Yarn having pattern and method of producing

Abstract

A method for producing a yarn having a pattern characterized by a plurality segments that are assembled into a sequence of rows, i.e. clusters. The yarn is preferably knotless. The method dyes each segment a different length so that the pattern can be easily arranged. The method also may involve slicing together segments.

Description

YARN HAVING PATTERN AND METHOD OF PRODUCINGCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to and claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 63 / 501,559, filed May 11, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of yarns having a pattern and in particular to processes for producing yarn having a pattern. The yarn may be assembled based on the pattern into a sequence of rows into a work piece.BACKGROUND

[0003] Fibre crafters, no matter what technique, e.g., knitting, crocheting, embroidering, weaving, stitching, sewing, etc., face a common problem that involves weaving or knotting loose ends when changing colour between yarn. While the change in colour is desirable from an aesthetic perspective, each change in colour results in at least two loose ends per colour change. The effort and time to weave or knot the loose ends increases the burden on the crafter and detracts from the experience. In particular, this can be painful for those crafters with physical impairments such as arthritis and carpal tunnel. In addition, the loose ends that are weaved or knotted may become deteriorated and the integrity of the project may be compromised.

[0004] Variegated and striped yarns offer crafters multicolour options, but are limited. In particular, a variegated yarn has no set length of colour repeats, and gives the appearance of a random colour effect. The colouring effect in variegated yarn can vary from short to long and create more of a colour pooling effect. Accordingly, variegated yarn is often random in colour making a distinct pattern a distant possibility. While striped yarns have lengths of colour to create stripes. The striped colour effect has start and end points that do not have to line up with a specific point. The crafter does not have control over how the colour change falls, and thus, the stripes may be misaligned and detracts from the aesthetic appearance. Thus, similar to variegated yarn striped yarn are limited when used to form a pattern. This is mainly due to the inability topredict the colour aesthetics that will occur in the pattern.

[0005] In view of the known the disadvantages and / or problems associated therewith with existing options for multicolour work pieces, the need exists for improved yarn having a pattern with segments of colour that can be reliably and predictability assembled into patterns. Other beneficial features are also discussed herein.SUMMARY

[0006] This specification describes yarns that may be assembled into a pattern such as a sequence of rows, where each row corresponds to one of the segments in the pattern. The finished work piece may be produced in an efficient manner and reduces the tedious tasks required of the crafter. To achieve the yarn there is a method for producing a yarn having a pattern that has multicolour segments by applying dyes of different colours. Preferably, the yarn is a continuous yarn that is knotless. The dyes may be applied in a controlled manner to create segments that correspond to the pattern. In one embodiment, the dyes are applied in a controlled manner to create segments having increasing length starting from the shortest segment. In another embodiment, the dyes are applied in a controlled manner to create segments having different colour and each segment may have a different length starting from the shortest segment. The method is further controlled to reduce and prevent knotting, which introduces too much variation into the segment length.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for producing a yarn having a pattern is provided, characterized by a plurality segments that are assembled into a sequence of rows and comprising the steps of feeding the yarn in one direction along a series of rollers corresponding to the number of segments in the pattern, controlling each roller of the series of rollers to independently dye each segment with a different colour, wherein each segment has an increasing length, and the shortest segment forms a pull-end of the yarn, repeating the pattern, and controlling the feed rate of and / or the tension on the yarn to prevent knotting. In one embodiment, the method produces a yarn whereby the patterns of segments are assembled into the sequence of row by forming a ring cluster, i.e. first row, from the shortest segment, wherein the ring cluster has a first free end, partially interlocking a surrounding row with the ring cluster from an intermediatesegment adjacent to the shortest segment, wherein the surrounding row has no free ends, and partially interlocking an outer row with the surrounding row from a segment that is longer than the intermediate segment, wherein the outer row has a second free end. In one embodiment, the method produces a yarn whereby the patterns of segments are assembled into the sequence of rows by forming a ring cluster from the shortest segment, wherein the ring cluster has a first free end, partially interlocking a surrounding row with the ring cluster from one or more intermediate segments, wherein one of the intermediate segment is adjacent to the shortest segment, wherein the each of the one or more intermediate segments has no free ends. Partially interlocking an additional surrounding row from one or more intermediate segments that have no free end. Partially interlocking an outer row with the surrounding row from another of the intermediate segment, wherein the outer row has a second free end.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method for producing a yarn having a pattern is provided, characterized by a plurality segments that are assembled into a sequence of rows and comprising the steps of feeding the yarn in one direction along a series of rollers corresponding to the number of segments in the pattern, controlling each roller of the series of rollers to independently dye each segment with a different colour, wherein the shortest segment forms a pull-end of the yarn, repeating the pattern, and controlling the feed rate of and / or the tension on the yarn to prevent knotting. In one embodiment, the method produces a yarn whereby the patterns of segments are assembled into the sequence of rows by forming a ring cluster from the shortest segment, wherein the ring cluster has a first free end, partially interlocking a surrounding row with the ring cluster from an intermediate segment adjacent to the shortest segment, wherein the surrounding row has no free ends, and partially interlocking an outer row with the surrounding row from a segment that is longer than the intermediate segment, wherein the outer row has a second free end.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a dyeing method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 2A is a pattern of an assembly of rows in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 2B is a pattern of an assembly of three rows in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 2C is a pattern of an assembly of rows in flower shape in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 2D is a pattern of an assemble of rows in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 is an assembled rows from the yarn produced in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an assembled rows from different balls of yarn produced by a conventional process.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The method of the present invention imparts desired colour to segments having increasing length to produce a yarn having a pattern. In one embodiment, colour may be imparted to the segments of yarn using a continuous spaced-dyeing process. In general the yarn is fed in one direction along a series of rollers. The rollers are controlled to impart dye to a segment of yarn in a predetermined pattern. This method repeats through the length of the yarn until the yarn comprises patterns characterized by a plurality segments having visually distinguishable colour.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a method 100 for producing yarn by imparting dye to segments of a yarn. Yarn 102 is withdrawn from supply section 104 comprising multiple bobbins 106 held on a creel 108. As the yarn 102 is drawn off the supply section 104 the yarn 102 passes through a tensioner 110 to apply constant tension as the yarn is loaded into the dye apparatus 112. The yarn 102 is passed through a comb 114 to align multiple yarns in a spaced apart manner to prevent overlapping. In one embodiment, the multiple yarns are aligned to be substantially parallel. Theyarn 102 is fed in one direction, as indicated by arrow A, along a series of rollers 116. The number of rollers 116 is dedicated by the number of segments having a different colour in the pattern. As shown in FIG. 1, there are five rollers 116 to produce a yarn having five different segments. The rollers are controlled independently to apply the dye to each segment with a different colour.

