Reed
A reed is a comb-like loom part used to arrange warp yarns at regular intervals and beat the inserted weft yarn toward the fell of the cloth.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
A reed is a comb-like loom part made up of thin strips called dents. Warp yarns are passed between the reed dents to maintain the specified weave width and yarn spacing, and during weaving it pushes the weft yarn toward the fell of the cloth.
The reed count and the way warp yarns are threaded through the reed dents affect warp density and the appearance of the fabric. However, even with the same reed, the final density and hand vary depending on yarn thickness, weave structure, and finishing processes.
Impact on Fabric
The fineness of the reed and reed threading affect the arrangement of warp yarns. In general, setting warp yarns densely with a fine reed makes the surface more even and the appearance tighter, but depending on the combination with the yarn and weave structure, it can also create stiffness.
With thick yarns or novelty yarns, the dent spacing and threading method must match the yarn thickness. If the setting is not appropriate, the warp yarns may rub and become fuzzy, or uneven streaks may appear in the woven fabric.
Main Applications and Position in Weaving
Reeds are used in weaving fabrics made from warp and weft yarns, such as plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave. They are a basic part involved in many fabrics produced on looms, from shirting and dress fabrics to denim, woven linings, and industrial fabrics.
After warping, warp yarns are threaded in sequence through the heddles and reed. Heddles move the warp yarns up and down to create the shed, while the reed maintains warp spacing and beats in the weft yarn.
- Warp threading is the preparation process of passing warp yarns through the heddles and reed.
- Reed threading refers specifically to the work of passing warp yarns between the reed dents, or to the threading arrangement itself.
- Reed dents are the individual thin strips that make up the reed.
Selection and Handling Notes
In fabric planning, the reed and reed threading are designed based on the material, yarn count, number of warp ends, weave structure, and target fabric width. Since width and density change after scouring, dyeing, and finishing, it is important not to judge the final result based only on the greige fabric stage design.
A reed is a loom part and is not something handled directly in apparel product washing or sewing. Shrinkage and sewing considerations should be judged by checking the fabric's fiber composition, weave structure, density, and processing conditions, not the reed itself.
Difference from Similar Terms
Both a reed and heddles are loom parts through which warp yarns pass, but their roles differ. Heddles move the warp yarns to create the shed, while the reed maintains warp spacing and beats in the weft yarn.
Reed marks refer to streak-like appearance on the fabric surface caused by the reed dents or warp arrangement. Reed is the name of the component, while reed marks are treated as an appearance characteristic or defect that appears on the woven fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is reed threading?
Reed threading refers to the work of passing warped yarns between the reed dents, or the arrangement of how many warp yarns are passed through each dent. Because it affects warp density, weaving width, and surface uniformity, it is designed to match the yarn thickness and fabric structure.
Does the difference in the reed change fabric shrinkage?
The reed design affects the warp density and width of the greige fabric, so it also relates to the final dimensions. However, shrinkage during washing and finishing is determined by multiple factors such as fiber properties, twist, weave structure, and dyeing and finishing processes, so it cannot be judged by the reed alone.
