Thread count unravelled

Although thread count is only part of the story when it comes to the quality of bed linen, it is one aspect that often needs explaining.

Thread count refers to the number of yarns woven into each square inch of fabric. The fibres are counted across both the length (warp) and the width (weft) and then added together. If finer threads, such as those created with Egyptian Cotton, are used, more can be woven into a square inch, producing a higher thread count. Generally, the higher the thread count, the higher the price and the more luxurious the fabric.

Ply is also referred to when considering thread count and relates to the number of threads that are wrapped together to form a single thread. So single-ply fabrics use only one thread, whereas two-ply use two that have been wrapped together and as a result doubles the thread count of the fabric.

If you are not sure what measure of thread count you should be looking for, fine quality crisper cotton sheets usually come in a 300 percale weave, or for a softer, silky finish, choose a 500 thread count sateen weave. Any bed linen of a 300 thread count or more offers excellent quality and feel.

However, thread count isn’t the only consideration when choosing bed linen, the length of the fibres also has an effect on the quality of the fabric. Egyptian Cotton, such as that used at Josephine Home, usually has longer, finer fibres that can be spun into threads and will create a superior fabric.

If you’re still not sure of which to choose, why not try them out? Josephine Home has 500 thread count fitted and flat sheets from the Classic Bed Linen Collection, as well as 300 thread count sheets from the Island Bed Linen Collection and 600 and 1000 thread count available to order.