Melange Yarn: Definition, Types and Applications
S. M. Hossen Uzzal
B.Sc. in Textile Technology
Textile Engineering College, Noakhali
What is Melange Yarn?
Mélange or grey melange yarn may be defined as “the yarn produced by the combination of at least two or more than two fibers”. Conventionally, the term melange is used for such yarns which are produced by the combination of two fibers (whether of same type but different in color or type of fiber used is different). In case of cotton grey mélange yarn “a melange yarn is the yarn which is produced with various combinations of raw white and dyed cottons or dyed fibers.” For example, if we mix 99% raw white cotton and 1% dyed cotton (of any color), then it will called mélange yarn. Melange yarn is beautiful and unique in appearance. Its structure is quite different from traditional yarn. Its color and appearance are various.
Melange yarn is a blend of different colored fibers to develop various shades in the yarn. Different in ratio of fibers in the blend alters the uniqueness of spun melange yarns. There is a large variety in melange yarns not only in terms of colors but also according to the texture of the yarn. The final feel, hand, and aesthetic of each class is different, which opens up the room for designers to choose fibers and yarn types selectively, what they require but also suggests the researchers researching in the field of image processing to develop computational models for the assessment and inspection of the quality of the final products.
Classification / Types of Melange Yarn:
There are various types of melange yarns, such as Snowy, Neppy, Heather, Marl, and Siro. One of the major types of these mélange yarn is neppy melange yarn, in which a certain number of neps are introduced to achieve unique aesthetics. It should be noted that for this class of yarn, the neps are not the fault; preferably, they have been deliberately introduced into the mélange yarn. However, the size, color, and dispensability of the neps are essential for the production of this class of yarn. Since a little change in any of the parameters would cause the final product to look different.
Melange yarns can be classified into two of it’s vary basic types:
- Blended grey mélange yarn
- Non‐blended grey mélange yarn
1. Blended Mélange Yarn:
Such type of yarn in which different fibers are mixed/blended together in a certain fixed ratio for instance PC (Polyester: Cotton blend) 50:50, PV (Polyester: Viscose) 80:20, CV (Cotton : Viscose) 60:40 etc.
2. Non‐Blended Mélange Yarn:
Yarn in which there are no different fibers blended together, but different colored fibers of same type are used to make the yarn e.g. 100% cotton dyed yarn, etc.
Advantages of Melange Yarn:
- Technology: Mélange yarn has unique dyeing process, and is highly technological in terms of fiber dyes, color matching and mixed textile of multiple fibers.
- Environmental: Dyeing fiber before spinning, thus can keep its energy saving, emission reduction and environmental protection.
- Fashion: Melange yarns can present multiple colors on one single yarn, which gives it rich colors, slenderness and tenderness. Textile made of melange yarns has a certain ambiguous cyclical effect.
Common Problems in Manufacturing of Melange Yarn:
Following is the common problems occurring during manufacturing of mélange yarn:
- Shade variation
- Variation in ratio (esp. in PC/PV/CVC) yarns
- Spots in the fabric
Application of Grey Melange Yarn:
Mélange yarn is widely used in warp and weft knitting machines, various V-bed knitting machines, and winding machines, etc. Though melange yarn is a little expensive that normal cotton yarn. Melange yarn is applicable to underwear textile, casual wear, sportswear, shirts, business suites, socks and all sports of cloth products, as well as bed lines, towels, decorative fabrics and other home fabrics products.
References:
- Behera, B. K., Hari, P. K., Bansal, S. and Singh, R., “Effect of different blending methods and blending stages on properties of mélange yarn”, Indian Journal of Fiber and Textile Research., Vol. 22, (1997), 84-88.
- Gong, R. H. and Wright, R. M., “Fancy yarns-their manufacture and application”, The Textile Institute, Cambridge England, Wood head Publishing Ltd, (2002).
- Oxtoby, E., “Spun Yarn Technology”, Revision of Thesis (Ph.D. Bradford University), Butterworth and co Publishers Ltd, First Published, (1987), 225-231.
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Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
