Standard Practice for Designation of Yarn Construction

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
6.1 The two orders of notation are presented to satisfy two separate needs encountered in the textile industry and in textile technology. The single-to-ply notation meets the needs of yarn manufacturers to describe a single yarn, or a plied or cabled yarn primarily in terms of its manufacturing specifications. The ply-to-single notation, based on the resultant yarn number, meets the needs of users of yarn who have relatively little interest in the linear density or twist of the single yarn component(s) but are interested mainly in the final product. The chief difference between the two notations is the order in which the information is presented. In this practice the same symbols are used for both notations and retain their usual mathematical meanings.  
6.2 The single-to-ply notation is prescribed for yarns numbered in both direct and indirect yarn numbering systems and conforms with current usage in large sections of the textile industry. The ply-to-single notation is prescribed for yarns numbered in a direct yarn numbering system and its use is approved by the ISO/TC 38 in Document N362. This latter notation has not been included previously in Practice D1244. The ply-to-single notation has not been recommended for use with yarns numbered in indirect yarn numbering systems because of possible confusion when symbols are used with different meanings in different notations or used in conflict with their established mathematical significance.  
6.3 At first glance, the recommended notation may appear rather involved, but in actuality it is a concise method for describing complex structures. For example, compare the following description of a yarn: “A cabled yarn or cord with a resultant cotton count of 1.4 and 5 turns per inch of Z twist made from 3 strands of plied yarn with 9 turns per inch of S twist each plied from 5 strands of 24 cotton count yarn with 15 turns per inch of Z twist and spun from 11/16 in. staple, graded strict low middling, and having a Micronai...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers instructions for the designation of yarn construction and is applicable to single yarns, plied yarns, and cabled yarns or cords of filaments or spun fibers. The application of the practice to specific cases is illustrated with examples. This practice does not cover the description of novelty yarns or core spun yarns of various types.  
1.2 The primary purpose of this practice is to establish a reference system for use in the trade and particularly for use in correspondence and publications. To secure a simplified notation, certain portions may be omitted provided there is no doubt as to the omitted parts.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Jan-2020
Technical Committee
D13 - Textiles
Drafting Committee
D13.58 - Yarns and Fibers

Relations

Effective Date
01-Jul-2018
Effective Date
01-Jul-2018
Effective Date
01-Mar-2017
Effective Date
15-Sep-2015
Effective Date
01-Sep-2015
Effective Date
01-Apr-2015
Effective Date
01-Oct-2013
Effective Date
01-Oct-2013
Effective Date
01-Oct-2013
Effective Date
01-Oct-2013
Effective Date
01-Jul-2013
Effective Date
15-Jun-2013
Effective Date
15-Jun-2013
Effective Date
15-May-2013
Effective Date
01-Feb-2012

Overview

ASTM D1244-98(2020): Standard Practice for Designation of Yarn Construction provides a comprehensive method for systematically describing the construction of yarns used throughout the textile industry. Developed by ASTM International, this standard offers clear guidance for designating single, plied, and cabled yarns or cords made from filaments or spun fibers, ensuring consistent communication across trade, publications, and technical correspondence. Notably, this practice is aligned with internationally recognized principles established by the World Trade Organization's TBT Committee.

Key Topics

  • Notation Systems: The standard introduces two main notations for yarn designation:
    • Single-to-ply notation: Focuses on the yarn's manufacturing specifications, describing a single yarn, or how yarns are plied or cabled.
    • Ply-to-single notation: Useful to end users by emphasizing the resultant yarn number, thus describing the final product rather than its components.
  • Symbols and Units: Prescribes a series of symbols (such as ×, +, /, f, tpi, tpm, Ne, den, etc.) for describing all relevant properties of yarn structure-number, type, direction and amount of twist, and more.
  • Direct and Indirect Yarn Numbering: The standard addresses both direct systems (like tex or denier) and indirect systems (such as cotton count), reflecting common usage in global textile industries.
  • Safety and Measurement: Values are stated in inch-pound units, ensuring clarity in trade. Users are reminded to assess and address any relevant safety, health, or regulatory concerns related to their applications.

