Is Thread Count Really The Best Sign Of Good Bedding?

October 29, 2010 by  
Filed under Bedroom

Thread count is a term that has become a popular form of defining the quality of linen in the past decade or two. While it is an important aspect of quality linen, it is by no means the only factor that determines if the linen that you are considering purchasing is in fact good bedding. There are other aspects such as the quality of the fiber used in manufacturing the sheets, the yarn size used in the weave and the way that the fabric is finished. Let’s look at these various aspects in some more detail.

Thread Count as a Measure of Quality

Thread count is defined as the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Technically speaking, a higher thread count usually indicates a finer weave, and therefore a higher quality of linen. However, when other aspects of quality are sacrificed for the sake of having a higher thread count and more affordable prices, it does not always result in higher quality linen being produced. Thread count often looks impressive as a number but in reality, there is little difference in the quality of thread counts that exceed 300. Sometimes a linen sheet with a thread count of just 270 may feel far superior to one that boasts of a thread count of 600, for example.

The Complexities of Thread Count and Weaving Fabric

The way that a higher thread count is achieved in the weave process is quite interesting. A typical weave will consist of a horizontal and vertical set of threads that are woven together. The vertical threads are referred to as the warp and the horizontal threads as the weft. In order to get a higher thread count, sometimes two-ply yarns are used. Multiple yarns can also be inserted into the weft. These multiple yarns are known as picks. Because industry standards define a yarn as a single thread regardless of whether it is a single-ply or two-ply yarn, most linen manufacturers use the method of single-ply yarns and add multiple picks to increase the thread count. Sometime manufacturers may use a two-ply yarn that doesn’t have sufficient yarn size. The result is a sheet that feels heavy like a blanket. In other attempts to increase the thread count, manufacturers may insert as many as eight picks into the weft. This number of picks serves no purpose other than to increase the thread count. It does not actually increase the quality of the linen. Rather, often the multiple picks can actually be seen and felt in the weave which means that even though it has a high thread count, it is actually inferior quality linen.

How Do Yarn Size, Finishing and Fiber Quality Affect the Quality of Linen?

A very fine piece of yarn will have high yarn size. Finer yarns are used to create fabrics with a softer, lighter and supple feel to them. In terms of linens, yarns with sizes of between 40 and 100 are generally used. In rare cases, a yarn size of 120 may be used, resulting in a luxurious type of linen being produced; however, this type of linen would also be very expensive. In terms of fiber quality, the most common type of fiber used for linen is cotton. Sometimes the cotton is blended with silk and other fibers but most often when talking about quality linens, people will be referring to 100 percent cotton fibers. The quality of the cotton is defined by staples which is the length of the cotton fiber. Egyptian cotton has a worldwide reputation for producing the highest quality cotton because it is mostly long staple cotton. The way that a piece of linen is finished off will also affect the quality of the linen. Typically, a quality linen with be finished off through the process of singeing and mercerizing. Mercerizing is a process that increases the strength of the fabric and it’s affinity for dye. It is a treatment that is performed under tension to achieve this. Singeing is a process that burns off the small bits of fuzz that are left on the fabric after weaving. This improves the quality and overall feel of the linen. Sometimes inferior quality linen is not finished off.

What Is a Good Indicator of High-Quality Linen?

While thread count, yarn size and fiber staples are good indicators of linen quality, ultimately it comes down to touch. If you are looking for high-quality linen, you want it to feel silky smooth and soft against your skin. Use thread count as a basic guide when shopping for linen but remember to also consider other aspects that define the quality of the linen.

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Learning About Deep Fitted Sheets

October 20, 2010 by  
Filed under Bedroom

I want to help you with your shopping. I have been through an experience recently that caused me a great deal of stress. All I wanted to do was buy some sheets for my bed and I was brought into the world of the single fitted sheet and deep fitted sheets!

