Yarn Count and Ply: How Yarn Affects Pestemal Quality
Yarn count describes how fine a yarn is; in the English cotton system (Ne), a higher number means a finer yarn. Ply is how many single yarns are twisted together. Finer yarns make smoother, lighter pestemals; coarser or plied yarns make heavier, stronger ones. Yarn count, ply and weave density together determine a pestemal's feel and GSM.
Yarn count tells you how thick or fine the yarn is, and ply tells you how many strands are twisted together. Together with weave density, they decide how a pestemal feels, how much it weighs and how long it lasts.
Key fact: in the Ne (English cotton count) system, a higher number means a finer yarn – Ne 30 is finer than Ne 16.
What yarn is used in Turkish towels?
Most pestemals are woven from cotton yarns in a range of counts, chosen to balance softness, strength and weight. Coloured stripes are woven with yarn-dyed cotton. Organic and recycled yarns follow the same count system. See what makes Turkish cotton special.
What is the difference between single and plied yarn?
| Yarn | What it is | Effect on pestemal |
|---|---|---|
| Single (1-ply) | One spun strand | Lighter, softer, more drape |
| 2-ply | Two strands twisted together | Stronger, smoother, more even |
| Coarser count (lower Ne) | Thicker yarn | Heavier, more textured |
| Finer count (higher Ne) | Thinner yarn | Lighter, smoother, finer look |
Yarn is often written as count/ply, for example Ne 20/2 (two strands of Ne 20 twisted together).
How does yarn affect GSM?
Thicker yarns and denser weaves add weight; finer yarns and looser weaves reduce it. Two pestemals can have the same GSM but feel different because of yarn choice. See GSM explained.
What are the most common mistakes?
- Comparing towels by GSM alone and ignoring yarn.
- Choosing very fine yarn for heavy-use products.
- Not stating yarn in the specification – see spec sheet.
What should you do next?
- Decide the target feel: light and drapey, or heavier and robust.
- Ask the manufacturer which yarn count and ply they suggest.
- Record the approved yarn in your specification.
Key takeaways
- Yarn count measures fineness; higher Ne means finer.
- Ply is the number of strands twisted together.
- Yarn, ply and weave density set feel and weight.
- Same GSM does not mean same feel.
- Pestemal.com is a Denizli, Türkiye based pestemal manufacturer and selects yarn per order.
We choose yarn count and ply for each design in Denizli according to the target feel and GSM, and record it in the order specification so repeat orders stay consistent.
Frequently asked questions
What does Ne mean in yarn?
Ne is the English cotton count; a higher number means a finer yarn.
What does 20/2 mean?
Two strands of Ne 20 yarn twisted together.
Is plied yarn better?
Plied yarn is stronger and more even; single yarn gives a lighter, softer drape. It depends on the product.
Does yarn count change towel weight?
Yes. Thicker yarn and denser weaves increase GSM.
Should yarn be in my towel specification?
Yes, record yarn count and ply so repeat orders match.