ISO 1139-1973 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 1139:1973 — Textiles — Designation of yarns. Defines notation and presentation for indicating yarn composition and key identifying characteristics (linear density, filament count, etc.) for single, folded, cabled and multiple-wound yarns.

Abstract

Describes two methods of indicating the composition of yarns, including the use of the Tex system for linear density and the indication of the number of filaments for filament yarns. The original 1973 edition excludes certain special yarn types (fancy, textured, bulked, wrapped-core yarns). The 2025 revision extends the notation to include direction and amount of twist and number of folds.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (replaced by ISO 1139:2025).
• Publication date: 1973-09 (Edition 1).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 59.080.20 (Yarns / Textiles).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1973); revised by Edition 2 (ISO 1139:2025).
• Number of pages: 5 (original 1973 publication).

Scope

The original 1973 standard specifies notation for identifying yarns by composition and linear density (Tex) and for indicating filament count in filament yarns, except for certain special yarn types. The 2025 revision specifies two notation methods for single, folded, cabled or multiple-wound yarns and adds requirements for indicating direction and amount of twist and the number of folds; it also clarifies which yarn types are excluded (fancy, textured, bulked, wrapped-core and other special-feature yarns).

Key topics and requirements

• Notation of yarn composition (fibre components and basic identification rules).
• Expression of linear density using the Tex system.
• Indication of filament yarn characteristics (number of filaments); exceptions for special yarns.
• (2025 revision) Indication of direction and amount of twist and number of folds in yarns.
• Rules for presentation/ordering of information on technical data and labels for yarns.

Typical use and users

Used by textile and yarn manufacturers, quality and testing laboratories, product labelling and procurement teams, textile technologists, standards committees and specifiers to ensure consistent identification and communication about yarn construction and key properties.

Related standards

Standards commonly used alongside ISO 1139 include methods for linear density and twist: ISO 2060 (Yarns from packages — determination of linear density by the skein method) and ISO 2061 (Determination of twist in yarns — direct counting method). ISO 1139 is maintained by ISO/TC 38/SC 23 and sits in the same ICS group as other yarn and test-method standards.

Keywords

yarn designation, yarn notation, Tex, linear density, filament count, twist, folds, textiles, ISO/TC 38, yarn labelling

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 1139:1973 is an International Standard titled "Textiles — Designation of yarns" that defined notation for identifying yarns (composition and linear density). It has been withdrawn and replaced by ISO 1139:2025.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers methods for indicating yarn composition and key identifying characteristics — originally linear density in tex and filament count; the 2025 revision expands the notation to include twist direction/amount and number of folds and clarifies exclusions for special yarn types.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Yarn and textile manufacturers, testing and quality laboratories, purchasers and technical specifiers, and standards committees use the designation rules to ensure consistent identification and communication of yarns.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 1973 edition is withdrawn; it was superseded and replaced by ISO 1139:2025 (published 26 November 2025). For current practice and requirements use ISO 1139:2025.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the textiles family of ISO standards (ICS 59.080.20) and is maintained by ISO/TC 38/SC 23; it is typically used together with related test-method standards such as ISO 2060 and ISO 2061.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Yarn designation, Tex, linear density, filament count, twist, folds, textile notation, yarn labelling.