Blend (textile)

A blend is a mixture of two or more fibers. In yarn spinning, different compositions, lengths, diameters, or colors may be combined to create a blend. Blended textiles are fabrics or yarns produced with a combination of two or more types of different fibers, or yarns to obtain desired traits and aesthetics. Blending is possible at various stages of textile manufacturing. The term, blend, refers to spun fibers or a fabric composed of such fibers. There are several synonymous terms: a combination yarn is made up of two strands of different fibers twisted together to form a ply; a mixture or mixed cloth refers to blended cloths in which different types of yarns are used in warp and weft sides. Union or union fabric was a 19th century term for a blended fabric. It is no longer used. Blending in textiles is an old practice which became more widespread after around 1980. Recognizing the growing popularity of blends, the Wool Bureau introduced the "Wool blend" mark in 1970 for blends containing a high percentage of wool. Viyella was the first branded blended textile, and it is the oldest blended flannel structure. It features a twill weave of wool and cotton, and due to the cotton content, it can be washed more easily than an all-wool flannel. An admixture of silk and cotton from Hindustan called Mashru is one of the earliest forms of "mixed cloth," . In the 12th century A.D., the industry was under the influence of Muslims. While Muslim men were not allowed to wear pure silk due to a religious admonition, a silk-and-cotton blend they made was permitted. It was known as "Mashru." Mashru was the name given to a group of mixed fabrics. Mashru is an Arabic word that literally means "permitted." Siamoise was a 17th-century cotton and linen material. Any fiber has the potential to contribute to a blended fabric depending upon the intended use. Continuous testing is carried out to determine the best fiber blends and the percentages that are best suited to specific uses.