How much do you know about bedding?

Bedding is so close to our daily life and we spend one third of our life in bed. But how much do you really know about bedding. Today I'd like to talk some basis of bedding, that is thread count.
Thread count is probably the most advertised attribute for bed linens, yet it is not a very accurate indicator of true quality. Thread count is simply the number of yarns in a square inch of fabric. In prior years when thread counts used to range no higher than 350, the higher the thread count, the lighter, more supple, and durable the fabric.
Through technological advancements in weaving, thread counts can now range to over 1200. Therefore, the rule of thumb that more is better no longer holds true. To reach thread counts of more than 400, fabrics are woven with multiplied yarns or multi-yarn insertions. In weaving, the simplest type of weave is a plain weave in which each single yarn alternately cross over and under another. When using plied yarns in a plain weave, two or more yarns are twisted together to make one single yarn, which is then woven horizontally over and under a vertical yarn. Multiple yarn insertions are produced with multiple single yarns, aligned horizontally side by side, and woven at the same time over and under one vertical yarn.
Fabrics made with multiple ply yarns will be heavier than those made with single yarns. Fabrics made with multiple yarn insertions will be lighter than fabrics made with multiply, but too many inserted yarns can result in a less durable fabric. The most durable fabrics are those made with single ply construction, which also results in a lighter and softer bed linen.
Knowing the quality of the cotton fibers is often more important than just the thread count. When considering flannel sheets, the weight of the fabric and quality of the cotton is more important than the thread count.
Cotton is the oldest but the most popular and welcomed fabrics for bedding. As the technology develops, so many high tech fabrics come into being, such as viscose, rayon and so on. But it doesn't make a difference of cotton's position in the textile world.http://www.weiku.com/search/?key=bedding&cid=0