I will tell you a little about me before I start. I live with my pregnant girlfriend and she is the one who usually tells me what we need to buy. Most of the time she goes out and buys it too. As she is pregnant she has ‘delegated’ me some tasks so I have had to get more involved. She recently wanted me to go and buy some bed sheets. I remember it distinctly and she never used the phrase ‘deep fitted sheets’.

Now I think that you would agree with me that this should be an easy task that should be over with very quickly. I went to the shops and bought a similar looking colour to the one we had. I made sure that it was for a double bed and even went a bit further and went for organic sheets.

When I am back home I decide to do something nice. I thought it would be a nice surprise for my girlfriend if the new sheets were on the bed when she came home so I set about changing the sheets. Try as I could I just couldn’t get the sheets on. No matter what angle I choose they just wouldn’t fit because the mattress was too big.

My girlfriend came back when the bed was in a state. It took her a a while to stop laugh and then told me I was stupid. She told me that I should’ve bought deep fitted sheets like she said. I am sure that she didn’t but she insists she did.

Now if you don’t want to return the sheets back to the shop in exchange for some deep fitted sheets (like me!), I would advise that you check the depth of your mattress before you go shopping.

Have you ever suffered problems and nightmares with deep fitted sheets before? To get all the latest news and trends about deep fitted sheets then please visit my website.

Choosing The Perfect A Silk Blanket

August 10, 2010 by  
Filed under Bedroom

Buying a silk comforter is usually a wise investment for many people. However, it is extremely important to learn as much as possible about silk so that you can care for it properly. It can be really frustrating on choosing the right comforter because of the many options that they come in. Let me guide you on what you should and shouldn’t do when buying your first silk comforter.

When conducting your search for your ideal silk comforter, the first thing that you should consider is if the merchant you intend to buy this particular product from offers any customer satisfaction guarantees or returns policy. The comfort and satisfaction that silk offers as a fabric is something that buyer must experience for first hand since this tends to be subjective.

Once you’ve finished confirming the policies for a possible return, it is also important to ensure that the silk comforter that you intend to purchase has the appropriate dimensions that would make it fit in nicely with your bed. Now a queen sized silk comforter would be a good choice if you can’t figure out anything specific since it’s compatible with any fully sized be.

The weight of the comforters filling is another thing that you need to think about. It is important to understand about the filling because different types will lead to different feelings and uses. Some filling is specifically good for making the silk comforter warmer when used in cold weather.

Mulberry silk is one of the best types of silk and should be something that you look out for when buying. It is probably one of the best types of silk because the Chinese have been making it for hundreds of years and have somewhat perfected it. It can even feel much better on your skin than wild silks that are sometimes not so silky.

Using my tips for buying a silk comforter will definitely help you so there is no need to get scared. There are a lot of other things you can consider when buying a silk comforter and now you have the information you need to buy exactly what you need for your home bed

Be sure to go to my other articles on woolrich blankets and thomasville bedding for cool bedding tips and ideas. The pillows and quilts on your bed are directly responsible for your comfort.

Baby Bedding Guide

February 27, 2010 by  
Filed under Bedroom

I love baby bedding, and I’m not just saying that. Bedding is one of the most important things for baby. Why? Because the bedding for your baby is a lot like a second womb for them. It is a safe place for them to rest and grow. No one wants their baby to get sick or catch a cold, so bedding it always something that should be looked at long and hard. Yeah, bedding is a big deal.

On a functional note, it is a good idea to really know what you are getting into as far as bedding goes. You have to take several factors into account when shopping for the right baby bedding. As new parents there are a few things you might not have thought of. Fear not though, we are here to help you out.

You need to start thinking multiple sets of baby bedding. This is important when you consider that you would be looking at several sheet changes a day sometimes. This might or might not happen, but like the Boyscouts, you should be prepared.

Make sure your sheets are plastic coated as well. Even if they are buy some rubber or plastic liners. This will save you a lot of trouble on clean up later, for spills and um, leaks. These can often be rinsed right off, which is much preferred to breaking out a small mattress and trying to rinse that down.