Applications

  • Yarn Manufacturers: The standard provides a consistent reference system for labeling and tracking single, plied, and cabled yarns, facilitating clear specification in manufacturing records and product labeling.
  • Textile Technologists and Engineers: The concise notation supports communication in research papers, technical documents, and production instructions, especially when describing complex yarn constructions for advanced textiles.
  • Procurement and Trade: Clear yarn designation supports smooth transactions and minimizes misunderstandings in trade documentation, import/export paperwork, and quality control.
  • Quality Assurance and Testing: The systematic use of symbols allows for straightforward cross-referencing between laboratory results, batch records, and product samples.
  • Standardization and Publications: The notation is designed for use in correspondence, articles, and industry standards, promoting international harmonization.

Exclusions

  • The standard does not cover novelty yarns or core spun yarns of various types.
  • Only inch-pound units are considered standard; other measurement systems are not included.

Related Standards

  • ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles
  • ASTM D861: Practice for Use of the Tex System to Designate Linear Density of Fibers, Yarn Intermediates, and Yarns
  • ASTM D4849: Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers
  • ISO 1139: Designation of Yarns
  • ISO/TC 38 Document N362: Provides global guidance on ply-to-single notation and direct numbering systems

Practical Value

ASTM D1244-98(2020) enhances efficiency and clarity in the textile sector by enabling accurate, succinct, and universally understood descriptions of yarn construction. By standardizing communication, it reduces errors, facilitates international trade, and supports compliance with recognized industry and international practices.

Keywords: yarn construction, yarn designation, textile standards, ASTM D1244, yarn notation, direct numbering system, indirect numbering system, textile industry, ply yarn, cabled yarn, yarn labeling, ASTM textile standards

