Bed Sheet Thread Count Fact Sheet

Thread count is an important consideration to take when choosing a new set of bed sheets, but it should not be used as a sole indicator of quality. Equally important in choosing a bed sheet is the type and quality of the materials used as well as the fabric's weave. If you're searching for great bedding, look at the bed sheet thread count fact sheet below.

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1. Tallying it up: Thread count simply describes how many individual yarns are woven together in one square inch of a sheet's fabric. For example, if a square inch of fabric in a 300-thread count sheet with a standard weave were examined closely, 150 vertical threads and 150 horizontal threads would be counted, for a sum total of 300. Sheets with a high thread count (more than 200) are more desirable from a consumer perspective. However, many more factors can enhance the comfort and durability of sheets than thread count alone.
   
2. Woven-in comfort: The type of weave used in bed sheets can serve an ornamental purpose (such as in the case of jacquard sheets), but it can also alter the texture of the sheet and result in a more durable fabric. Sateen-woven sheets are constructed in a four-yarn-over, one-yarn-under weave, which gives the fabric its glossy appearance and satiny texture. Sheets with a pinpoint weave are constructed with two yarns over and one under. While somewhat less silky than a sateen weave, these sheets are slightly more durable, as fewer yarns are exposed on the fabric's surface. Percale-woven sheets are constructed so that each yarn is woven over and under the next to produce a fabric that's both resilient and comfortable.
   
3. Spinning a yarn: In addition to thread count, an important consideration when selecting sheets is the type of material used in their construction. Polyester-cotton blend sheets and 100-percent polyester satin sheets are extremely low-maintenance; they wash well and emerge from the dryer wrinkle-free. However, the downside to many polyester or polyester-blend sheets is that they don't "breathe" as well as those made of 100-percent cotton, which wick away moisture from the body. The highest-quality cotton types are Egyptian, Supima and Pima, which are made from extra-long staple (ELS) cotton. The longer yarns used to make these sheets result in a fabric that's not only extremely durable but becomes suppler over the course of many launderings.
   
4. Making the grade: Thread count isn't only a measure of a bed sheet's comfort, it attests to a sheet's ability to withstand snags and tears. For most consumers, what constitutes as an acceptable count is arbitrary; a 200-thread-count bed sheet may suffice well for some, while others may desire a thread count of 400 or higher. A simple test to ascertain thread count is to hold the material up against a light source. If the fabric appears opaque with no points of light shining through the gaps in the weave, the thread count is sufficient. Sheets with a low thread count permit easy visualization of the weave pattern when the fabric is placed under a strong light. Sheets with a high thread count have a flat, smooth surface; the weave itself may be difficult to see.
   
5. Final considerations: Thread count being equal, consumers should also look at the additional "perks" they want in their bed sheets. Polyester sheets or polyester blends may wrinkle less but might not provide the breathable quality of natural cotton. Cotton sheets with a sateen weave yield a silkier fabric with a glossy luster. Supima or Pima sheets, or those made of Egyptian cotton, provide a softer, suppler texture as well as offering built-in endurance that gives them a longer bed life. Ultimately, the choice lies with you. Regardless of thread count, the sheet's fabric should appear uniform and feel smooth to the touch.
   

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This article was written by Staff Writer from Overstock.com