Precision in Textiles: the Advantage of Using Yarn and Thread Counter

In the textile world, whether it is woven, knitted, or terry towel products, or stitching of them, accurate knowledge of yarn and thread count is essential. A thread counter is a device used to determine the count of yarn, thread, embroidery thread, or sewing thread. This device plays a significant role in textile precision and subject analysis.

Contents hide

1 Why Measure Thread Count?

2 Advantages of Using Thread Counter

3 Yarn or Thread Count Systems

3.1 Indirect Count System

3.2 Direct Count System

4 Easy Yarn Count Using Thread Counter

4.1 Why Yarn Count Matters?

5 Conclusion

6 FAQs

6.1 What is a thread counter?

6.2 What is the purpose of using a thread counter?

6.3 Who usually uses thread counters?

6.4 How many types of thread counters are there?

7 Related Resource

Why Measure Thread Count?

With the help of thread count, we ensure fabric meets target EPI/PPI density, which is critical for strength, breathability, drape of the product, and barrier properties.
Detect less of more density than required and save both time and money.
Throughout the entire production process, batch testing ensures the quality consistency of the product.
Fulfil the requirements of the buyer and comply with industry standards such as AATCC, ISO, and ASTM, especially in technical textile sectors.

Advantages of Using Thread Counter

Precision and repeatability

Using devices like YG(B)086C, you will get ±1% accuracy over a wide range, combining compact size with digital traceability.

Speed and automation

Automated counters complete analysis in seconds; their yarn frame speed ranges from 20 to 350 rounds per minute.

Early detection of defects

Using a yarn or thread counter allows you to detect the density of yarn or thread, which can create issues in weaving or knitting, and the product will not meet the buyer’s requirements.

Yarn or Thread Count Systems

Yarn or thread count refers to a numerical system that expresses the fineness or thickness of the yarn or thread. There are two systems of yarn or thread used in textile industries, the direct and the indirect systems. In indirect systems such as Ne & Nm, the higher numbers mean finer yarn, and in direct count systems such as Tex and Denier, higher numbers mean coarser yarn.

Indirect Count System

Indirect system is usually used for natural fibers such as cotton and wool. In this count system, the weight is fixed. Examples of indirect count systems include English Cotton Count (Ne) and Metric Count System (Nm). The number of hanks of 840 yards in a pound is called New English Count, and the length of yarn in meters of one gram of yarn or the length of yarn in 1 kilometer of one Kg of yarn is called New Metic Count.

New English Count =Length in hanks of 840 yards/weight in pounds

New Metric Count = Length in meters/weight in grams

Direct Count System

The indirect count system is typically used for manmade fibers, such as polyester. The length is fixed. The example of a direct count system is Denier and Tex. The weight of yarn in grams of 9000 meters of yarn is called Denier of a yarn, and for Tex, the weight in grams of 1000 meters of yarn is called Tex of yarn.

The formula of Denier is Denier = Weight of yarn in grams X 9000 / length in meters

The formula of Tex is Tex = Weight of yarn in grams X 1000 / length of yarn in meters

Easy Yarn Count Using Thread Counter

By using DaRong thread counter YG(B)086C, you can easily determine the yarn count of yarn or thread, and another plus point of this thread counter is that it allows you to test six samples simultaneously with high accuracy. This tester fulfils the testing required as per GB/T4743, GB/T14343, ISO 2060, and ASTM D1907. Follow the instructions to get the indirect yarn count of any textile yarn or thread.

Take 6 testing samples.
Knot the yarn with the yarn frame circumference, which is 1000 ± 1 mm
Select 100 cycles
Start the program
After completion of 100 cycles, remove the yarn from the frame circumference.
Weigh the yarn on a calibrated weighing balance.
Use the formula below to get the card count.

Yarn Count = Number of cycles X length of 1 cycle (In inches) X 0.015 / Weight of yarn

Yarn Count = 100 X 39.37 X 0.015 / Weight of yarn

Yarn Count = 59.055 / Weight of yarn

Why Yarn Count Matters?

GSM (Grams per Square Meter) depends on the yarn count. Without a yarn count, you cannot achieve the desired GSM. If you use a lower yarn count, which means the yarn will be coarser, thicker, and heavier, and your end product will be higher in GSM, and if you use the higher yarn count, which means the yarn will be finer, thinner, and lighter, and your end product will be lower in GSM.
Yarn count affects the texture and drape of the fabric. Using high-count yarn results in a finer yarn, which in turn gives your end product a smooth and soft texture. The drape and flow will be improved, and using low count or coarser yarn will result in a rougher texture and a stiffer, more structured end product, with enhanced durability and insulation.
Yarn count influences the strength and durability of the product. If you use lower count yarn or coarser yarn, it will enhance the seam strength and tear resistance of your end product, making it more suitable for heavy-duty use. If you use finer yarn, your end product will be more delicate and will be ideal for fashion and low-end garments.
Yarn count helps with the cost estimation and procurement.

Conclusion

Yarn count and thread counter play an essential role in textile quality and performance. Yarn count determines the structure of the yarn, which in turn affects its fineness or coarseness, and directly impacts the fabric’s flexibility, strength, weight, and texture. Thread counter is the most precise equipment, which is used to verify the count and yardages of the yarn and meets the desired specification, ensures evenness, thread densit,y and weave structure.

FAQs

What is a thread counter?

The thread counter is equipment used to find the count and yardage of any thread or yarn.

What is the purpose of using a thread counter?

The thread counter is used to measure the thread density, assess the fabric quality, and verify different specifications of the textile article to ensure quality.