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.
Definition and Overview
Carded yarn is a thread made by opening short fibers such as cotton and wool with a carding machine, then roughly aligning them in parallel and spinning them. Opening refers to the process of loosening clumps of fibers and arranging them from a tangled state.
Yarns that undergo a combing process after carding to further remove short fibers and impurities and align the fibers in parallel are generally called combed yarn. The basic difference is that carded yarn skips this process.
Characteristics
Compared with combed yarn, carded yarn tends to contain more short fibers, so it is more likely to develop natural fuzz on the surface and have a soft, bulky feel. The impression varies depending on the material, twist, and knitting or weaving conditions.
On the other hand, while it offers a rustic look that makes use of yarn irregularity and fuzziness, for applications that emphasize smoothness, luster, and a uniform surface, it is considered in comparison with combed yarn and similar options. Since the way fuzz appears 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, rib, and fleece, but also for woven fabrics.
Even with the same carded yarn, the finish varies widely from lightweight to heavyweight depending on the count, twist strength, raw fiber, and knitting density or weaving density. Do not judge the thickness or applications of a textile 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 yarn or combed yarn, check the fiber composition, count, single yarn or plied yarn, twist, fabric structure, and industry weight. It is easier to choose by comparing whether the desired texture is natural and full or clean with less fuzz.
Textiles made from short fibers such as cotton may develop fuzz, shrink, or pill through washing or friction. Before mass production, conduct wash testing and check shrinkage, appearance changes, and color fading. In sewing, adjust the needle and sewing conditions in consideration of the textile's stretch and fuzz.
- Check fuzziness and surface uniformity with a textile sample.
- When garment washing is performed, confirm dimensional change 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 undergone a combing process after carding. In general, it contains fewer short fibers and impurities than carded yarn, and has less fuzz, making it more likely to have a smoother surface.
Slubbed thread is thread with intentionally varied thickness. Carded yarn may feel irregular, but the term carded yarn refers to the spinning process, while slubbed thread mainly refers to the appearance of the thread.
FAQ
Which should I choose, carded yarn or combed yarn?
If you want to make use of softness, fullness, and natural fuzz, carded yarn is a candidate. If you prioritize surface smoothness, luster, and an even appearance, compare combed yarn. Final judgment requires a textile sample and wash testing.
Is carded yarn prone to pilling?
Because carded yarn tends to have fuzz, pilling may become noticeable depending on friction conditions. However, the degree of occurrence depends on the type of fiber, twist, knitting or weaving structure, whether it is fuzzy, and the conditions of wear and washing.
