Carding
CARDING
Carding is a process by which textile fibers are untangled 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 overlapping 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 untangling mattress wool fibers and making them softer, performed by mattress makers with special devices.
Wool mattresses should be carded and their covers washed at least once every three years, as this operation removes dust and preserves the wool longer. It is also important not to forget the comfort provided by a compact and elastic mattress maintained in perfect condition. Otherwise, the wool will clump, and the mattress will sag and deform.
CARDED
Refers to a fabric made of wool or other short natural fibers of varying length and fineness.
The process for preparing carded fabrics differs 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 proceeds, which is very thorough to ensure the different wools are perfectly blended.
The resulting wool web is then divided into strips, which are pressed and thus appear ready for spinning, without the subsequent combing and straightening operations of the fibers, which are instead performed on "combed" fabrics to improve their appearance and quality. Carded fabrics have a slightly fuzzy appearance and are soft to the touch.
