Carded Yarn
Carded yarn is a spun yarn that is made by loosening short fibers in the carding process, aligning them in one direction, and spinning them without the combing process, and it tends to have a natural hairiness and loft.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Carded yarn is a yarn made by opening short fibers such as cotton and wool with a carding machine and roughly aligning them in parallel when spinning. Opening refers to the process of loosening clumps of fibers and evening out their mixed state.
Yarn that undergoes a combing process after carding to further remove short fibers and impurities and align the fibers in parallel is generally called combed yarn. The basic difference of carded yarn is that this process is omitted.
Characteristics
Compared with combed yarn, carded yarn tends to contain more short fibers, so it is more likely to have natural fuzz on the surface and to produce a soft, lofty texture. The impression varies depending on the material, twist, and knitting or weaving conditions.
On the other hand, while it can create a rustic look that makes use of yarn irregularity and fuzziness, for applications that emphasize smoothness, luster, and surface uniformity, it should be considered in comparison with combed yarn and similar options. Since the amount of fuzz is also related to pilling, evaluation as a textile is necessary.
Main Applications
Carded yarn is used for textiles that call for softness and a familiar look, such as cut-and-sew items, sweatshirts, T-shirts, underwear, and casual shirting fabrics. It is used not only for knitted fabrics such as jersey, circular rib, and French terry, but also for woven fabrics.
Even with the same carded yarn, the finish can vary widely from lightweight to heavyweight depending on yarn count, twist strength, raw fibers, and knitting density or weaving density. Do not judge textile thickness or applications by the yarn name alone; check the specifications and the actual sample.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting, in addition to whether it is carded or combed yarn, check the fiber composition, yarn count, single or ply yarn, twist, fabric structure, and fabric weight. It is easier to choose if you compare based on whether the desired texture is natural and lofty or clear with less fuzz.
Textiles made from short fibers such as cotton may become fuzzy, shrink, or pill due to washing or friction. Before mass production, carry out washing tests to confirm shrinkage rate, appearance changes, and color loss. In sewing, adjust the needle and sewing conditions while taking the textile's stretch and fuzz into account.
- Check fuzziness and surface uniformity with a textile sample.
- If product washing is performed, confirm dimensional changes and fuzzing in advance.
- When combining light and dark colors, pay attention to fuzz transfer caused by friction.
Differences from Similar Terms
Combed yarn is spun yarn that has a combing process added after carding. In general, it contains fewer short fibers and impurities than carded yarn, so fuzz is suppressed and the surface tends to be smoother.
Slub yarn is yarn intentionally given changes in thickness. Carded yarn may also feel irregular, but the term carded yarn refers to the spinning process, while the term slub yarn mainly refers to the yarn's appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should I choose: carded yarn or combed yarn?
If you want to make use of softness, loft, and natural fuzziness, carded yarn is a candidate. If you prioritize smoothness, luster, and a uniform appearance on the surface, compare combed yarn. Final judgment requires a textile sample and washing tests.