Temperature weighs in pretty heavy on making a choice with baby bedding as well. You should really consider the weather. Even if it is normally warm in your house, a small draft you don’t notice could be a huge wind to your baby. By the same token, in cooler weather, stick with cotton and shy away from the flannels some.

Matching is important to some people. Who wants their baby to look like a hobo or some sort of infant riff raff? Here’s is a thought though, if you have a themed nursery, stick with it on your bedding as well (duh) but also think about all of your bedding being able to be mixed and matched. This way you can just replace parts as you go.

Finally we’re down to the nitty-gritty and have to discuss matching furniture. If you decide that absolutely everything has to match then by all means feel free. Just remember that at least once or twice out of the week they will not. Again this goes to the theme of your nursery. If you do decide this is a have to, stick with solids and save yourself some hassle. Nothing is worse than a Tigger room with Sponge Bob sheets. Perhaps discussing this with people before the shower is a good idea. Yup.

So remember when thinking about baby bedding to think over functionality first then think about what you need as far as design goes and finish up by being prepared with extras. Realistically, baby honestly won’t care. But your friends will say things like “awww” a lot and that makes everyone happy. Buying baby bedding can be a journey, but it doesn’t have to be a long and hard one.

Zeeman Haus enjoys writing articles online on a variety of subjects. You can check out his latest website on Playard Bassinet which reviews and lists the best playards with bassinets for your baby.

How to Shop for Flannel Sheets

February 7, 2010 by  
Filed under Bedroom

Flannel sheets are the perfect winter accessories for any bed. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to make your bed feel more inviting and cozy, consider investing in a few new flannel sheet sets. They are priced comparably to regular cotton, but their softness, durability and comfort makes them a more attractive alternative for many. For those who are investing in their first set of flannel sheets, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when looking for the perfect set.

Something that is occasionally overlooked in the store, but that has a big impact on customer satisfaction, is a sheet’s washing instructions. Flannel is typically easy to care for, and may be washed without adjusting your machine’s settings. For best results, always invest in sets that may be washed with your other loads and that features colorfast dyes to prevent fading or staining. One should always avoid detergents with bleach when washing sheets, as they may make them age and fade more quickly than a non-bleach detergent would. Do be aware that brighter colors do tend to fade more quickly that earthy neutrals, so keep this in mind when selecting the sheet set that is right for you.

There are three types of fibers from which flannel sheets are generally made: cotton, wool or synthetic. Which fiber type you choose is really a matter of personal preference, but there are some general truths about each that should be considered before ultimately choosing. Synthetic fibers are often the least expensive option, but they are also generally thinner and less soft than others. Cotton remains popular, both for its ability to be washed as well as its reputation for retaining softness even after a lot of use. Before buying, always make sure that your cotton sheet is thick enough to seem durable. Some flannel sheet devotees like the feel of wool. While it is certainly the warmest choice, it can be more expensive and time consuming to maintain.

Durability is a big concern for most people when choosing which sheet set is right for them. One of the best ways to determine a sheet’s durability is to examine the thickness of the fabric. Looking at the thread count listed on the label can help guide your search, but there are other ways to determine thickness as well. Hold the sheet you are considering up to the light. If it is nearly transparent, it may be best to opt for a thicker sheet. If however it is difficult to make out shapes through the fabric, it is probably thick enough to last through many washings and uses.

The popularity of flannel sheets means that they may now be purchased almost anywhere that sheets are sold. If you are looking for bargains, online retailers may be the best bet. For those who prefer to shop locally, take advantage of seasonal white sales to stock up on high quality sheets for a fraction of their regular price. Though generally more expensive than standard cotton sheets, their increased comfort and durability makes them a great choice for any budget. When shopping, always remember to buy sheets in the appropriate size to ensure your satisfaction.

Flannel Sheets World provides consumers with the best info and resources regarding your flannel sheets needs. Why notcheck us out today and check out the luxurious warmth of flannel!