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D1244-98(2020) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Designation of Yarn Construction". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 6.1 The two orders of notation are presented to satisfy two separate needs encountered in the textile industry and in textile technology. The single-to-ply notation meets the needs of yarn manufacturers to describe a single yarn, or a plied or cabled yarn primarily in terms of its manufacturing specifications. The ply-to-single notation, based on the resultant yarn number, meets the needs of users of yarn who have relatively little interest in the linear density or twist of the single yarn component(s) but are interested mainly in the final product. The chief difference between the two notations is the order in which the information is presented. In this practice the same symbols are used for both notations and retain their usual mathematical meanings. 6.2 The single-to-ply notation is prescribed for yarns numbered in both direct and indirect yarn numbering systems and conforms with current usage in large sections of the textile industry. The ply-to-single notation is prescribed for yarns numbered in a direct yarn numbering system and its use is approved by the ISO/TC 38 in Document N362. This latter notation has not been included previously in Practice D1244. The ply-to-single notation has not been recommended for use with yarns numbered in indirect yarn numbering systems because of possible confusion when symbols are used with different meanings in different notations or used in conflict with their established mathematical significance. 6.3 At first glance, the recommended notation may appear rather involved, but in actuality it is a concise method for describing complex structures. For example, compare the following description of a yarn: “A cabled yarn or cord with a resultant cotton count of 1.4 and 5 turns per inch of Z twist made from 3 strands of plied yarn with 9 turns per inch of S twist each plied from 5 strands of 24 cotton count yarn with 15 turns per inch of Z twist and spun from 11/16 in. staple, graded strict low middling, and having a Micronai... SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers instructions for the designation of yarn construction and is applicable to single yarns, plied yarns, and cabled yarns or cords of filaments or spun fibers. The application of the practice to specific cases is illustrated with examples. This practice does not cover the description of novelty yarns or core spun yarns of various types. 1.2 The primary purpose of this practice is to establish a reference system for use in the trade and particularly for use in correspondence and publications. To secure a simplified notation, certain portions may be omitted provided there is no doubt as to the omitted parts. 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 6.1 The two orders of notation are presented to satisfy two separate needs encountered in the textile industry and in textile technology. The single-to-ply notation meets the needs of yarn manufacturers to describe a single yarn, or a plied or cabled yarn primarily in terms of its manufacturing specifications. The ply-to-single notation, based on the resultant yarn number, meets the needs of users of yarn who have relatively little interest in the linear density or twist of the single yarn component(s) but are interested mainly in the final product. The chief difference between the two notations is the order in which the information is presented. In this practice the same symbols are used for both notations and retain their usual mathematical meanings. 6.2 The single-to-ply notation is prescribed for yarns numbered in both direct and indirect yarn numbering systems and conforms with current usage in large sections of the textile industry. The ply-to-single notation is prescribed for yarns numbered in a direct yarn numbering system and its use is approved by the ISO/TC 38 in Document N362. This latter notation has not been included previously in Practice D1244. The ply-to-single notation has not been recommended for use with yarns numbered in indirect yarn numbering systems because of possible confusion when symbols are used with different meanings in different notations or used in conflict with their established mathematical significance. 6.3 At first glance, the recommended notation may appear rather involved, but in actuality it is a concise method for describing complex structures. For example, compare the following description of a yarn: “A cabled yarn or cord with a resultant cotton count of 1.4 and 5 turns per inch of Z twist made from 3 strands of plied yarn with 9 turns per inch of S twist each plied from 5 strands of 24 cotton count yarn with 15 turns per inch of Z twist and spun from 11/16 in. staple, graded strict low middling, and having a Micronai... SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers instructions for the designation of yarn construction and is applicable to single yarns, plied yarns, and cabled yarns or cords of filaments or spun fibers. The application of the practice to specific cases is illustrated with examples. This practice does not cover the description of novelty yarns or core spun yarns of various types. 1.2 The primary purpose of this practice is to establish a reference system for use in the trade and particularly for use in correspondence and publications. To secure a simplified notation, certain portions may be omitted provided there is no doubt as to the omitted parts. 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM D1244-98(2020) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 59.080.20 - Yarns. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM D1244-98(2020) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D4849-13(2018), ASTM D861-07(2018), ASTM D123-17, ASTM D123-15b, ASTM D123-15a, ASTM D123-15, ASTM D4849-13e2, ASTM D4849-13e1, ASTM D4849-13, ASTM D4849-13e3, ASTM D861-07(2013), ASTM D123-13a, ASTM D123-13ae1, ASTM D123-13, ASTM D123-12. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D1244-98(2020) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D1244 − 98 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Practice for
