Thread is a type of yarn, and wool is a fibre. We consider fibres and strings to be the same things. But that’s wrong, so here are some fundamental differences between yarn and wool.
Key Takeaways
- Yarn is a generic term that refers to a long continuous length of interlocked fibers, whereas wool is a specific type of yarn made from the fleece of sheep or lamb.
- Yarn can be made from various materials such as cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers, while wool is a natural fiber from sheep.
- Yarn is primarily used for knitting, crocheting, and weaving, while wool has a wider range of applications, such as clothing, blankets, and carpets.
Yarn vs Wool
Wool is a natural fibre extracted from the fleece of sheep and other animals like goats, bison, etc. On the other hand, yarn is formed by processing any thread.
Yarn is a strand of fibre. They are made by spinning fibres together, creating a thick strand of yarn. It is very durable and has high strength compared to fibres.
Wool is a natural fibre extracted from the fleece of sheep and other animals. Animal fibre is prevalent all over the world for its warmth.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Yarn | Wool |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Made from fibres | Made by refining animal fleece |
| Type | Natural and synthetic both | Natural fibre |
| Usage | Used to make fabrics | Used to make woollen fibres. |
| Field Of Demand | Textile Industries | Fibre industries |
| Position of India in production (globally) | India secures a second position in the global production of cotton yarn. | India secures the ninth position in the production of wool. |
What is Yarn?
Yarn is made by spinning fibres together. Yarns are made from both natural and synthetic fibres.
Synthetic yarns such as nylon and polyester are made from polymers obtained from oil and chemicals. Yarns are used for weaving, knitting, sewing, and rope making.
Yarns are further classified into two types: staple and filament yarns. Staple cords are made from long fibres.
The word ‘yarn’ is derived from the Old English word garn, meaning string. Textile industries mainly use yarn for making fabrics.
What is Wool?
Wool is a natural fibre extracted from the fleece of sheep and other animals. It is also called a protein fibre, as wool comprises keratin protein.
Natural fibres like these are very soft, comfortable, slightly elastic, breathable, and do not need high maintenance. There are some steps to convert fleece to woollen textiles.
After that, the wool is cleaned to remove dirt, dust, and the dead skin of sheep.
Then they are carded with a metallic comb to straighten the fibres. After that, they are spun to form yarns.
Australia produces 25% of the global wool production. It is the first country with the highest wool production, followed by China, the US, New Zealand, etc. India secures a place in the top 10 list of the leading global wool producers.
Main Differences Between Yarn and Wool
- Wool is a natural fibre, and yarn can be made from natural and synthetic fibres.
- Yarn is made by spinning fibres together. On the other hand, wool is made from the fleece of sheep and other animals.
- Yarn is mainly used to make fabrics; wool is used to make woollen fibre and fabrics.
- Textile industries mainly use yarn, and wool is first sent to a refinery and fibre-making industries.
- China is the leading producer of cotton yarns in the world, followed by India and others. And Australia is the leading producer in the world, followed by China, New Zealand, India, and others.
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=EubnllIloNwC&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=wool&ots=OVI-AjdmS4&sig=y_bGmWFXCXCUQi_Dvm6D4G2onCQ
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301622604001757
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
This information could definitely be beneficial for those in the fibre industries.
Absolutely, understanding these materials is crucial for professionals in these fields.
Wool seems much more complex than yarn. The process to convert fleece to woollen textiles is fascinating.
Indeed, the level of production from different countries is incredible to see.
I’ve learned a lot from this article. Great work!
This is very informative! I had no idea there were so many differences between yarn and wool!
Right? It’s so interesting to learn about how these differences are determined.
Great article. I think it’s important to know the distinction between the two.
Absolutely! The more we know, the better we can appreciate these materials.
The detailed comparison between yarn and wool is very helpful for those in the textile industries.
Absolutely, this kind of information is highly valuable.
It’s great to see such well-researched content.
Interesting comparisons. The references provided are a great addition for those looking for further reading.
It’s a very well-researched article!
The details regarding wool and yarn production are quite enlightening.
Indeed, it’s impressive to see the global impact of these materials.
I’m glad to have a deeper understanding of this topic.
The comparisons made are quite intriguing. Well done!
I’m glad to have come across this. It’s a very well-executed piece of work.
This article truly broadens our understanding of yarn and wool.
I already knew some of this, but there’s so much more to learn!
I agree! I’m glad to have learned something new today.
It’s impressive how much depth there is to these topics.