BLENDING AND MIXING FIBRES AND YARNS It is possible to improve the properties and use of yarns and materials

by mixing and blending the fibres and yarns.

BLENDING Blending different fibres as they are spun improves the properties, performance and handle of finished fabric. By blending fibres the yarns take on the combined properties of both fibres. The most recognized blends of fibres are cotton and polyester - Polycotton.

Properties of Cotton: Strong Easycare Durable Absorbent Notelastic Notagood insulator Creaseseasily

Combined Properties highstrength highelasticity easycare creaseresistant goodinsulation absorbent cheep

Properties of Polyester: verystrong durable goodinsulator cheepeasy care crease resistant elasticity

Other popular fibre blends include: Silk and viscose Hemp and cotton or silk.

An example of fibre blends are Polycotton bedding They are easy care Soft Crease resistant durable

 Properties of Cotton Strong Easycare Durable Absorbent Notelastic Creaseseasily Combined Properties highstrength highelasticity Properties of Lycra easycare Creaseresistant creaseresistant Lightweightandstretchy. goodinsulation Comfortabletowear. absorbent Notdamagedbysunor comfortable sea. Notdamagedbysunor Resistanttoperspiration, sea. biological/chemical Resistantto damage. perspiration, biological/chemical damage.

MIXING YARNS... MIXING YARNS... MIXING YARNS...

MIXING MIXING Mixing or union of fibres is made by combining two or Mixing fibres is made by combining two the or more more yarns together. This process is carried out during knitting or weaving yarns together. This process is carried during of the fabric e.g. to make stretch denim the warp fibre out could be cotton and the the knitting or a weaving of the fabric e.g. to make weft fibre Lycra thus creating stretch denim. stretch denim the warp fibre could be cotton and the weftfibres fibre Lycra thus creating a stretch to the fabric. The advantage of mixing is to add additional properties denim. The advantage of mixing yarns is to add additional properties to the fabric.

Other yarn mixes: Cotton and wool Lycra with wool or nylon

A popular example of a yarn mix is Denim Jeans They are stretchy Comfortable to wear Are a good fit.