Designation of Yarn Construction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1244; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This practice conforms in general with the practices adopted by the International Organization for
Standardization in Document ISO 1139, Designation of Yarns. The ISO document, however, covers
the use of the tex direct yarn numbering system only, whereasASTM Practice D1244, as in previous
texts, also covers other direct yarn numbering systems and traditional indirect yarn numbering
systems.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This practice covers instructions for the designation of 2.1 ASTM Standards:
yarnconstructionandisapplicabletosingleyarns,pliedyarns, D123Terminology Relating to Textiles
and cabled yarns or cords of filaments or spun fibers. The D861PracticeforUseoftheTexSystemtoDesignateLinear
application of the practice to specific cases is illustrated with Density of Fibers, Yarn Intermediates, and Yarns
examples. This practice does not cover the description of D4849Terminology Related to Yarns and Fibers
novelty yarns or core spun yarns of various types. 2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 1139Designation of Yarns
1.2 The primary purpose of this practice is to establish a
reference system for use in the trade and particularly for use in
3. Terminology
correspondence and publications. To secure a simplified
3.1 For terminology related to yarn test methods see Termi-
notation, certain portions may be omitted provided there is no
nology D4849.
doubt as to the omitted parts.
3.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
resultant yarn number.
asstandard.Nootherunitsofmeasurementareincludedinthis
3.2 For definitions of other textile terms related to textiles,
standard.
refer to Terminology D123.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Explanation of Abbreviations and Symbols
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 B—A symbol designating the resultant yarn number of
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
bulked yarns, to be placed before the numerical value.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.2 R—A symbol designating the resultant yarn number of
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
plied or cabled yarns, to be placed before the numerical value.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.3 ×—The multiplication symbol is used before the num-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ber of identical component strands combined in any stage of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
manufacture for yarns numbered in a direct yarn numbering
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
system.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD13onTextilesand contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.58 on Yarns and Fibers. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2020. Published February 2020. Originally the ASTM website.
approvedin1952.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2011asD1244–98(2011).DOI: Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/D1244-98R20. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1244 − 98 (2020)
4.4 +—The plus sign is used to denote the addition or technology. The single-to-ply notation meets the needs of yarn
combination of dissimilar component strands in a more com- manufacturers to describe a single yarn, or a plied or cabled
plex structure. yarnprimarilyintermsofitsmanufacturingspecifications.The
ply-to-single notation, based on the resultant yarn number,
4.5 /—When used with direct yarn numbers, the solidus
meets the needs of users of yarn who have relatively little
denotes the separation of a structure numbered in a direct yarn
interest in the linear density or twist of the single yarn
numbering system into its component strands.When used with
component(s) but are interested mainly in the final product.
indirect yarn numbers, the solidus denotes combining (plying)
The chief difference between the two notations is the order in
of identical component strands, numbered in an indirect yarn
which the information is presented. In this practice the same
numbering system. See also Note 2.
symbols are used for both notations and retain their usual
4.6 f—Anabbreviationforfilaments,tobeplacedbeforethe
mathematical meanings.
number of filaments.
6.2 The single-to-ply notation is prescribed for yarns num-
4.7 t0—Symbol indicating zero twist in a yarn.
bered in both direct and indirect yarn numbering systems and
4.8 tpi—An abbreviation for turns of twist per inch in a conforms with current usage in large sections of the textile
yarn.
industry. The ply-to-single notation is prescribed for yarns
numbered in a direct yarn numbering system and its use is
4.9 tpm—An abbreviation for turns of twist per metre in a
approved by the ISO/TC 38 in Document N362. This latter
yarn.
notation has not been included previously in Practice D1244.
4.10 ( )—Parentheses are used to enclose information de-
The ply-to-single notation has not been recommended for use
scribing the material from which the yarn is made.
with yarns numbered in indirect yarn numbering systems
4.11 [ ]—Brackets are used to enclose the description of because of possible confusion when symbols are used with
dissimilar components forming a subcomponent of a cabled different meanings in different notations or used in conflict
yarn or cord. with their established mathematical significance.
4.12 { }—Braces are used to enclose the description of
