A yarn spec sheet is the one page that tells you whether a lot will run on your machines. Read it in the same order every time and most surprises disappear before you place an order.
Start with identity: count, blend and spin
- Count: yarn fineness, usually Ne for cotton. A higher Ne means a finer yarn. Convert between systems with our yarn count converter.
- Blend: the fibre mix, for example 100% cotton, polyester-cotton or CVC. Check that the ratio is stated as a percentage by weight.
- Spin type: carded, combed, compact, open-end or core-spun. The spin decides hairiness, strength and price.
- Single or plied: and the twist direction and level, shown as twist per inch or a twist multiplier.
Then check the quality numbers
- Count variation and unevenness (CV% and U%): lower values mean more even yarn and a cleaner fabric face.
- Imperfections: thin places, thick places and neps per kilometre. Ask which test method and sensitivity were used.
- Strength: count-strength product or single-yarn strength, with elongation.
- Hairiness: usually reported as an index. It matters for weaving and for clean knit surfaces.
Then the commercial details
- Package type and net weight per cone and per carton.
- Moisture regain or conditioned-weight basis for invoicing.
- For dyed yarn, shade consistency from lot to lot.
- Test certificates and who issued them.
Questions to ask before you approve
Which test method was used, on how many samples, and from which lot? A number without a method is hard to compare between suppliers. Test a sample from the actual lot against the sheet before you place a bulk order.
Ready to specify? Use our yarn specification guide, then request a sample or get a quote.
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