Covering Yarn

Definition and Overview

Covering yarn is a yarn constructed by wrapping a core yarn with an outer covering yarn. The core yarn is often an elastic yarn, while the covering yarn is often nylon or polyester, and the materials and thickness are combined according to the application.

A single covering yarn wrapped with one covering yarn is called single covering, while one wrapped with covering yarns from two directions is called double covering. The latter more easily covers the core yarn and is used when appearance and skin feel need to be improved.

Features

When an elastic core yarn is used, covering yarn can give stretch and recovery to the textile while creating the texture of the covering yarn on the surface. Because the core yarn is less likely to touch the skin directly, it is also useful in designs that consider skin feel and appearance.

Gloss, a smooth touch, and resistance to fuzzing are mainly affected by the type and processing of the covering yarn. On the other hand, stretch recovery, constriction feel, and durability need to be evaluated together with the type of core yarn, covering ratio, knitting structure, and density.

• Single covering is a structure that makes it relatively easy to achieve lightness and softness.
• Double covering is considered for applications that suppress exposure of the core yarn and seek a uniform surface feel.
• Even with the same covering yarn, properties change depending on the materials, thickness, and wrapping density of the core yarn and covering yarn.

Main Applications

It is used in socks, stockings, innerwear, lingerie, leggings, and other items that require both stretch and surface feel. In garments worn close to the skin, the material and smoothness of the covering yarn affect comfort.

It is also used for swimwear, sportswear, and fitted tops and bottoms. From thin items that follow the body closely to items that require moderate hold, suitability varies depending on the yarn design and textile structure.

Selection and Handling Precautions

When selecting, check not only the yarn structure but also the elongation rate, stretch recovery, fabric weight, sheerness, and abrasion resistance as a textile. It is important to confirm exposure of the core yarn, surface fuzz, and the appearance of whitening or gloss during wear in both trial textiles and finished products.

Reactions to heat and chemicals differ depending on the constituent materials. Set washing, drying, and ironing conditions based on the product care label and textile testing. In particular, high temperatures may affect the core yarn that provides stretch, so avoid excessive heat treatment.

For sewing, choose a sewing specification, thread, and needle that can follow the stretch of the textile. To prevent seam breakage when the seam does not stretch, waving caused by presser foot pressure or feeding differences, and seam slippage around the needle holes, conduct sewing tests before mass production.

Differences from Similar Terms

Core-spun yarn is also a composite yarn made of a core yarn and sheath yarn, but it generally refers to yarn made by spinning short fibers around the core yarn. By contrast, covering yarn is a term that emphasizes a structure in which another filament yarn or the like is wrapped around the core yarn.

False-twist textured yarn is a textured yarn that gives bulk and stretch to filament yarn. Covering yarn does not refer to a processing method, but to the yarn structure combining a core yarn and a covering yarn.

Frequently Asked Questions