What Products Are Manufactured in a Textile Mill? 22 Jul 2024

What Products Are Manufactured in a Textile Mill?


Many of the products we use in our homes or our daily lives start life in a textile mill. Textile mills turn raw materials such as cotton, wool, and polyester into finished products. But what sort of products are manufactured in a textile mill in the UK?

As specialists in textile processing and manufacturing with 40 years in the industry, we know a thing or two about what products are made in textile mills and how the process works.

Of course, processes may differ from mill to mill (some of our machines are the originals back from the 1950s!), but the basic principle remains the same.

We’ve answered some of your most common questions about the ins-and-outs of textile manufacturing in the UK below.

What is a Textile Mill?

carding machine

A textile mill is a manufacturing facility where various types of fibres, such as cotton, wool, or synthetic materials, are processed and woven into fabrics.

These mills are equipped with machinery for spinning, weaving, carding, scouring, and finishing materials for product manufacturing, retail sales, or wholesale orders.

The products manufactured in a textile mill can vary widely but typically include garments, home textiles, craft materials, upholstery fabrics, and industrial products such as medical textiles, filtration materials, and geotextiles.

In the UK, textile mills are mainly located in Lancashire and Yorkshire, where they have a long history of producing high-quality fabrics.

Our working mill is located in Keighley, West Yorkshire, and has been providing professional textile services since 1985.

 

What Products Are Manufactured in a UK Textile Mill?

Textile manufacturers across the UK produce a wide range of products in their mills, depending on their niche.

While we can't speak for other manufacturers, we can tell you the products we process in our Yorkshire mill.

Fillings & Neps

wool

At Bronte Glen, our Yorkshire mill specialises in processing fillings and neps for both craft projects and the textiles industry.

Fillings, often made from wool or synthetic fibres, are used to stuff items such as cushions, pillows, and quilts, providing essential comfort and durability.

Our high-quality fillings are designed to meet stringent industry standards, ensuring they support and maintain their shape over time.

Our fillings include:

 

Neps, on the other hand, are small knots or clusters of fibres that are intentionally created to add texture and interest to fabrics.

These neps are used extensively in the creation of textured yarns and fabrics, contributing to the distinct look and feel of various textile products.

Our range of neps includes:

  • Nepped slivers
  • Tweed neps

 

Whether for hobbyist craft projects or large-scale textile manufacturing, our expertly processed fillings and neps are trusted by many for their consistency and quality.

Discover Our Craft Fillings & Neps

Home Soft Furnishings & Upholstery

merino wool mattress topper

We also manufacture a range of luxury soft furnishings and upholstery items in our Home range. These products are designed to bring comfort and style to your home using only the finest materials from our yarn manufacturing process.

Our home range includes luxurious 100% wool rugs and Merino wool mattress toppers for home and camping adventures. In fact, you can kit your whole bedroom out with our collection of duvets and pillows filled with our quality wool fillings.

Some of the most popular products from our home range include...

 

Shop Luxurious Soft Home Furnishings

Pet Bedding

vet bedding

Of course, we wouldn't be Bronte Glen without our extensive range of quality dog bedding products manufactured in our working mill.

Our collection of premium pet bedding is ideal for home use but is also popular with vets and pet boarding companies thanks to its durable construction and functional design.

Our pet bedding range includes:

 

Explore Our Full Pet Bed Collection

How is Yarn Processed in a Textile Mill?

pierret

Yarn processing in a textile mill involves several intricate steps that transform raw fibres into high-quality yarns used in textile products.

Different products require different processing, but here is a basic overview of how some of our fibres are processed into yarn.

  1. The process begins with the cleaning of raw fibres, typically through scouring, which removes impurities such as dirt, grease, and plant matter.
  2. Following this, the clean fibres are carded, aligning them into a continuous web that is then converted into slivers or rovings.
  3. These slivers undergo a drawing process where they are elongated and blended to ensure uniformity and strength.
  4. The next stage is spinning, where the slivers are twisted to form yarns, enhancing their tensile strength.
  5. Finally, the finished yarns are wound onto cones or spools, ready for weaving or knitting into fabrics or other textile products.

At Bronte Glen, we take great pride in overseeing each stage of this process to ensure the quality of our yarns and their performance.

Note: Depending on the intended use, the yarns may go through further processes such as plying, which combines multiple strands to create thicker, stronger yarns, or dyeing, which involves colouring the yarns to meet specific design requirements.

 

How Long Has Bronte Glen Been in the Textile Industry?

tweed sliver

At Bronte Glen, we have a rich history in the textile industry, with a legacy spanning nearly four decades. Since our establishment, we have been dedicated to perfecting the art of textile manufacturing, focusing on producing high-quality English wool products.

Our working mill in Keighley, West Yorkshire, has become synonymous with fine craftsmanship and innovation in the textile sector.

Over the years, we have honed our techniques and expanded our product range to cater to our customers' evolving needs. We ensure that every item bearing the Bronte Glen name meets our stringent standards of quality and durability.

What Can We Offer You?

Our main offering is the satisfaction and peace of mind that comes with knowing your products are made with the finest quality materials and to the highest standard possible.

When you order from us, whether it's a cosy bed for your pet, a bulk order for a veterinary surgery, or fillings and fibres for craft products, you know you're getting the best of British craftsmanship.

We also offer a trade account that allows you to easily make bulk orders with simple, 24/7 online ordering. We have the capacity to supply all types of trade, from small single retail units to multi-national chains and distributors & wholesale companies worldwide. Our loyal trade customers are rewarded with discounts and promotions exclusive to trade orders.

Find All Your UK Textile Needs With Bronte Glen

Whether you need retail products or wholesale bespoke orders, We've got you covered. Our extensive range includes high-quality wool fillings, luxury home furnishings, durable pet bedding, and more.

At Bronte Glen, we cater to both individual customers and trade businesses, ensuring that all your textile needs are met with the finest British craftsmanship and outstanding customer service.

Browse our collection of soft furnishings and craft fillings online today, or contact our team for bespoke and bulk orders.

Contact Us

FAQs

Textile mills produce a variety of products, including garments, home textiles (like curtains and bedding), upholstery fabrics, industrial materials (such as medical and filtration textiles), and craft materials like yarns and fabric slivers. Each product begins with raw fibres that are processed into high-quality textiles.

We source our wool from trusted local farms across the UK (and occasionally further afield for merino), ensuring it is of the highest quality. Our partnerships with these farms support ethical farming practices, allowing us to produce premium wool products whilst maintaining our commitment to British craftsmanship and environmental responsibility.

The two most commonly used textiles are cotton and polyester. Cotton is natural, soft, and breathable, making it ideal for clothing and home textiles. Polyester is synthetic, durable, and resistant to wrinkles, typically used in garments, upholstery, and various industrial applications.

Home textile products are items made from fabrics that are used within the household. These include curtains, bed linens, cushions, and throws, all designed to enhance comfort and aesthetics in the home.