driedraad

Driedraad is a term occasionally encountered in Dutch-language textile and rope-making literature to refer to thread or filament that has been dried prior to subsequent processing. It is not standard modern Dutch; the usual term is gedroogd draad. In practice, dried draad denotes any fiber or wire that has been moisture-reduced to improve handling, storage, and processing performance.

Materials and methods: Dried draad can include natural fibers and synthetic fibers, as well as metal wire used in sewing or rope production. Drying reduces moisture content to prevent mold, tackiness, color bleed, and dimensional changes. Common drying methods include air-drying in controlled conditions, oven or tunnel drying at low to moderate temperatures, desiccants, and vacuum or infrared drying for delicate materials. The target moisture content depends on material but is generally kept low enough to maintain dimensional stability and productivity.

Applications and storage: Historically important in sailmaking, rope work, weaving, and finishing, dried draad improves consistency during winding, spinning, and sewing. In contemporary practice, the term is largely replaced by material-specific moisture specifications. Dried draad should be stored in dry, ventilated environments, sealed containers, and away from humidity; re-exposure to moisture can cause mildew, staining, or loss of tensile properties in some fibers.

Etymology and usage: The term appears in older Dutch texts and in some glossaries; it likely reflects an anglicism or a non-standard compound formed from dried and draad (thread). In modern Dutch, gedroogd draad or gedroogde vezels are preferred. See also: draad, textiel, gedroogd.