This information is courtesy of Sferra, a producer of high quality sheets and bedding. View their products at the following link: Sferra sheets & bedding.
Q: What are compact yarns?
A: Compact yarns differ from conventional ring-spun yarns. Compact spinning is a process that offers superior quality, reducing the “hairiness” of the yarns by controlling the fibers that protrude from the thread. The process actually compacts the outside fibers toward the center of the yarn as it is spun. This is accomplished by using a condensing zone to collect and condense the fibers. The result is a yarn that is considerably stronger and smoother.
There are several advantages to using compact yarns:
- Improved uniformity – less imperfections and higher evenness.
- Lower “hairiness” – finer and smoother yarn.
- Greater strength and elongation – smaller diameter and better tensile properties.
- Enhanced dyeing – more brilliant and uniform color.
- Better pilling behaviors – reduced stray fibers and increased abrasion resistance.
A sateen weave (as compared to a percale weave) has a higher tendency to “pill” and, for that reason, it is recommended that only compact yarns be used when weaving a high quality cotton sateen sheet. Compact yarns are more expensive, so few vendors choose to use them. SFERRA uses only the very finest compact Egyptian cotton yarns in the production of its luxury Italian-woven bedding products. It’s part of the “secret sauce” that makes a SFERRA product, well, a SFERRA product. View SFERRA products here
