Carding

CARDING

Carding is a process by which textile fibers are disentangled and simultaneously freed from any foreign bodies before spinning. This operation can be done by hand or mechanically: in both cases, special devices equipped with curved metal points, called "carding combs," are used. These points are fixed on two boards, one of which is movable; by superimposing the boards and imparting movement to the upper one, the points separate the fiber filaments, acting just like the teeth of a comb. There are some differences between the devices used for carding different textile fibers. The term "carding" is also used to indicate the operation of disentangling mattress wool fibers to make them softer, and it is performed by mattress makers with special devices. Wool mattresses should undergo carding and subsequent washing of the covers at least once every three years because this operation removes dust and preserves the wool longer. One should also not forget the comfort provided by a compact and elastic mattress kept in perfect condition. Otherwise, the wool separates into lumps, and the mattress sags and deforms. CARDED Refers to a fabric made of wool or other short natural fibers of varying length and fineness. The process for preparing carded fabrics is different from that used to obtain "combed" fabrics, which are much finer and will be discussed later. First, the wools are freed from impurities with a special treatment called "carbonization," then they undergo initial untangling and then washing in hot water and detergent. After drying, carding is performed very carefully so that the different wools mix perfectly with each other. The wool web that forms is then divided into narrow strips, which are pressed and thus appear ready for spinning, without the subsequent combing and drawing operations of the fibers, which are performed with "combed" fabrics to improve their appearance and quality. Carded fabrics have a slightly hairy appearance and are soft to the touch. florencecashmereyarn.com