Sekoitelangat

Sekoitelangat, or blend yarns, are yarns made by combining two or more types of fibers into a single strand. The goal of blending is to balance desirable properties of each component, such as strength, softness, color, and cost, to produce a yarn with characteristics that suit specific end uses. In Finnish textile terminology, sekoitelangat refers to these mixed-fiber yarns, often contrasted with single-fiber or pure yarns.

Common blends include cotton with polyester, cotton with viscose, wool with nylon or polyester, and blends of natural with synthetic fibers. The proportions vary (for example 50/50 or 65/35) to achieve targeted performance, such as improved wrinkle resistance, enhanced durability, or altered hand feel. Blends can influence dye uptake, colorfastness, moisture management, and thermal properties.

Manufacturing typically involves blending fibers before or during carding and combing, followed by spinning through ring, rotor, or air-jet processes. Yarn construction can be a simple single ply, a spun plied yarn, or a core-spun arrangement where one fiber provides the core while another adds surface properties. Blended yarns may also be used in ply or fancy constructions for added texture or optical effects.

Applications span apparel, home textiles, and technical fabrics. They are widely used to reduce material costs while maintaining performance, or to achieve specific aesthetics such as luster or softness. Potential drawbacks include differential shrinkage, dyeing variations, or changes in feel over time, depending on the blends involved.

See also: Yarns, Fiber blends, Textile manufacturing.