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faq


Q  What is thread count ?
A  Thread Count relates to the number of vertical and horizontal yarns within a squre inch of woven fabric.  The correct names for the horizontal and vertical yarns are 'Weft' and 'Warp'.  A thread count of 200 therefore has 200 strands of yarn within a square inch of fabric.  The intersection of the weft and warp yarn is referred to as a 'pick'.


Q  Does thread count have any relationship to the quality of the product ?
A  No, not on its own. To make a full assessment on fabric quality you need to know the full yarn specification of the 'weft' and the 'warp' along with the 'pick' count.  You can find numerous 200 thread count products all with different specifications.  It is not unusual for suppliers to actually sell 200TC products when the actual thread count is only 170 or 180.  All Lunar Cotton products are genuine thread counts.


Q  What is an acceptable quality thread count for day to day use ?
A  Good quality percale 200 thread count fabric is perfectly acceptable for day to day use.  The term 'percale' is traditionally used on thread counts of at least 200.  Some suppliers use the word percale as a marketing tool on thread counts starting from 180.


Q  Why would I consider higher thread counts for my bed linen ?
A  Higher thread count fabrics feel softer and smoother, this is because the fabric is constructed from finer yarns. Finer, smoother yarns can be woven more tightly together on the weaving looms.  The combination of higher thread density and finer yarns create a more luxurious feel and will last longer than lower thread count fabrics.


Q  What is the best thread count to use ?
A  For every day use  a good quality 200TC is acceptable.  For that extra luxurious feel 350TC and 400TC bed linen is the correct choice.  Thread counts over 400 will feel softer however there can be one draw back for domestic users; yarns are much finer and are more closely woven this can create stain release problems during laundry. Lunar Cotton thread counts are 200, 350 and 400.


Q  What is Two fold or Four fold yarn ?
A  Yarns are generally graded using a number 18, 20, 30, 40, 60.  The higher the number the finer the yarn.  Individual yarns can be twisted together.  Two finers yarns twisted together (two fold yarn) is better than one thick heavy coarse yarn.  These pre twisted yarns are then taken to the loom for weaving.  Two fold and four fold yarns are used to produce higher thread count fabrics. 


Q  Why does cotton wear out and go thread bare ?
A  When a yarn snaps in the fabric the integrity of the 'pick' is lost.  As more and more 'picks' are lost the fabric looses stability and holes appear.  Cotton is grown on a plant and is therefore a natural product. Washing detergants contain chemicals that erode the cotton yarn during every wash cycle.  The stronger the detergant and the more frequent the fabric is washed the more quickly the yarn deteriorates.


Q  Which country produces the best cotton ?
A  Cotton is grown in numerous countries around the world. India, Turkey, America, China, Pakistan, Egypt are just some of the main producers.  The most imortant factor with cotton, in relation to woven textiles, is that long staple fibres are used in the yarn production process.  Once the cotton has been harvested it goes through various processes to create the finished yarn (combing is one process used to create finer yarns). Cotton weavers purchase yarns to very specific quality specifcations.  Have you ever bought a cheap t-shirt and is shrinks significantly after one wash !!!!  Lunar Cotton products are produced using Indian yarns which are spun to very specific quality parameters.


Q  Will my cotton bed linen shrink ?
A  Yes it will.  Weft and warp yarns usually shrink at different rates (this is because the yarn specifications may differ).  As "average" cottons will shrink no more than 6 - 8% when washed at a hot temperature.  The current trend in lower temperature domestic detergants (30, 40 degrees celcius) will typically cause less shrinkage 2- 3%.


Hopefully you can now begin to appreciate some of the quality parameters that differentiate woven textiles.  At First Linen you can buy quality bed linen products, produced from quality yarns.