals

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to yarn and textile processes for exam preparation.

Yarn

A continuous strand of fibers or filaments suitable for textile processes.

Spun Yarns

Yarns made from short staple fibers twisted together.

Filament Yarns

Yarns made from continuous filaments.

Monofilament Yarn

A single continuous filament yarn with high strength.

Tape Yarn

Flat ribbon-like yarn extruded from polymer.

Network Yarn

Yarns formed from an interconnected network of polymers.

Textured Yarns

Filament yarns whose surface/structure is modified for similar properties to spun yarn.

False-twist Texturing

Filament twisting, heat-setting, and untwisting to create permanent crimps.

Air-jet Texturing

High-speed air entangling filaments into loops and knots.

Stuffer-box Crimping

Filaments stuffed into a box and heat-set to create bulk.

Knit-deknit

Yarn knitted into a tube, heat-set, then unraveled to leave crimps.

Opening (in yarn manufacturing)

Breaking bales into loose tufts for cleaning and blending.

Cleaning (yarn manufacturing process)

Removing trash, dust, and short bits from fibers.

Mixing/Blending

Combining different fiber bales for uniformity in color and properties.

Carding

Aligning fibers into a thin web and converting it into a sliver.

Combing

Further aligning fibers and removing short fibers for smoother yarn.

Drawing (Drafting)

Combining and attenuating slivers for uniform fiber distribution.

Roving

Slightly twisted drawn sliver suitable for spinning.

Spinning

Final twisting and attenuation to produce yarn of desired thickness.

Blend

Mixing two or more different fibers into one yarn.

Mixture

Different yarns or fibers used together in a fabric for effect.

Combination

Using different yarn types together in the same fabric or structure.

Characteristics of Spun Yarns

Hairy surface, matte appearance, good warmth, and comfort.

Characteristics of Filament Yarns

Smooth, lustrous, higher strength, and low hairiness.

Single Yarn

A single strand produced by spinning or filament extrusion.

Ply Yarn

Two or more single yarns twisted together for increased strength.

Cord Yarn

Heavier construction formed by twisting together multiple plied yarns.

Twist

The number of turns per unit length imparted to the yarn during spinning.

Low Twist Yarn

Few turns, soft, bulky, often used in knitting.

Medium Twist Yarn

Balanced properties suitable for general-purpose weaving or knitting.

High Twist Yarn

Many turns, firmer and higher strength, used in technical textiles.

S-twist and Z-twist

Different directions of twist in yarns, important when plying.

Core-spun Yarn

A core filament wrapped with staple fibers.

Covered Yarn

A filament or ply core completely covered by another yarn.

Wrapped/Warp-spun Yarn

A filament or slub wrapped with another fiber for novelty effects.

Compound Yarns

Yarns with two components intimately combined during spinning.

Slub Yarn

Yarns with irregular surface effects used in decorative fabrics.

Property of Textured Yarns

Increased bulk and improved elasticity.

Use of Textured Yarns

Commonly used in apparel, hosiery, and upholstery.

High Denier

Refers to the thickness of the yarn, significant in monofilament yarns.

Tensile Strength

The resistance of yarn to being pulled apart.

Elongation

The degree to which a yarn can be stretched.

Matte Effect

Reduced luster caused by texturing in yarns.

Improved Thermal Insulation

Yarns that trap air provide better insulation.

Moisture Resistance

Property of yarn that helps resist water.

Technical Textiles

Fabrics meant for industrial or technical applications.

Heather Effect

A mixture of different colored yarns for a textured look.