ISO 8159:2025 – Textiles Fibre and Yarn Morphology Vocabulary

Full title: Textiles – Morphology of fibres and yarns – Vocabulary

Published by: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

ICS Classification:

01.040.59 – Textile and leather technology (Vocabularies)

59.060.01 – Textile fibres in general

59.080.20 – Yarns

Purpose:

ISO 8159:2025 defines the principal terms used to describe how textile fibres are assembled up to and including cabled yarns. It provides a standardized, general-purpose vocabulary for textile fibres and yarns, supporting consistent terminology in engineering, production, quality control, R&D, and documentation. Fibre-specific terms (hemp, silk, glass, metal, carbon, etc.) and manufacturing/process terminology are excluded.

Scope

Standardizes vocabulary for textile fibres and yarns, including:

Staple fibres, filaments, slivers, roving, and yarn types

Constructive forms: single, plied, folded, cabled yarns

Composite and novelty yarns: core-spun, fancy yarns (slub, knot, caterpillar, chenille, loop, boucle, braid, spiral yarns)

Supports production, quality, documentation, and cross-border trade

Excludes fibre-specific terms, property measurement terminology, and manufacturing/process vocabulary

Key Topics

Category	Examples / Terms
Core fibre definitions	Textile fibre, staple fibre, filament, tow, sliver/top, card web, flock
Yarn taxonomy	Roving, spun yarn, bulked spun yarn, filament yarn, textured filament yarn, tape yarn, fibrillated tape yarn
Constructive forms	Single yarn, multiple wound yarn, folded/plied yarn, cabled yarn
Composite / novelty yarns	Core-spun, wrapped/fasciated yarn, slub, knot, caterpillar, chenille, loop, boucle/gimp, braid, spiral yarn
Morphological scheme	Annex A illustrates relationships among fibre and yarn forms from a production perspective (informative)

Recommended Testing Instruments

Although ISO 8159:2025 is a vocabulary standard, laboratories and production facilities use the following instruments to observe, measure, and document fibre and yarn morphology, ensuring consistent application of terminology:

Instrument / Equipment	Purpose / Application
Optical Microscope	Observe fibre length, diameter, surface structure, and cross-section; essential for staple fibre and filament analysis
Stereomicroscope / Dissecting Microscope	Examine yarn twisting, plied structures, cabled yarns, and novelty yarn features (slub, knot, loop, etc.)
Digital Imaging System / Microscope Camera	Capture high-resolution images of fibres and yarns for documentation, reports, and morphological comparisons
Fibre Length and Diameter Analyzer	Automated measurement of staple fibre length, distribution, and fineness
Yarn Twist Tester / Twist Writability Tester	Measure yarn twist, ply direction, and consistency for spun, plied, and cabled yarns
Tensile / Strength Tester	Optional for mechanical behavior evaluation, distinguishing functional categories of yarns
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)	Detailed surface morphology and microstructural observation of fibres, filaments, and composite yarns
Fibre Preparation Tools	Carding machine, combing equipment, and sample holders to prepare slivers, tops, and yarns for observation
Morphological Documentation Software	Annotate, measure, and classify fibre/yarn images in line with ISO 8159 terminology; supports reporting and training

Notes:

These instruments are not mandatory under ISO 8159, but they support practical use of the vocabulary.

Useful in laboratory reference collections, R&D labs, quality control departments, and educational institutions.

Helps ensure consistent terminology adoption across production, testing, and design workflows.

Applications and Users

Textile engineers and product developers: Standardize design specifications and production briefs

Quality managers and procurement teams: Ensure consistent terminology in contracts and supplier communications

Laboratories and testing bodies: Reference consistent vocabulary in reports

Technical writers, educators, and trainers: Prepare manuals, curricula, and training materials

Standards committees and regulators: Align national or industry vocabularies

Practical uses: Product specifications, technical documentation, labeling, R&D communication, and cross-border trade to avoid misunderstandings

Related Standards

Standard	Relevance
ISO 8160:1987	Historical reference: Textured filament yarns – Vocabulary
ISO/IEC Directives	For editorial guidance and standard development context

Professional Instrument Manufacturer

Qinsun Instruments is a professional testing instrument manufacturer, providing a full range of microscopy, fibre/yarn analysis, and imaging equipment to support ISO 8159:2025 fibre and yarn morphology standards. Our instruments allow textile engineers, quality managers, and laboratories to observe, measure, and classify fibres and yarns consistently according to international terminology.

For professional solutions or technical support, contact us today.

2026-01-04 16:53