Cuddle Down College

Before we get started, we need to discuss the largest myth in our industry. 

High thread count does not necessarily mean high quality.

Thread count is literally the number of threads in a square inch of fabric. Different thread counts have different characteristics, but lower thread count does not mean lower quality. 

Real quality comes from the type of cotton, how it is woven and how it is finished. 

Lower thread counts use a thicker yarn which produces a crisper sheet and a cooler one as well.

Higher thread counts use thinner yarn and create a smoother feel but a warmer sheet.

These characteristics will come into play later when picking your preference of sheet. 

Once you have a high-quality thread, it must be woven properly on a loom to create beautiful fabric. 

Industrial looms work fast! But if you go too fast the weave will be weak and cause undue stress to the threads. This can cause premature breaking. The highest quality looms are made in Europe and run at an appropriate speed to ensure a high attention to detail, thus producing a high quality of fabric. 

Once woven, there are several steps and processes done to raw fabric known as the finishing process. These steps give the fabric an enhanced feel, colour and shine and are vital to create a stunning piece of fabric. 

These steps include washing, stretching, singeing and enzyme baths which bring the fabric to life. Not all weavers take the time or effort to do it right. That’s where our suppliers come in. 

At Cuddle Down we select thread count that will amplify the natural characteristics of the weave. 

For percale, we select a lower thread count which will make it even cooler and crisper.

For sateen, we select a higher thread count which will make it silkier and smoother.

WARNING: Many high thread counts you see in store (1,000 or 1,200) are technically a lie.

It is near impossible to weave more then 500 quality threads in a square inch. How they are proposing this works that that they will take 2 or 3 thin, poor quality threads and spin them together. Then count both when weaving. While this improves the quality of the thin yarn, it is not as good as a high quality yarn and is more susceptible to breakage and pilling. 

What makes Cuddle Down Sheets unique? It’s not only 1 thing:

1. We pick all our cotton sheets from European mills who weave and finish their products in house to ensure the highest level of quality.
2. We pick thread counts that augment the benefits of there weaves
3. We only use the highest quality long stapled-cottons for longevity and softness
4. Our sheets will improve over time. As you wash and use them the fibres will relax and become softer. AND will wrinkle less. 
5. We cut and sew a majority of our fabrics in our Ottawa facility ensuring the highest level of sewing an all items.
6. We also overcut our product to account for shrinkage. Once washed they will fit perfectly. 
7. While not needed if used with a Cuddle Down duvet, there are ties in the corners of our Duvet Covers to help eliminate shifting.

But most importantly, we stand behind our products. If there are any flaws or manufacturing defects, we will make it right. 

Please note: All sizes are after wash with warm water and low-med heat dryer.