What is Warp and Weft? Warp is the thread of yarn running (lengthwise) in a sheet or towel and weft is the thread running (widthwise) in a sheet or towel. What is Thread Count? Thread count is simply a measure of how many threads warp (lengthwise) and weft (widthwise) and woven into one square inch (American and European standard) or per ten square centimeters (Australian standard) of fabric. For example a 280-thread count European standard would equal roughly a 250-thread count Australian standard. So please check your specifications! What is Egyptian Cotton? Egyptian cotton is acknowledged as the best quality, longest staple cotton in the world. Although historically it came from Egypt, today “Egyptian Cotton” is produced in other countries. Check the Quality of your sheets and towels! Fine linen begins with fine cotton, and the quality of the cotton depends on the lengths of individual fibers, or staples-the longer the staple the better the quality cotton. Longer staples can be combed finer to remove more small fibers, allowing the cotton to be spun into a finer textured thread with more tensile strength, and woven into a softer, more lustrous fabric. What is Carded and Combed Cotton? Once raw cotton is blended and cleaned it is “carded”, to remove any short staples and dirt that can cause yarn breakage in weaving. While carding will remove some 5 percent of the fibers, combing is much more thorough, removing a further 10 to 15 percent. This leaves the longest staples ready for spinning into yarn that is stronger and finer to touch yarn that will produce a higher quality towel or sheet as in Killarney’s made to order range of sheets and towels. What is Shrinkage? Fibers spun into yarn are under constant tension during the weaving process. There physical condition is changed, but not permanently fixed: the fibers tend to revert back to there original state causing shrinkage. Shrinkage is inevitable; the amount though depends on the quality of the cotton and the machinery used in the manufacture of the item. Please check your standards for allowable shrinkages. What is Cotton Sateen? The way in which a fabric is woven also has an effect on the feel. The Killarney cotton sateen stripe and check sheets and quilt covers for example are softer than those with a classic linen weave. A satin weave has more warp threads on the top surface resulting in a silk like touch and appealing luster.