Twist

Rotation applied to fibres/yarns. Creates strength and structure. More twist = stronger but less soft.

Twist refers to the rotation applied to fibres or yarns during spinning, binding them together for strength and structure.

Why Twist Matters

Twist provides:

  • Strength: Fibres grip each other
  • Structure: Yarn holds together
  • Durability: Resists coming apart

Twist Direction

  • S-twist: Spirals like the middle of "S"
  • Z-twist: Spirals like the middle of "Z"

Direction matters when plying yarns together.

Twist Level

  • Low twist: Softer, less strong, more absorbent
  • Medium twist: Balanced properties
  • High twist: Stronger, firmer, less soft

In Towels

Towel yarn typically has:

  • Medium twist for ground cloth (strength)
  • Lower twist for pile (softness, absorbency)

Zero-Twist Towels

Zero-twist yarn has no twist - fibres held by dissolvable binder:

  • Extremely soft
  • Very absorbent
  • Less durable

See: Zero-twist

Twist and Absorbency

Less twist = more absorbent:

  • Fibres swell more freely
  • Water penetrates more easily
  • Trade-off with durability

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