ASTM D1059-17 (2022) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D1059-17 (reapproved 2022) — Standard Test Method for Yarn Number Based on Short‑Length Specimens. This procedure describes a method for estimating yarn number (linear density) using short segments raveled from packages or from fabrics where intact yarns can be removed; results are considered approximations when short‑length specimens are used.

Abstract

This test method provides a practical procedure to determine yarn number for cotton, woolen, worsted and man‑made fiber yarns when only short lengths are available (for example, taken from fabrics). It is not applicable to napped or cut‑pile fabrics; where greater precision is required the skein method (Test Method D1907) is recommended. The method is intended for yarns that do not exhibit excessive stretch under the specified tensions and should be treated as an approximation of yarn linear density for short‑length specimens.

General information

• Status: Reapproved 2022 (current reapproval of D1059‑17).
• Publication date: Original designation D1059‑17 (2017); reapproved / republished in 2022 (designation often shown as D1059‑17R22).
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 59.080.20 — Yarns / Textiles.
• Edition / version: D1059‑17 (reapproved 2022; sometimes referenced as D1059‑17R22).
• Number of pages: 6 pages.

Scope

The standard covers determination of yarn number (linear density) for all types of cotton, woolen, worsted and man‑made fiber yarns taken from packages or from fabrics where intact yarns can be removed in measurable lengths. It is explicitly not applicable to yarns raveled from napped or cut‑pile fabrics. Because the procedure uses short‑length specimens, results are approximations; for more precise determinations the skein (long‑length) method (ASTM D1907) should be used. The method is intended for yarns that stretch less than about 5% under the specified tensions unless mutually agreed modifications are made.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen preparation and removal of short yarn segments from packages or fabrics; guidance on measurable lengths and acceptable sources of specimens.
• Restrictions and limitations — not suitable for napped or cut‑pile fabrics; results are approximate because of short specimen length.
• Tension and stretch considerations — applicability limited for yarns that stretch more than specified (approx. 5%) unless agreed adjustments are used.
• Calculation and expression of yarn number in common yarn‑count systems (linear density reporting conventions).
• References to alternative or more precise methods (e.g., ASTM D1907 skein method and other fiber‑specific methods such as D541, D578, D681).

Typical use and users

This test method is used by textile laboratories, quality‑control and inspection teams, yarn and fabric manufacturers, R&D groups, and standards/compliance professionals when only short yarn lengths are available (for example from fabric raveling or limited samples). It is suitable for quick, approximate determinations of linear density but not intended as the definitive method for contract acceptance when full skein testing is feasible.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards and methods include ASTM D1907 (Skein method for linear density/yarn number), earlier and related ASTM specifications for specific fibers (D541, D578, D681), and international equivalents such as ISO 2060 (skein method for linear density). D1059 has historical editions (D1059‑97, D1059‑01) and was updated/reapproved as D1059‑17 (reapproved 2022).

Keywords

yarn number, yarn linear density, short‑length specimens, textile testing, skein method (D1907), yarn count, D1059, yarn measurement, ASTM, ICS 59.080.20

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1059‑17 (reapproved 2022) is a test method that defines how to estimate yarn number (linear density) from short‑length specimens raveled from packages or fabrics where intact yarns can be removed.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen removal, basic measurement procedures and calculations for estimating yarn number from short segments, notes limitations (not for napped/cut‑pile fabrics), and points users to more precise methods (ASTM D1907) when needed.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Textile and yarn laboratories, QC/acceptance inspectors, manufacturers and R&D personnel who need an approximate yarn linear‑density value from limited or short samples.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D1059 procedure was issued as D1059‑17 and has been reapproved in 2022 (often cited as D1059‑17R22). It replaces earlier withdrawn editions (for example the 2001/1997 editions are superseded). Users should check ASTM or national standards bodies for the latest status if absolute currency is required.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within ASTM’s textiles committee outputs (Book Vol. 07.01 / Committee D13) and is commonly used alongside related yarn linear‑density methods (notably ASTM D1907) and fiber‑specific specifications (D541, D578, D681). Internationally, comparable skein‑method guidance exists in ISO 2060.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Yarn number, linear density, short‑length specimens, yarn count, textile testing, skein method, D1059, D1907, ICS 59.080.20.