So what IS Tencel™ and Ringspun Cotton yarn exactly?
I get asked a lot about the type of yarn that I carry, and the recommended sett for the yarn in my shop. So here's some details about what I carry:
- I carry three types of yarn in my shop:
- 5/2 Tencel™, recommended sett 16-20 epi
- 8/2 Tencel™, recommended sett 18-24 epi
- 8/2 Ringspun Cotton; recommended sett 18-24 epi
The sett you choose will depend on the weaving pattern. Twills need to be sett more densely than plain weave.
Get to Know Tencel™ and Ringspun Cotton Yarn
Tencel™ and cotton are both "cellulose fibers," meaning they are derived from plants.
- Tencel™ is a brand name for lyocell, produced by Lenzing. It is a type of rayon made with eucalyptus, beech, or spruce wood pulp.
All rayons are extruded man-made fibers made from wood pulps. Bamboo yarn, for example, is a rayon made from extruded bamboo pulp. While a lot of water and solvents tend to be used to make rayon, Tencel™ is unique in that it is made in a closed-loop system. The solvents and water are reused, producing a lot less waste and pollution than other rayons. (Lenzing also have other interesting practices, including a biorefinery turning waste into useful products and self-sustaining renewable energy. Here is more info about that if you're interested!)
- Ringspun Cotton: The spinning process for this type of yarn produces a yarn that is very soft, lightweight and smooth, much more so than standard cotton. It is also strong and unmercerized (it has a matte finish), making it great for anything from fashionable wearables to beautiful towels.
Tencel™ has a satin sheen, somewhat like silk, and takes up dye especially well. The colors on Tencel™ are very vibrant. Tencel™ also has an exceptional drape. It is a very dense yarn, with no elasticity, making it ideal as a strong warp yarn.
The Ringspun Cotton is a warm white and has a matte finish, so it tends to be more subdued in color vibrancy. It can still be quite colorful! It has a bit more loft, and is very absorbent.