Difference between Tex and Tkt. in Thread Numbering

Sewing thread is a basic component of sewn products such as apparels. The thickness of sewing threads is defined by Tex. or Tkt. (Ticket). And these two thread numbering  terms are widely used as because mostly polyester threads are used for garment sewing. A same thickness of thread will have two different figure in these two systems. To reduce the confusion between Tex and Tkt. size, thread manufacturers marked both numbering system on yarn spool.

Definition and how to convert thread number/size from Tex to Tkt are explained below.

Tex Numbering 

Tex is a metric system of textile yarn and thread numbering. Tex is defined as weight of 1000 meters thread in grams.
For example, Tex 40 – a length of 1000 meters of thread will gives 40 grams of weight. 

Ticket (Tkt.) Numbering

Ticket numbering is a commercial numbering system. Ticket numbers are merely the manufacturer’s reference numbers for the size of a given thread. The Metric Count and Cotton Count systems use ticket numbering system to give an easy approximation of the specific size of the finished thread.

In Metric Ticket system, the figure quoted for thread size is the length that would weigh 3 grams. The thread could be made from a single yarn or multiple yarns.

For example, a thread of Tex 40 is Tkt. 75 and Nm 80/2 is Tkt. 120

How to convert Tex to Tkt.?

Formula used to convert Tex into Tkt

Tkt. = (1000/Tex No.) X 3 or

Tkt. = Nm X 3 

Cotton Tkt. 

For cotton sewing thread Cotton Tkt. number is used and in Cotton Tkt system it is the number of 840 yard hanks that weigh 3 lbs.

A ticket number in one type of thread will not be the same as in another. For example, Ticket 40 Cotton is not the same as Ticket 40 Core spun thread.

Note: Ticket numbers resemble the fixed weight system. They can simply denote: Higher the ticket number, finer the thread. Lower the ticket number, thicker the thread. A thread of Tkt. 60 is twice as coarse as Tkt. 120.

Article source:
Technology of clothing Manufacture by Carr and Latham
www.coatsindustrial.com