Sewing & Thread Counts
Sewing & Thread Counts: The Details of True Luxury
At Kearsley, every stitch is placed with precision, and every thread count is chosen with purpose. Our sewing techniques ensure durability and refinement, while the right thread count enhances the feel, breathability, and longevity of each fabric. From the crispness of percale to the smooth elegance of sateen, every piece is crafted to provide lasting comfort and timeless beauty.
The Art of Sewing: Strength, Beauty & Lasting Quality
Exceptional sewing is one of the most costly yet essential elements of crafting luxury textiles. Fine linens are not just about exquisite fabrics—they require meticulous stitching and expert finishing to ensure both beauty and durability.
Tiny Stitches, Stronger Seams – Smaller, more precise stitches take longer to sew but result in stronger, longer-lasting seams that withstand years of use. They also create a clean, refined finish that enhances the elegance of each piece.
Full Doubled Hems – A hallmark of quality, full doubled hems on side and bottom edges involve folding the fabric twice before sewing, reinforcing the hem to prevent fraying and ensure lasting durability.
Quality sewing and embroidery techniques elevate linens beyond function, transforming them into works of craftsmanship that offer timeless beauty and longevity. Investing in these details ensures linens that feel as exquisite as they look, providing years of comfort and enjoyment.
Photo: Essentials Percale with Art Deco/Vector embroidery
Exceptional sewing is one of the most costly yet essential elements of crafting luxury textiles. Fine linens are not just about exquisite fabrics—they require meticulous stitching and expert finishing to ensure both beauty and durability.
Tiny Stitches, Stronger Seams – Smaller, more precise stitches take longer to sew but result in stronger, longer-lasting seams that withstand years of use. They also create a clean, refined finish that enhances the elegance of each piece.
Full Doubled Hems – A hallmark of quality, full doubled hems on side and bottom edges involve folding the fabric twice before sewing, reinforcing the hem to prevent fraying and ensure lasting durability.
Quality sewing and embroidery techniques elevate linens beyond function, transforming them into works of craftsmanship that offer timeless beauty and longevity. Investing in these details ensures linens that feel as exquisite as they look, providing years of comfort and enjoyment.
Photo: Essentials Percale with Art Deco/Vector embroidery
Thread Count: Understanding Quality Beyond the Numbers
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, combining both horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp) threads. While often associated with luxury, thread count alone does not determine quality—the type of fiber, weaving technique, and overall craftsmanship play an equally important role in the feel and performance of fine linens.
The Truth About Thread Count
Higher thread count can mean finer, more densely woven fabric, offering a smoother, more refined hand. However, beyond a certain point, it’s the quality of the fibers—not just the count—that matters most.
Some manufacturers falsely inflate thread counts by using multi-ply, lower-quality yarns, resulting in bedding that feels stifling and lacks breathability.
The finest linens balance thread count with fiber quality, ensuring a luxurious feel, durability, and optimal airflow for a truly restful sleep.
Kearsley’s Approach to Thread Count
Because Kearsley uses only the finest extra-long-staple fibers, thread count is a matter of personal preference rather than a measure of quality. You can select based on the warmth, texture, and hand feel that suit you best.
We invite you to experience the difference—cutting samples are available upon request and complimentary for registered Interior Design Trade professionals.
Photo: Soleil Sateen with Double Satin Stitch
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, combining both horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp) threads. While often associated with luxury, thread count alone does not determine quality—the type of fiber, weaving technique, and overall craftsmanship play an equally important role in the feel and performance of fine linens.
The Truth About Thread Count
Higher thread count can mean finer, more densely woven fabric, offering a smoother, more refined hand. However, beyond a certain point, it’s the quality of the fibers—not just the count—that matters most.
Some manufacturers falsely inflate thread counts by using multi-ply, lower-quality yarns, resulting in bedding that feels stifling and lacks breathability.
The finest linens balance thread count with fiber quality, ensuring a luxurious feel, durability, and optimal airflow for a truly restful sleep.
