Exploring the World of Fancy Yarns from the Perspective of Manufacturing Methods

With their unique shapes and textures, fancy yarns (also known as novelty yarns) add an extra charm to knitwear.

Have you ever wondered, “How are they actually made?”

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of fancy yarns classified by manufacturing methods, along with an introduction to the fancy yarns available from MONTELUCE.

Classification of Fancy Yarns by Manufacturing Method

Although there are many types of fancy yarns, they can generally be divided into four major categories based on how they are made:

1. Fancy yarns produced through twisting techniques
2. Fancy yarns produced through spinning techniques
3. Fancy yarns produced through a combination of spinning and twisting
4. Fancy yarns produced through secondary processing

Let’s break down each category in detail.

① Fancy Yarns Based on Twisting Techniques

Fancy yarns made with twisting techniques are created by skillfully combining multiple yarns.

Typical examples: ring, cable, bouclé, loop, cord, knot, curl, lily yarn, chenille, etc.

These yarns are formed using a core yarn, effect yarn (decorative yarn), and binder yarn. By adjusting the tension and feed rate of each yarn, distinctive structures are produced.

For instance, bouclé yarn is created by feeding extra effect yarn against the core yarn to form irregular loops, which are then stabilized with binder yarn.

② Fancy Yarns Based on Spinning Techniques

Fancy yarns produced by spinning techniques are made by applying special treatments during the spinning stage.

Typical examples: slub yarn, nep yarn, core-spun yarn, etc.

These yarns are created by blending different fibers at the top (fiber mass) stage or by deliberately introducing uneven thickness during spinning, resulting in distinctive textures.

③ Fancy Yarns Combining Spinning and Twisting

Some fancy yarns are produced by combining both spinning and twisting techniques.

Typical examples: spun bouclé or loop yarns using tri-spin methods, tamtam yarn, spun lily yarn, etc.

By merging special treatments in the spinning stage with shape-forming processes during twisting, these yarns achieve even more complex and unique appearances.

④ Fancy Yarns Produced by Secondary Processing

Fancy yarns produced through secondary processing are created by applying additional treatments after the yarn has been spun.

Typical examples: air-intermingling, false twisting, gima (paper-like finish), konjac processing, tie dyeing, speck dyeing, etc.

These methods impart new properties or appearances to existing yarns, enabling a greater variety of designs and functionalities.

MONTELUCE’ｓ Fancy Yarns Collection

MONTELUCE offers a wide range of fancy yarns, including (excerpted examples):

Bouclé Yarn

PUFFⅡ

MALIA BOUCLE

Code Yarn

ANCENT

AMETHYST

SKY G

Lily Yarn

CLAIRE LIGHT

REVERSE SLUB LILY

VINTREK LILY

Knot Yarn

EIFFEL

KARUNA

Chenille Yarn

VELLUTO

Konjac Processing

PISA+e (S・Z)

In Summary

In this article, we explored the different categories of fancy yarns from the perspective of manufacturing methods. What do you think?

By taking advantage of the distinctive shapes and properties of each yarn, you can create truly one-of-a-kind textiles.

The examples of fancy yarns from MONTELUCE mentioned here are only a part of our full collection. If you are looking for specific yarns, please feel free to contact us!

References:
This article was created with reference to the following sources.

[1] https://rouranca.com/fancy-yarn

[2] https://all-about-textile.com/knowledge/what-is-fancy-yarn/

[3] https://www.ipros.jp/product/detail/2000140823/

[4] https://www.gosyo.co.jp/how-to-keito

[5] https://knittingbird.com/2012/02/27/961/

[6] https://makiharu.co.jp/contents/manufacture.html