Thomas Hegerty

Hemp is back in the spotlight for textiles, nonwovens and composites. Yet labs and mills still face a basic problem: how to measure fineness and length consistently . Unlike wool, bast fibres lack a single, trade-standard method that everyone follows for micron/width and true length distribution. Recent reviews emphasise fragmented methods, challenging sample prep, and inconsistent outputs . ( MDPI ) This guide summarises what’s commonly measured today, where the gaps are, and a practical,...

When fibre measurements drive grading, contracts or genetics, method clarity matters. Two IWTO procedures sit at the centre of reliable results: IWTO-47  — measures the mean and distribution of fibre diameter  using an Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser (OFDA) . ( member.iwto.org ) IWTO-62  — determines fibre length distribution  (true length) and diameter in wool top & slivers  using the OFDA4000 . ( member.iwto.org ) Below is a plain-English walkthrough of what each covers (and doesn’t), how...

Flax has earned its place in modern textiles for performance and sustainability, but consistent linen quality still depends on what’s...