Page 23 - Shawl Weaving Artisan - TT

as Teeswaters, Old Leicester Long wool and Romney Fig 6
Marsh. The worsted process involves combing the short
hairs out of the fiber. Worsted yarn fabric is typically used
in the making of tailored garments such as suits. It is also
used for carpets, clothing, hosiery, gloves and baize.

Difference between woollen and worsted yarn
The difference between woollen and worsted yarn are as below

Woolen yarn Worsted yarn
Spun from wool fibers of: Spun from wool fibers of:
• Length : spun from short fibers of 1-3” • Length : longer than 3”
• Diameter: medium or coarse • Diameter: fine diameter
• The fibers are washed, scoured and carded. • The fibers are washed, scoured, carded, combed
and drawn
Woolen yarns are only carded, less twisted and hence Worsted yarns are carded and combed, highly twisted
weak in strength and stronger.
Yarn Yarn
• Bulky • Fine
• Uneven • Smooth
• Low to medium slack twist • Even
• Tensile strength lower than worsted • Tighter twist
• Higher tensile strength
Fabric appearance Fabric appearance
• Soft • Crisp
• Fuzzy • Smooth
• Heavier weight • Lighter weight
Woolen fabrics are woven with plain weave and Worsted fabrics are woven chiefly with twill weave and
sometimes twill weave. Weaving is not compact and weaving construction is close, compact, and as such
fabric is not durable or strong. more strong fabric.
Woolen can be easily adulterated and napping finish is Worsted cannot be easily adulterated as it has a hard
given to produce soft surface. finish on the surface.
Characteristics Characteristics
• Insulator due to trapped air • Less insulator
• Does not hold a crease well • Holds creases and shape
• Less durable than worsted • More durable than woollens
Less expensive than worsted. Costlier or expensive than woollens.
These fibers are warmer than worsted. It has no lustre It wrinkles less than woolen, holds creases and shape
and is less durable. The napped surface tends to catch and become shiny with use.
and hold dirt but stains can be easily removed.
Uses Uses
• Sweater • Suits
• Jacket • Dresses
• Blankets • Gabardines
• Carpets • Crepes
• Tweeds

Textile & Handloom: Shawl Weaving Artisan : (NSQF - 2024) R.T. Ex.No 1.1.05 13