Kearsley’s Approach to Thread Count
Because Kearsley uses only the finest extra-long-staple fibers, thread count is a matter of personal preference rather than a measure of quality. You can select based on the warmth, texture, and hand feel that suit you best.
We invite you to experience the difference—cutting samples are available upon request and complimentary for registered Interior Design Trade professionals.
Photo: Soleil Sateen with Double Satin Stitch
The Art & Science of Fabric Processing
The journey from raw fiber to finished fabric is shaped by a combination of traditional craftsmanship and advanced techniques. From mercerization for added luster to the art of fiber dyeing, every step impacts the softness, durability, and beauty of the final textile.
Mercerization: Enhancing Softness & Sheen
Mercerization is a process used to soften cotton fibers and enhance their luster. The fabric is treated with sodium hydroxide (lye), then neutralized in an acid bath while held under tension. This technique:
Creates a silky sheen, especially in sateen fabrics.
Improves dye absorption, resulting in rich, long-lasting colors.
Strengthens the fibers for greater durability and resistance to shrinkage.
Fabric Processing Varies by Country & Mill
Not all fabric processing is equal. Lower-quality fibers are often coated with chemicals to simulate a soft feel, which washes away over time. At Kearsley, we prioritize authentic softness and quality, ensuring that our fabrics feel as luxurious as they look.
Eco-Friendly Processing & Certifications
Italy leads in environmentally responsible fabric processing, following rigorous standards such as:
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 – Ensures textiles are free from harmful substances, making them safe for people and the environment.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – A certification guaranteeing that fabrics meet organic and sustainable production criteria.
The Art of Fiber Dyeing:
Dyeing fabric is both a science and an art, requiring a deep understanding of natural fibers, temperature, and barometric pressure. In Italy, becoming a master dyer requires a 20-year apprenticeship, ensuring that colors remain vibrant, non-bleeding, and fade-resistant.
Darker dyes can affect fabric texture, often making textiles feel denser.
For the most accurate experience, it’s best to feel a sample in your chosen color.
Certain shades—especially reds, purples, and blacks—are more complex to produce, making them more costly.
Every step in fabric processing, from fiber selection to dyeing, plays a role in creating luxurious, long-lasting linens that feel as good as they look.
The journey from raw fiber to finished fabric is shaped by a combination of traditional craftsmanship and advanced techniques. From mercerization for added luster to the art of fiber dyeing, every step impacts the softness, durability, and beauty of the final textile.
Mercerization: Enhancing Softness & Sheen
Mercerization is a process used to soften cotton fibers and enhance their luster. The fabric is treated with sodium hydroxide (lye), then neutralized in an acid bath while held under tension. This technique:
Creates a silky sheen, especially in sateen fabrics.
Improves dye absorption, resulting in rich, long-lasting colors.
Strengthens the fibers for greater durability and resistance to shrinkage.
Fabric Processing Varies by Country & Mill
Not all fabric processing is equal. Lower-quality fibers are often coated with chemicals to simulate a soft feel, which washes away over time. At Kearsley, we prioritize authentic softness and quality, ensuring that our fabrics feel as luxurious as they look.
Eco-Friendly Processing & Certifications
Italy leads in environmentally responsible fabric processing, following rigorous standards such as:
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 – Ensures textiles are free from harmful substances, making them safe for people and the environment.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – A certification guaranteeing that fabrics meet organic and sustainable production criteria.
The Art of Fiber Dyeing:
Dyeing fabric is both a science and an art, requiring a deep understanding of natural fibers, temperature, and barometric pressure. In Italy, becoming a master dyer requires a 20-year apprenticeship, ensuring that colors remain vibrant, non-bleeding, and fade-resistant.
Darker dyes can affect fabric texture, often making textiles feel denser.
For the most accurate experience, it’s best to feel a sample in your chosen color.
Certain shades—especially reds, purples, and blacks—are more complex to produce, making them more costly.
Every step in fabric processing, from fiber selection to dyeing, plays a role in creating luxurious, long-lasting linens that feel as good as they look.
