Sley Chart   •   Sett Chart   •   Yarn Amounts   •   Fiber Content   Fiber Content This test is run by burning a small quantity of the unknown yarn. Note the properties of the burn. Does the fiber melt? Ignite readily? What does the ash look like? The smell? Cross reference in the following table to determine fiber content. Be reminded that all animal fiber can not be distinguished from one another. Therefore wool will react the same as angora, camel, vicuna, alpaca, etc. FIBER MELTING WHEN IN FLAME OUT OF FLAME ODOR ASH COTTON Doesn't melt Ignites readily Continues to burn, smolders, smokes Burning Paper Light gray ash LINEN (and other bast fibers Doesn't melt Ignites readily Continues to burn Burning paper Fine gray or white ash VISCOSE Rayon Doesn't melt Ignites readily Continues to burn Burning paper Small amount of gray ash WOOL Scorches Burns slowley Self extinguishing Burnt hair or feathers Bead, crushes to a gritty black powder SILK Scorches Burns slowly Self extinguishing Burnt hair Bead, crushes to a gritty black powder ACETATE Melts away from flame Ignites after melting Continues to burn Vinegar Dark, solid bead ACRYLIC Melts Ignites, smoky Continues to burn Fishy Hard, brittle NYLON Melts in droplets Melts before igniting Self extinguishing Celery Gray or beige bead POLYESTER Melts in droplets Melts before igniting. Burns with black smoke Continues to burn but self extinguishing Sweetish, chemical Dark, hard bead back to top About the Guild | Our History | NYGH Meetings | Gallery Our Library | Events & Activities | Weaving Resources Weaver's Tools | Marketplace | Contact Us | Home The New York Guild of Handweavers • NYGHandweavers@aol.com P.O. Box 1623, Madison Square Station • New York, NY 10159