Combed Thread
Combed thread is a thread spun by removing short cotton fibers and impurities in the combing process and aligning the longer fibers, resulting in less fuzz and a more uniform appearance.
Definition and Overview
Combed thread is a thread that has undergone the combing process, in which fibers are combed with a machine called a comber when spinning short fibers such as cotton. This process reduces short fibers, neps (small clumps of fibers), and impurities, and increases fiber parallelism.
Combed thread is a term that indicates the thread manufacturing method, not the structure name of woven or knitted fabrics. Depending on the count, twist, knit structure, dyeing, and finishing, the final fabric thickness, stretch, and hand can vary greatly.
Features
Because the fiber lengths are relatively even, it is characterized by less surface fuzz and a smoother, clearer appearance. It tends to feel better against the skin, and is also used for fabrics where the color payoff of printing and dyeing, and the appearance of knit or weave texture are important.
On the other hand, because the combing process removes short fibers, the material utilization efficiency and manufacturing process differ from carded thread. However, the lack of fuzz and strength are also affected by the quality of the raw cotton, count, twist, spinning method, and post-processing.
- The surface is relatively smooth and tends to have a sheen.
- Fuzz is suppressed, and the appearance tends to look uniform.
- It may be used for fine-count thread and fabrics that call for a refined look.
Main Applications
Combed thread is used for clothing that calls for a clean surface and a gentle feel, such as T-shirts, cut-and-sew items, underwear, and shirt and blouse fabrics. It is also used for knits such as jersey, circular rib, and circular interlock knitting, as well as woven fabrics such as broadcloth and poplin.
It is not a material limited to a specific season, and depending on the fabric weight, structure, and finish, it is offered from all-season use to spring and summer use and autumn and winter use. Even with the same combed thread, the applications and wearing comfort differ between thin knit fabrics and high-density woven fabrics.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting fabric, do not judge quality based only on the label combed thread; check the blend ratio, count, single yarn or plied yarn, industry weight, density, and structure. On samples, it is also reassuring to check the surface fuzz, sheerness, grain distortion, shrinkage after washing, and puckering after sewing (wavy areas around the seam).
Shrinkage and loss of shape during washing are affected by the properties of the main material, cotton, and by the fabric's weave or knit and finishing. Before mass production, carry out washing tests whenever possible, align the grain and cut, and set needle, thread, and feed conditions according to the fabric's tendency to stretch.
Differences from Similar Terms
Carded thread is generally thread spun through the carding process and does not necessarily undergo the combing process like combed thread. Carded thread may be used to take advantage of a natural fuzziness and rustic look, while combed thread is chosen when a relatively clean surface is desired.
Silk-like mercerization is a chemical process mainly applied to cotton products to improve sheen and dyeability. Since combed thread is a classification at the spinning stage, the two processes are different. Mercerization can also be applied to fabrics made with combed thread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is combed thread 100% cotton thread?
Combed thread does not refer to the fiber type itself, but rather to a spinning process that mainly combs short fibers and aligns them. In Japanese apparel fabrics, it often refers to cotton combed thread, but the actual material and blend ratio should be checked in the individual specification label.
Which is better, combed thread or carded thread?
It depends on the intended use and the look you want. If you prioritize smoothness, less fuzz, and a uniform appearance, combed thread is a candidate. If you want to take advantage of a natural texture or casual look, carded thread is also suitable. It is important to compare fabric swatches.
