Thread Count and Quality
Thread count refers to the number of threads both in the vertical and horizontal direction in a specified area (3.16cm2). Most cotton fabrics will start at 150 with percale referring to a thread count of 200 to 250. Percale therefore refers to a weave and not a special kind of cotton. While bedding fabrics are available with thread counts of up to 1000, anything in excess of 600 single ply threads in most cases becomes too heavy and dense to be comfortable.

The thread count is also affected by the ply of the threads used. The ply refers to how many threads are wrapped together to form a single thread. Single ply fabrics use threads on their own and in cottons with short fibers, two threads are often twisted together to form a two-ply thread while this doubles the thread count of the fabric it results in a heavier yet weaker fabric.

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