Raw Yarn
Raw yarn is a general term for yarn used as the basis for making woven fabrics, knits, fabric yarns, or processed yarns, and its material, thickness, twist, and cross-sectional shape affect the properties of the final product.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Raw yarn refers to yarn used directly for weaving or knitting, or base yarn supplied for downstream processes such as twisting, false twisting, and dyeing. It can be either spun yarn made from cotton, wool, silk, and the like, or filament yarn made from polyester, nylon, and the like.
Raw yarn is not a color name or a specific material name, but a term that indicates its position in the process. Therefore, even with the same raw yarn, the appearance and performance of the finished fabric can vary greatly depending on the weave, knitting method, dyeing, and finishing process.
Impact on Texture and Function
The fiber type, count, number of filaments, twist, fuzz, and cross-sectional shape of the raw yarn form the basis of the fabric’s texture and function. Fine raw yarn tends to create a delicate surface, while thicker raw yarn tends to create thickness and a stronger visual presence.
High-twist yarn contributes to a crisp feel and cool touch, while bulky processed yarn relates to fullness and warmth retention. In addition, using irregular cross-section or hollow raw yarn may allow fabric designs aimed at water absorbency, quick-drying performance, and lightness.
Main Applications
Raw yarn is used to make fabrics for almost all textile products, including shirting, cut-and-sew items, denim, knits, lining, sportswear, and uniforms. Outside apparel, the appropriate raw yarn is selected for bags, interiors, and industrial materials according to the application.
For spring and summer, fine-count, high-twist, and quick-drying raw yarn may be used, while for autumn and winter, thick-count, woolen spun, and bulk-focused raw yarn may be used. However, seasonal suitability is affected not only by the yarn but also by the structure and fabric weight.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting raw yarn, confirm not only the blend ratio, but also the count or denier, whether it is single yarn or ply yarn, the twist, the dyeing method, and the intended structure. It is important to evaluate it with fabric samples or prototypes while considering the desired appearance, durability, sheerness, and stretchability.
Shrinkage and dimensional change after washing vary depending on the type of raw yarn, as well as knitting or weaving density, dyeing and finishing, and sewing specifications. During sewing, check the yarn’s slipperiness, stretch, and seam distortion caused by fuzz, and set sewing thread, needle, and thread tension suitable for the fabric’s properties.
With raw yarn that includes recycled materials or natural materials, lot differences, color differences, stray yarns, and knots may occur. Set acceptance criteria during the planning stage, and check the appearance in both the fabric roll and finished product states before mass production.
Differences from Similar Terms
Raw yarn broadly refers to yarn that becomes the basis for fabric or processed yarn, whereas raw cotton is a raw material derived from cotton before spinning. Also, raw silk is a specific yarn referring to silk filament yarn obtained from cocoons, and is not synonymous with raw yarn.
Kinari often refers to a color tone that has not been bleached or dyed, and does not mean raw yarn itself. In addition, stray yarn refers to a state in which fibers or yarn different from the intended raw yarn are mixed in, and is not a term for a type of raw yarn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between raw yarn and fabric?
Raw yarn is yarn at the stage before making fabric by weaving, knitting, or the like. Fabric refers to a sheet-like material made by weaving or knitting raw yarn as warp and weft. The performance of fabric is determined not only by the raw yarn, but also by the combination of structure, density, and processing.
Does raw yarn mean unbleached yarn?
Not necessarily. Raw yarn is a process-based term for yarn that serves as the basis for fabric or processed yarn, and includes dyed yarn as well. Kinari is generally a term for a color tone close to the material’s natural state without bleaching or dyeing, so the meaning is different.
What is stray yarn?
Stray yarn means fibers or yarn of a different type, color, or property mixed in from the intended raw yarn. It can be seen when recycled materials or natural materials are included, and after checking the impact on appearance, the acceptable range for planning and inspection criteria are determined.
