Tvinnning

Tvinnning is the process of converting fibers into yarn or cord by twisting them together. In textile terminology, twisting aligns fibers and provides tensile strength. It can be done by twisting a single fiber or strand to form spun yarn, or by twisting several strands together in a ply to create a stronger yarn or twine. The direction of twist is often described as S-twist or Z-twist, which influences the behavior of the yarn and how it should be plied or used.

Materials used in tvinnning range from natural fibers such as wool, cotton, flax and hemp to synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester. The choice of fiber, moisture content, and desired fabric or rope properties determine the twist level and method. Tvinnning can be performed by hand, using tools such as a drop spindle or spinning wheel, or by industrial machinery in factories that produce yarns for textiles, rope and twines.

Process variations include the preparation of fibers (carding and combing), the production of roving or top, and the subsequent spinning and/or plying steps. Spun yarns may be categorized by thickness and hairiness, while plied yarns gain strength through the combined twists of their component strands. In rope-making, multiple yarns are twisted together to form cords and lines.

Historically, tvinnning has been central to textile and maritime industries, enabling the production of cloth, nets and rope. Today, it remains a fundamental technique in hand spinning and industrial textile production, with applications ranging from artisanal crafts to high-volume fibre processing.