Developments in the 1830s: Cotton warps

The use of cotton warps gave an incalculable impetus to the West Riding worsted trade, for it enabled manufacturers to produce light and elegant stuff goods that were as cheap as articles made from cotton and as brilliant and delicate as those made from silk. The impetus came from a change of fashion, the wish for durability giving way to one for light, elegant and cheap articles that were shiny and attractive.

 

Several important developments began in or around 1830. Firstly Bradford spinners began to make worsted yarns from the fine short-staple wools of the Southdown and merino sheep, as a result of which Bradford became a manufacturer of fine stuff goods. The soft-haired alpaca wool was introduced about the same time but was not used extensively until cotton warps were introduced into the worsted trade