AY Honors/Plastic Canvas/Answer Key

2006-04-02T13:53:59Z

24.239.131.56: /* The cloth */

'''Worsted''' is the name of both a [[yarn]], usually made from [[wool]], and the [[cloth]] made from this yarn. The name derives from the village of [[Worstead]] in the [[England|English]] county of [[Norfolk]]. This village became, along with [[North Walsham]] and [[Aylsham]], a centre for the manufacture of yarn and cloth after weavers from [[Flanders]] arrived in Norfolk in the 12th century.{{ref|worvws}}

==The yarn==

The long staple wool (although nowadays medium and short [[fibre]]s are also used) is "carded" and made into continuous, untwisted strands or ropes called "slivers". The slivers are blended and then combed to make the fibres lie parallel. After this, the slivers are tightly twisted ("worsted") and [[spinning|spun]].

The essential feature of a worsted yarn is straightness of fibre. Prior to the introduction of automatic machinery there was little difficulty in attaining this straightness of fibre, as long wool was always used, and the sliver was made up by hand before combing.

However, with the introduction of [[Richard Arkwright]]'s [[water frame]] in 1771, and the later introduction of cap and mule spinning machines, the need for perfectly prepared slivers became apparent, and many [[factory|manufactories]] used one or more preparatory "gill-boxes" (combing machines) before the worsting process, to ensure straightness of fibre and even distribution of the [[lubricant]].

The term "worsted" today is applied to any yarn spun from fibres three inches in length or longer that have been carded, combed, and drawn, not just wool. [[Acrylic fiber|Acrylic]] and other yarns can be called "worsted," and this is a reference to the weight of the yarn as much as the production process.

==The cloth==

Worsted cloth, archaically also known as "stuff", is lightweight and has a hard, smooth texture. The [[weaving|weave]] is usually [[twill]] or plain. Twilled fabrics such as [[whipcord]], [[gabardine]] and [[serge]] are often made from worsted yarn.

Worsteds differs from woollens as the natural wool fiber has a crimp to it. In the processing of worsteds the crimp effect is removed in the spinning process. Only long and fine staple is used to make worsteds. Due to the crimping effect being taken out of the yarn the fabric becomes cooler than regular woollens alowing the existance of Tropical Worsteds for the summer. Worsted fabric has a natural recovery and can shine very easily with any abrasion.

Worsted is also used for [[carpet]]s, [[Clothing|garments]], [[hosiery]], [[glove]]s, and [[Billiard table]] cloth.

Contrast [[woolen]].

== References ==
*{{note|worvws}} ''[http://www.worstead.co.uk/history_village.htm Worstead village history]''. Retrieved [[December 15]], [[2005]].
*{{1911}}

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[[Category:Textiles]]
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AY Honors/Plastic Canvas/Answer Key