Yarn count
It is a numerical expression that defines yarn's fineness or coarseness. It also expresses whether the yarn is thick or thin. It is also known as the linear density of the yarn. According to the textile institute, yarn count indicates the length per unit weight or weight per unit length of the yarn.
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Types of Yarn Count
- Indirect system
- Direct system
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Indirect system
Calculation Formula of Indirect System
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| Indirect Count Calculation Formula |
Ne = {1 pound / 840 yards} ✕ {Sample Length (L) / Sample Weight (W)}
Nm = {1 kg / 1000 meters} ✕ {Sample Length (L) / Sample Weight (W)}
Nf = {500 gm / 1000 meters} ✕ {Sample Length (L) / Sample Weight (W)}
Direct System
In this system, the length unit is fixed.
Calculation Formula of Direct System
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| Direct Count Calculation Formula |
Tex Count = {1000 meters / 1 gm} ✕ {Sample Weight (W) / Sample Length (L)}
Denier Count = {9000 meters / 1 gm} ✕ {Sample Weight (W) / Sample Length (L)}
Pound/Spindle Count = {14400 yards / 1 pounds} ✕ {Sample Weight (W) / Sample Length (L)}
Problem-Solving
Problem: The weight of 100 km of yarn is 1 kg. Find out the yarn count in Tex, Denier, and Jute Count?
Solve:
Sample Length (L) = 100 km = (100 ✕ 1000) meters
= (1000 meters / 1 gm) ✕ {1000 gm / (100 ✕ 1000) meters} = 10 Tex
= (9000 meters / 1 gm) ✕ {1000 gm / (100 ✕ 1000) meters} = 90 Denier
= (14400 yards / 453.46 gm) ✕ [(1000 gm) / {(100 ✕ 1000) meters ✕ 1.091 yards}] = 0.29 Pound/Spindle. [1 Pound = 453.46 gm and 1 meter = 1.091 yards]
FAQs about Yarn Count
Yarn count is a numerical value that indicates the fineness or coarseness of a yarn. It represents the relationship between the length and weight of the yarn, helping to determine how thick or thin the yarn is. A higher count generally means finer yarn, while a lower count indicates coarser yarn.
The main yarn count systems include the English system (Ne), the Metric system (Nm), the Tex system, and Denier system. The English system measures yards per pound, the Metric system measures meters per gram, Tex measures grams per 1000 meters, and Denier measures grams per 9000 meters. Each system is used for different types of fibers and applications.
In the English system, yarn count (Ne) is calculated as: Ne = Length in yards / Weight in pounds. For example, if 840 yards of yarn weighs 1 pound, the yarn count is 1s. If 840 yards weigh 0.5 pounds, the count is 2s, indicating finer yarn.
A higher yarn count indicates finer yarn. For instance, 40s yarn is finer than 20s yarn. Finer yarns produce smoother, lighter fabrics with better drape, while coarser yarns create stronger, more durable fabrics with more texture.
Yarn count significantly impacts fabric characteristics, including strength, appearance, feel, and price. Higher count yarns produce softer, smoother fabrics with better drape but may be less durable. Lower count yarns create stronger, more durable fabrics but with a coarser feel and appearance.
Single yarn count refers to individual strands, while multiple yarn counts involve twisted or plied yarns. For example, 2/40s means two 40s yarns twisted together. Multiple yarns provide increased strength and different texture properties compared to single yarns of equivalent weight.
The choice depends on the intended use, desired fabric properties, and cost considerations. Fine counts (60s-120s) are used for luxury fabrics like dress shirts, medium counts (20s-40s) for general apparel, and coarse counts (10s-20s) for heavy-duty applications like denim or canvas.
There's an inverse relationship between yarn count and fabric weight when other factors remain constant. Fabrics made with higher count (finer) yarns are typically lighter, while those made with lower count (coarser) yarns are heavier. However, fabric construction and finishing also affect the final weight.
Different fibers have varying densities and spinning characteristics that influence achievable yarn counts. Cotton can typically be spun from 10s to 120s, wool from 2s to 80s, and synthetic fibers can achieve very high counts. The fiber's length, strength, and fineness determine the practical count range.
Typical ranges include: bedsheets (20s-60s), t-shirts (20s-40s), dress shirts (40s-100s), jeans (6s-20s), towels (10s-20s), and luxury fabrics (80s-120s+). The specific count chosen within these ranges depends on the desired balance of comfort, durability, and cost.