Understanding Fiber Quality: Not All Cotton is Created Equal
The quality of cotton varies dramatically, even within the Egyptian cotton category, which includes 38 different grades. Much like wine varietals such as Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, different cotton types may share the same name but differ significantly in characteristics and quality.
The Gold Standard: Giza 87
Giza 87 is widely regarded as the finest cotton in the world, cultivated in the fertile Nile River Valley where ideal soil and climate conditions create an exceptionally long-staple fiber. This superior cotton is:
Incredibly strong, smooth, and durable, woven into fine, long-lasting fabrics.
Soft and breathable, providing a luxurious hand-feel that improves with each wash.
Spun into ultra-fine, strong threads, allowing for high thread count fabrics that remain both lightweight and durable.
The Truth About Cotton Processing & Labeling
Not all cotton labeled as Egyptian or high-quality lives up to its name. The origin and processing of cotton are just as important as the fiber itself.
Inferior cotton can include swept-up dust and short fibers glued together with chemicals, technically qualifying as "cotton" but resulting in poor-quality, synthetic-feeling fabric.
Truth in labeling is often misleading—many manufacturers inflate quality claims or manipulate thread counts to give the illusion of luxury.
Thread Count & Fiber Quality: More Than Just Numbers
Thread count measures the number of threads per square inch of fabric, with higher counts often associated with luxury. However, thread count alone does not define quality—the type of fiber and weaving process are equally important.
High thread count with low-quality fibers can create dense, stifling fabrics that lack breathability.
True luxury linens balance thread count with fiber quality, ensuring softness, durability, and airflow for a restful sleep.
Reputable brands prioritize transparency, offering authentic fiber content and expert craftsmanship over misleading marketing tactics.
At Kearsley, we use only the finest extra-long-staple fibers, allowing you to select thread count based on the warmth, texture, and hand-feel you prefer—rather than as a measure of quality alone.
Cutting samples are available for comparison and complimentary to registered Interior Design Trade
professionals.
Photo: Essentials Sateen with Triple Sating Stitch
The quality of cotton varies dramatically, even within the Egyptian cotton category, which includes 38 different grades. Much like wine varietals such as Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, different cotton types may share the same name but differ significantly in characteristics and quality.
The Gold Standard: Giza 87
Giza 87 is widely regarded as the finest cotton in the world, cultivated in the fertile Nile River Valley where ideal soil and climate conditions create an exceptionally long-staple fiber. This superior cotton is:
Incredibly strong, smooth, and durable, woven into fine, long-lasting fabrics.
Soft and breathable, providing a luxurious hand-feel that improves with each wash.
Spun into ultra-fine, strong threads, allowing for high thread count fabrics that remain both lightweight and durable.
The Truth About Cotton Processing & Labeling
Not all cotton labeled as Egyptian or high-quality lives up to its name. The origin and processing of cotton are just as important as the fiber itself.
Inferior cotton can include swept-up dust and short fibers glued together with chemicals, technically qualifying as "cotton" but resulting in poor-quality, synthetic-feeling fabric.
Truth in labeling is often misleading—many manufacturers inflate quality claims or manipulate thread counts to give the illusion of luxury.
Thread Count & Fiber Quality: More Than Just Numbers
Thread count measures the number of threads per square inch of fabric, with higher counts often associated with luxury. However, thread count alone does not define quality—the type of fiber and weaving process are equally important.
High thread count with low-quality fibers can create dense, stifling fabrics that lack breathability.
True luxury linens balance thread count with fiber quality, ensuring softness, durability, and airflow for a restful sleep.
Reputable brands prioritize transparency, offering authentic fiber content and expert craftsmanship over misleading marketing tactics.
At Kearsley, we use only the finest extra-long-staple fibers, allowing you to select thread count based on the warmth, texture, and hand-feel you prefer—rather than as a measure of quality alone.
Cutting samples are available for comparison and complimentary to registered Interior Design Trade
professionals.
Photo: Essentials Sateen with Triple Sating Stitch
