Yarn Dyed

Definition and Overview

Yarn dyed is a dyeing method in which raw material or thread is dyed first, then that thread is used to make woven fabrics or knits. By combining the colors of warp threads, weft threads, or knitting yarn, patterns and color tones are created. It is used not only for No pattern but also for checks, stripes, and heathered looks.

Because the thread is dyed before becoming textile, the weave or knit structure, thread thickness, twist, and differences in material and color overlap to create expression. Yarn dyed refers to the dyeing process, not a material name or a fabric structure name.

Features

By crossing threads of different colors, it is easy to create depth that makes colors appear blended and delicate changes in color. Because color is not applied only to the surface, but the thread itself is colored, the texture from the weave or knit is also easier to see.

In checks and stripes, the pattern is created by the woven or knit structure. Because the appearance may differ on the front and back, or the pattern may appear along the grainline, it is important to check the front and back of the textile and the cutting direction during design.

Main Applications

For shirts and blouses, yarn dyed stripes, gingham, and checks are used. In pants, skirts, dresses, jackets, and coats, textiles that make use of thread color combinations, such as plaid, herringbone, and tweed-like looks, are used.

For linings, yarn dyed patterns such as stripes may be used. Also, yarn dyed chambray and denim make use of the expression created by the color difference between warp and weft threads, and are widely used from casual wear to miscellaneous goods.

Selection and Handling Notes

Check the material, structure, pattern size, and how the color appears according to the application. Even with the same yarn dyed item, thickness, texture, and durability differ depending on the material such as cotton, wool, or polyester, and the structure such as plain weave or twill weave. Before production, check how the pattern will appear with the cutting direction in mind.

The degree of color transfer and fading due to washing and friction varies depending on fiber type, dye, and combinations of dark and light colors. For textiles with dark and light color combinations or multiple colors, check the colorfastness and consider washing separately the first time. Whether prewashing before sewing is necessary should also be judged by checking the shrinkage rate for each material.

• For checks and stripes, consider matching the pattern at the left and right body panels, pockets, collar, and other parts.
• If the pattern has a direction, confirm the required fabric length and cutting direction in advance.
• Because color and pattern appearance may differ slightly depending on the production lot, pay attention to lot control for additional production.

Differences from Similar Terms

Piece dyed is a method of dyeing fabric after it has been woven or knitted. While yarn dyed is suitable for creating patterns through thread color combinations, piece dyed is suitable for uses such as dyeing the fabric into a uniform No pattern. However, both yarn dyed and piece dyed can be used to make No pattern or pattern.

Print is a finishing process that applies patterns to the surface of textile using dye or pigment. The pattern of yarn dyed is formed by the color of the thread, while the pattern of print is expressed later on the fabric. Chambray is an expression often seen in yarn dyed textile with different warp and weft colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does yarn dyed textile resist fading?

Being yarn dyed alone does not determine whether it is resistant to fading or color transfer. Colorfastness varies depending on fiber type, dye, dyeing conditions, color depth, and finishing. Especially in products that combine dark and light colors, it is important to check the colorfastness against washing, friction, and sweat.

How can yarn dyed and print be distinguished?

Yarn dyed is made from colored thread, so the pattern appears along the weave or knit. Print applies a pattern to the fabric afterward, so the back side often does not have the same pattern as the front. However, depending on the processing and structure, it may be difficult to tell them apart.

What should be considered when sewing yarn dyed check fabric?

Consider pattern matching so that the check lines continue across the body, front opening, collar, pockets, and other parts. Depending on the size and direction of the pattern, the required amount of fabric may increase. Before cutting, check the grainline and the flow of the pattern, and it is important to align the appearance on the left and right sides as well.