As a supplier of double covered yarn, I often get asked the question: Does double covered yarn pill easily? This is a crucial query for many customers, especially those in industries like glove manufacturing, where the quality and durability of the yarn can significantly impact the end - product. In this blog, I'll delve into the factors that determine the pilling tendency of double covered yarn and offer insights to help you make informed decisions.

Understanding Double Covered Yarn
Double covered yarn is a type of yarn that consists of a core, usually made of materials like rubber or spandex, which is wrapped with two layers of covering yarn. The covering yarn can be made from various fibers such as nylon, polyester, or cotton. This construction gives double covered yarn its unique properties, including stretchability, strength, and flexibility. It is widely used in different applications, such as Glove Covered Rubber Yarn, Glove Yarn, and Rubber Covered Gloves Yarn.
Factors Affecting Pilling in Double Covered Yarn
Fiber Type of the Covering Yarn
The type of fiber used in the covering yarn plays a significant role in determining the pilling tendency. Synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester are generally more resistant to pilling compared to natural fibers. Nylon has a smooth surface and high abrasion resistance, which means that the fibers are less likely to break and form pills. Polyester also has good durability and resists pilling well. On the other hand, natural fibers such as cotton are more prone to pilling. Cotton fibers are softer and more likely to break under friction, leading to the formation of pills. However, advancements in fiber technology have led to the development of pilling - resistant cotton varieties, which can be used in double covered yarn to reduce pilling.
Yarn Twist
The twist of the double covered yarn also affects its pilling behavior. A higher twist in the covering yarn holds the fibers more tightly together. This reduces the likelihood of individual fibers protruding from the yarn surface and forming pills. When the twist is too low, the fibers are more loosely packed, and they can easily snag and break, resulting in pilling. As a supplier, we carefully control the yarn twist during the manufacturing process to optimize the pilling resistance of our double covered yarn.
Surface Friction
The amount of friction that the double covered yarn is exposed to in its end - use application is a critical factor. In applications where the yarn experiences high levels of rubbing and abrasion, such as in glove manufacturing, pilling is more likely to occur. For example, gloves that are used for heavy - duty work are constantly in contact with rough surfaces, which can cause the fibers in the double covered yarn to break and form pills. To mitigate this, we can use special finishes on the yarn to reduce surface friction and improve its abrasion resistance.
Quality of Raw Materials
The quality of the raw materials used in the double covered yarn is fundamental to its pilling resistance. High - quality fibers have fewer impurities and defects, which means they are less likely to break during use. For instance, using premium - grade nylon or polyester in the covering yarn can enhance the overall durability and reduce the pilling tendency. We source our raw materials from trusted suppliers to ensure the quality of our double covered yarn.
Testing Pilling Resistance of Double Covered Yarn
There are several standardized tests available to measure the pilling resistance of yarns. One common method is the Martindale abrasion test. In this test, a sample of the double covered yarn is rubbed against a standard abrasive fabric under controlled conditions. After a specified number of abrasion cycles, the sample is evaluated for the degree of pilling. The results are usually rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 indicating severe pilling and 5 indicating no pilling.
Another test is the random tumble pilling test. In this test, the yarn sample is placed in a container with rubber or plastic spheres and tumbled for a set period. The pilling on the sample is then visually assessed and rated. These tests allow us to accurately determine the pilling resistance of our double covered yarn and ensure that it meets the quality standards of our customers.
Minimizing Pilling in Double Covered Yarn Applications
Selecting the Right Yarn
Based on the end - use application, it's essential to select the appropriate double covered yarn. For applications with high friction, such as industrial gloves, choosing a yarn with a synthetic covering and a high twist is advisable. Our Glove Covered Rubber Yarn and Rubber Covered Gloves Yarn are specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of glove manufacturing, with excellent pilling resistance.
Proper Care and Maintenance
In some cases, proper care and maintenance can also help reduce pilling. For products made from double covered yarn, such as gloves, following the recommended washing instructions can prevent excessive wear and pilling. Avoid using harsh detergents and high - speed agitation during washing, as these can damage the fibers and increase the likelihood of pilling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, double covered yarn does not necessarily pill easily. Its pilling tendency depends on multiple factors, including the fiber type of the covering yarn, yarn twist, surface friction, and the quality of raw materials. As a supplier, we are committed to providing high - quality double covered yarn with excellent pilling resistance. By carefully selecting the raw materials, controlling the manufacturing process, and conducting rigorous quality tests, we ensure that our products meet the diverse needs of our customers.
If you are in the market for double covered yarn and want to learn more about our products, we encourage you to reach out to us. We are happy to discuss your specific requirements and help you select the most suitable yarn for your application. Contact us today to start a procurement discussion and discover how our double covered yarn can enhance the quality of your end - products.
References
- ASTM D4970 - 10(2019) Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Random Tumble Pilling Tester.
- ISO 12945 - 2:2002 Textiles - Determination of fabric propensity to surface fuzzing and to pilling - Part 2: Modified Martindale method.
