Lastrile Fiber

A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a copolymer of acrylonitrile and a diene composed of at least 10% by weight but not more than 50% by weight of acrylonitrile [-CH2-CH(CN)-] units (FTC definition).

Latch needle

A needle having a terminal hook closed by a pivoting latch. Its knitting acion is self acting since the fabric loop pivots the latch and allows the loop to be cleared from the open hook or knocked over the closed hook depending on the direction of needle movement.(subcategory of needle)

Latent crimp

A crimp that is potentially present in specially prepared fibres or filaments and that can be developed by a specific treatment such as by thermal relaxation or by tensioning and subsequent relaxation

Lateral leakage

The passage of gases along or through the textile element of a coated fabric or along interstices formed by the textile element and the coating polymer of the coated fabric.

Latex

A milky fluid found in certain cells of some families of seed plants. Latex is the raw material from which rubber is made.

Lathe

Also known in the U.K. as lay, lathe, batten, going-part, fly-beam.

Lawn

A fine, plain-woven cloth of linen or cotton, made in various fine, sheer qualities. Various finishes may be applied to a fabric of this type, in which case the product is known by the name of the finish used, e.g., organdie.

Lawn finish

A light-starch finish applied to lawn and other fine-yarn plain fabrics to give a crisp finished material.

Lay

1.Also known in the U.K. as lay, lathe, batten, going-part, fly-beam.
2. Fabrics placed in identical lengths, one on top of the other, in preparation for cutting prior to making-up.
3. (Cordage) To twist two or more components about each other to form a helix about the axis of the resulting laid product which may be a strand or rope.
Note: The direction of lay in cordage is described as 'S' or 'Z' (see twist direction).

Lay, angle of

The angle at which strands lie in relation to the axis of the cordage.

Lay, length of

The pitch of one complete turn of a yarn in a strand or of a strand in a rope measured in a straight line parallel to the axis of the strand or rope.

Lcp

See LIQUID CRYSTAL POLYMER.

LCSP

The product of the lea strength (pound force), and the actual count (Nec) of cotton yarn.

Lea (linen)

The count of a flax-spun yarn (see Table, p.397).

Lea

In cotton a length of 120 yards; in worsted, 80 yards; in linen, 300 yards.
Note: In cotton and worsted these lengths are one-seventh of the standard hank.