Intermingling
NIM, SIM and HIM yarn: what is the difference?
Reviewed by Mohamed Rizk, Head of Production Engineering, 20+ years at Al Rawda. Last updated
Quick answer
NIM, SIM and HIM stand for non-intermingled, semi-intermingled and high-intermingled yarn. They describe how many nodes hold the filaments of a DTY yarn together. NIM has no nodes and is the softest and smoothest. SIM has a moderate number and is the usual middle choice. HIM has many and runs best on high-speed machines.
Intermingling blows compressed air through the yarn so the filaments tangle at points called nodes. The nodes hold the filaments together and replace light twisting, so the yarn survives the stress of weaving or knitting. The more nodes, the more compact the thread; the fewer, the looser and softer.
NIM, SIM and HIM side by side
NIM
- Nodes per metre (typical)
- None (0)
- Feel
- Smooth, soft, glossy, with the most stretch
- Typical use
- Fabrics wanting a smooth, fluid look; for weaving it is often twisted or sized first
SIM
- Nodes per metre (typical)
- About 40 to 60
- Feel
- Soft but stable
- Typical use
- Knitting and general weaving; fewer filament breaks on the machine
HIM
- Nodes per metre (typical)
- About 100 or more
- Feel
- Firmer, more compact, sometimes a grainy look
- Typical use
- Warp weaving without sizing; high-speed looms; better resistance to pilling
Node counts vary between producers, so treat these figures as a guide and confirm them with your supplier.
Which is best for a smooth, fluid fabric?
NIM. With no nodes the filaments lie loose and give a silk-like smoothness and the most stretch. On a loom it usually needs twisting or sizing first, because loose filaments can split under tension.
Which is best for knitting?
SIM is the usual choice. It keeps a soft hand while holding the filaments together enough to reduce breakage on the machine.
Which is best for warp weaving without sizing?
HIM. Its many nodes keep the filaments bound together, so it runs well on high-speed looms and resists pilling better. The trade-off is a firmer, sometimes grainier look and less stretch.
How to ask for it
Put the intermingling in your specification next to the denier and filament count, for example 150D/48F, SIM, semi-dull. Al Rawda makes NIM, SIM and HIM. Tell us the machine you run and the fabric you are making, and we will advise.