Worsted is the name of a yarn and cloth usually made from wool. The name derives from the village of Worstead [1] in Norfolk, England. The village became, along with North Walsham and Aylsham, a centre for the manufacture of yarn and cloth, after weavers from Flanders arrived in Norfolk in the 12th century.
The yarn is well twisted and spun of long staple wool (though nowadays also medium and short fibres are used). The wool is combed so that the fibres lie parallel.
The cloth has a hard, smooth texture, usually whipcord, gabardine or serge, and the usual weave is a twill weave.
Worsted is also used for carpets, garments, hosiery and gloves.
Contrast woolen
