Overview
ISO 2060:1994 - "Textiles - Yarn from packages - Determination of linear density (mass per unit length) by the skein method" - specifies the standardized laboratory procedure for measuring yarn linear density (tex) using the skein method. It applies to yarns from packages (single, folded/plied, and cabled yarns) with the exception of yarns that stretch excessively or have a linear density greater than 2 000 tex. The second edition (1994) replaces the 1972 edition and includes seven optional procedures for different conditioning and preparation methods.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope & limits
- Applicable to single, folded (plied) and cabled yarns in package form.
- Not applicable to yarns that stretch > 0.5% when tension (cN) per tex increases from 0.5 to 1.0.
- Not applicable to yarns > 2 000 tex.
- Skein method fundamentals
- Linear density calculated from measured mass and length of test skeins.
- Units: tex (report values to three significant figures).
- Conditioning and preparation
- Seven optional procedures (unscoured vs. scoured options) based on different conditioning and drying options - procedure chosen must be agreed by all parties because different procedures yield different values. Options 1, 3 and 7 are recommended.
- Preconditioning and conditioning use standard atmospheres per ISO 139 (typical: 20 °C, 65% RH).
- Test specimen lengths
- Recommended skein lengths:
- 200 m for yarns < 12.5 tex
- 100 m for yarns 12.5–100 tex
- 10 m for yarns > 100 tex
- Skein lengths and tolerances elaborated in Annex A.
- Apparatus & measurement
- Reel with traversing device (recommended perimeter 1 000 m ± 2.5 mm) and controlled winding tension.
- Ventilated drying oven (105 °C ± 3 °C) and balance with sensitivity ≈ 1:1 000 of specimen mass.
- Procedures for oven-dry mass, conditioned mass, cooling and weighing are specified.
Applications
- Routine yarn testing and quality control in textile manufacturing.
- Verification of vendor specifications and lot acceptance (commercial mass determinations).
- Laboratory testing for R&D, process control, and comparison of yarn batches.
- Combined testing: linear density results can be combined with skein strength or commercial mass tests if agreed skein lengths and corrections are used.
Who uses this standard
- Textile laboratories and testing services
- Yarn and fiber manufacturers
- Quality assurance managers and procurement teams
- Standards bodies and regulatory compliance groups
Related standards
- ISO 139 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
- ISO 1144 - Designation/units (Tex System)
- ISO 1139 - Designation of yarns
- ISO 1833 and referenced analytical standards for fiber composition
Keywords: ISO 2060:1994, skein method, linear density, tex, yarn testing, textiles standard, yarn quality control.