How to choose hotel/event textiles-1-fabric basic knowledge

Fabric Linen Basics Knowledges

NO.1 Fibers

Fibers are natural or man-made substances that are filamentous in nature, with a length to diameter ratio exceeding thousands of times and possess a certain degree of flexibility.

NO.2 Classification of Fibers

Natural Fibers: These are fibers obtained directly from nature and generally come in two forms – plant fibers (such as cotton and hemp) and animal fibers (like wool and silk).

Synthetic Fibers: These are fibers produced through chemical processes and methods like extrusion and spinning, examples include acrylic, polyester, and nylon.

Identification of Fiber Quality: The thickness and length of fibers significantly impact the hand feel of the fabric. Coarse fibers result in a hard, firm, and rough texture, offering resistance to compression. Fabrics made from shorter fibers tend to be coarser and more prone to pilling. Finer fibers contribute to soft, lightweight, and smooth-textured fabrics. Longer fibers yield smoother, more even yarns and are less likely to pill. Hotel textiles typically use fine fibers to produce their fabrics.

NO.3 Yarn

Yarn Count: Yarn count is the fundamental unit that composes finished fabrics. The numerical value of yarn count is inversely proportional to its thickness; the higher the number, the finer the yarn, and correspondingly, the higher the quality requirements for raw materials (such as cotton).

Measurement of Yarn Thickness: Yarn is usually represented by its fineness, which refers to how many 840-yard lengths (where 1 yard = 0.941 meters) can be obtained from one pound (454 grams) of cotton yarn at a specified moisture regain. This measurement is known as "yarn count" . The unit used to denote yarn count is "S".