What is yarn count? Explain the direct and indirect systems of yarn numbering.

1. 1 · Open in two lines. Yarn count is a number that expresses the fineness of a yarn as a relation between its length and weight. There are direct and indirect systems.
2. 2 · Direct system.
   • Fixed length, weight measured; higher number = coarser.
   • Tex: g per 1,000 m; decitex: g per 10,000 m.
   • Denier: g per 9,000 m (silk, filaments).
3. 3 · Indirect system.
   • Fixed weight, length measured; higher number = finer.
   • English cotton count: 840-yd hanks per lb.
   • Metric count: km per kg; worsted: 560-yd hanks per lb.
4. 4 · Draw a summary table. [Table: system, type, definition, used for]
5. 5 · Worked example. 450 m weighing 1.5 g: 1.5 × 9,000 ÷ 450 = 30 denier; 1.5 × 1,000 ÷ 450 = 3.33 tex. Denier = 9 × tex.
6. 6 · Daily-life link. Denier on stocking labels; 2/40s mercerised thread for stitching uniforms; coarser yarns for hard-wearing hospital sheets.
7. 7 · Close in one line. Count tells how fine a yarn is, which shapes the fabric's weight, feel and use.

Scoring tip: Always state whether a system is direct or indirect and what a bigger number means; then show one calculation with units.