6.3 At first glance, the recommended notation may appear
dissimilar components forming a multiple wound yarn, plied
rather involved, but in actuality it is a concise method for
yarn, cabled yarn, or cord.
describing complex structures. For example, compare the
following description of a yarn: “Acabled yarn or cord with a
4.13 Ne —Abbreviation for cotton count.
c
resultant cotton count of 1.4 and 5 turns per inch of Z twist
4.14 Nw —Abbreviation for worsted count.
w
made from 3 strands of plied yarn with 9 turns per inch of S
4.15 Nwe—Abbreviation for woolen run. twist each plied from 5 strands of 24 cotton count yarn with 15
turns per inch of Z twist and spun from 1 ⁄16 in. staple, graded
4.16 den.—Abbreviation for denier.
strict low middling, and having a Micronaire reading of 4.3”
NOTE 1—Other abbreviations may be found in specific examples or in
with the description of the same yarn stated in Example 23,
trade usage.
24 Ne Z 15 tpi (cotton, 1 ⁄16 in., SLM, 4.3 Micronaire (23)
c
Reading) /5S9tpi/3Z5tpi;R1.4c.c.
5. Summary of Practice
6.4 ASTM recommends (see Practice D861), the general
5.1 The structure of a yarn is described by a group or series
use of the tex universal yarn numbering system.
of groups of logically ordered symbols which describe the
characteristics of a yarn. One group of symbols describes
6.5 The designation of a numbering system, for example,
completely a single yarn or a component of a more complex
cotton count, woolen run, and linen lea, does not restrict the
yarn.Aplied yarn is described by two groups; for example, in
yarn composition to the named fiber. See Example 5.
thesingle-to-plynotation,thefirstgroupdescribesthestructure
6.6 The terms used to designate different yarn numbering
of the single yarn or yarns, and the second group describes the
systems are frequently abbreviated. See 4.13 – 4.16.
structure of the plied yarn. The groups are connected with
appropriate symbols. Other yarns are described similarly.
6.7 The various yarn numbering units (cotton count, tex,
etc.)shouldbecarefullydistinguishedfromthepropertywhich
5.2 Two orders of notation are presented for direct yarn
has been designated as linear density.This last term covers the
numbering systems, single-to-ply and ply-to-single. For indi-
conceptofsizeorfineness.Thedistinctioniscomparabletothe
rect yarn numbering systems, only the traditional single-to-ply
use of the units, (litres or gallons), to express a property such
notation is presented.
as the volume of an object.
NOTE 2—Alternative names for the single-to-ply and ply-to-single
notation are single-to-fold and fold-to-single, used in ISO/TC 38 Docu-
7. Designation of Single Yarns, Direct and Indirect Yarn
ment N362, and single-to-resultant and resultant-to-single. The resultant-
to-single term is particularly applicable to the description of cabled yarns Numbering Systems
and to single yarns that have been bulked or given added twist. See also
7.1 Spun Yarns—To describe the structure of spun yarns,
7.3.2, 7.3.3, and Note 3.
state (1) the yarn number and the numbering system used, (2)
6. Significance and Use
the direction of twist, and (3) the amount of twist. Express the
6.1 The two orders of notation are presented to satisfy two amount of twist in turns per inch (tpi) or turns per metre (tpm).
separateneedsencounteredinthetextileindustryandintextile Showtheyarnnumberobservedwhentheyarnistwistedtothe
D1244 − 98 (2020)
extent specified. When known and needed, indicate in paren- designation. Give the yarn number after bulking preceeded by
theses the type of fiber, the average linear density of the fibers, the letter B. Place a semicolon before the B.
the length of the fibers, and other pertinent information with
Example:
70 den. f34 t0 (nylon, 2.07 den.); B80 den. (14)
respect to fiber characteristics. If the single yarn has been spun
from two or more fiber types, note the nominal percentages of
7.3.3.1 Where the degree of bulking is not known or only
each fiber.
thebulkedyarnnumberisneeded,statethefinalorbulkedyarn
Examples: number preceded by the letter B and include at the end
25 tex Z 15 tpi (cotton) (1)
information about the original yarn if it is available.
24 Ne Z 15 tpi (cotton, 1 ⁄16 in., SLM, 4.3 Micronaire
c
Example:
Reading) (2)
9 B80 den. f34 t0 (nylon, 2.07 den.); 70 den. (15)
24 Ne Z 15 tpi (rayon, 1.5 den., 1 ⁄16 in. staple) (3)
c
35 Ne Z 381 tpm (80 % wool, 58’s and 20 % dull acetate
w
NOTE 3—Paragraphs 7.3.2.1, 7.3.3.1, and Examples 13 and 15 are
3 den., 3 in. staple) (4)
presented in this place for convenience. They do not represent the use of
20NweZ55tpi(wool) (5)
the single-to-ply notation but are an adaptation to a special single yarn of
See 13.1, Example 2a, for a simplified notation of Example
the notation based on resultant yarn number (ply-to-single notation),
2. presented more fully in Sections 11 and 12. In these special yarns, the
linear density of the single yarn has been increased by the insertion of
7.2 The use of traditional and tex yarn numbers as recom-
additional twist or by bulking, instead of by a plying operation. See Note
2.
mended by ISO for use during stages 1, 2, and 3 of transition
to the tex system is shown in Examples 6, 7, and 8. Only one
8. Designation of Plied Yarns, Single-to-Ply Notation,
numberhasbeenshowninlaterexamplesofthisrecommended
Direct and Indirect Yarn Numbering Systems
practice to avoid confusion in the illustrations (examples).
8.1 Use two groups of data to describe the yarn structure.
Examples:
30 Ne (20 tex) Z 15 tpi (spun rayon) (6)
c
Describe the single yarn components in the first group as
20 tex (30 c.c.) Z 15 tpi (spun rayon) (7)
directed in 7.1 or 7.3. In the second group, describe the ply
20 tex Z15 tpi (spun rayon) (8)
yarn, stating (1) the number of single yarn components in the
7.3 Filament Single Yarns—Describe the yarn structure as
plied yarn, (2) the di
...

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