Fibre Separation
Physical failure occurs when the individual filaments within a flax yarn bundle pull apart during the weaving or spinning process. Identified yarn split defects appear as fuzzy patches or structural gaps in the finished linen fabric. The separation usually stems from inadequate twisting or poor cohesion of the natural fibers.
Monitoring the frequency of these defects early in the production cycle prevents the loss of value in the final export rolls.
Structural Weakness
Weaving tension often exacerbates yarn split defects when the warp yarns pass through the healds and the reed. Flax fibers are relatively brittle and lack the elasticity of cotton, making them more prone to splitting under mechanical stress. The use of high-quality sizing agents can help bind the fibers together and reduce the occurrence of these flaws.
If the split is severe, the yarn will break entirely and cause the loom to stop. Monitoring the frequency of these stops allows the mill to assess the quality of the incoming yarn.
Production Consequence
Fabric rolls containing multiple yarn split defects are downgraded during the final inspection process. Buyers often reject linen cloth that shows these structural inconsistencies because they affect the strength and appearance of the garment.