[0019] Each roller may be independently driven by a motor to control the segment of yarn passing through the roller and impart dye as necessary.

[0020] To impart the dye, the segment of yarn may be deflected toward a dye applicator. In addition, the method comprising controlling the speed of each roller to permit dyeing of a segment to obtain the necessary length. In one embodiment, the rollers are biased toward a contact roller 118 to deflect the yarn and impart dye from a dye vat 120 to the segment. The dye level in the dye vat 120 may be controlled by a conduit system (not shown) and a drain valve (not shown). The process may use multiple dye vats depending on the rows in the desired pattern. Thus, one segment may produce a tonal colour or multiple colour. While in other embodiments, the contact roller may be biased against the roller to apply the dye. In one embodiment the dyes used to impart colour may include but are not limited to disperse dyes, natural dyes, acid dyes, basic dyes, or reactive dyes. The type of dye may vary depending on the yarn fiber. Preferably the dye should be durable and washfast. Permanent dyes may be used in some embodiments. In one embodiment, a uniform base of dye is applied to the segment.

[0021] The process described herein operates in a controlled manner to avoid introduce random segments of dye which would not align with the pattern.

[0022] In some embodiments, one of the segments may have no colour or adopt the base colour of the raw yarn. Typically, the base colour may be white or greige. When this colour is desired, the segment passes through the corresponding roller without imparting a dye. Preferably each segment may be dyed.

[0023] As the dye is applied, the feed rate of the yarn may be controlled to prevent knotting. Knotting occurs when the yarn breaks and requires the broken ends to be knotted together during dying. Such knotting may reduce the length of the segment and introduce additional variations inthe segment length. In addition, knotting interrupts the dying process.

[0024] In one embodiment, to achieve consistent patterning throughout the yarn, the method first dyes the shortest segment of the yarn which comprises the pull-end of the yarn. This pullend is accessed by the crafter when assembling the yarn into the plurality rows, which may also be referred to as clusters. In one embodiment, the shortest segment of the yarn which comprises the pull-end of the yarn may form the ring cluster, i.e. initial row. Once the first segment, the process operates the controllers to impart a distinguishable colour to the second segment. The process repeats until the segments for the pattern are dyed and then begins again with the first segment.

[0025] Returning to FIG. 1, after dyeing the yarn 102 is fed through an oven 130 for drying and a monitor 132 for detecting defects, i.e., breakage or weakness that may lead to breakage, in the yarn. Additional processing such as washing to remove excess dye may be used. The yarn 102 is collected on winders 134 and then transported to a winding machine (not shown) to form the yarn 102 into a skein, balls, cakes, etc. Preferably, the yarn 102 is formed into skein with the pull end being the colour with the shortest segment.

[0026] To maintain the dyeing of the segment, the progression of the yarn may be monitored to control the feed rate and / or tension on the yarn. The monitoring may be done at predefined locations throughout the process. The data may be communicated to a processor that can control the method by adjusting the speed of the rollers or deflection of the yarn.

[0027] In one embodiment, one or more of the segments may be joined using a slicing technique. The slicing technique may be used to add a segment having a visually distinguishable colour after dyeing or may be used to replace one segment in pattern. In one embodiment, the slicing technique may be used to assemble each segment having a visually distinguishable colour for the pattern. Adjacent segments are partially overlapped up to 3 cm, e.g., up to 2.5 cm or up to 2.2 cm and a thread wrap is then applied to the partially overlapped segments with a machine splicer. The thread wrap may be a fine yarn, which may be tightly wrapped in a helical course. The machine splicer may apply tension to the thread wrap. The segments are joined together to form a high strength bond that is not easily separated. In some embodiments, the partiallyoverlapping segments may be wrapped or twisted together prior to being thread wrap. For purposes of this disclosure when the segments are sliced together the segments may be considered to be knotless due in part to the relatively thin sliced yarn segments, which is much thinner than a rigid knot.

[0028] Accordingly, in one embodiment, there is provided a method for producing a yarn having a pattern characterized by a plurality segments that are assembled into a sequence of rows using a slicing technique as described herein. The slicing technique involves providing one or more segments having different lengths, each segment having a visually distinguishable colour. As a reference, a first segment having the shortest length is sliced at one end with a second segment, preferably a segment that is longer. One end of the first segment is not sliced and this is the free or loose end. The ends of the first segment and second segments are partially overlapped and sliced using a thread wrap. Next, the opposing end of the second segment is sliced with a third segment. The process repeats until the desired number of segments are assembled into one continuous yarn that is knotless. The last segment may have a second free end. The patterns of segments may be assembled into the sequence of rows comprising forming a ring cluster from the first segment, having a first loose end, partially interlocking a surrounding row with the ring cluster from the second segment intermediately adjacent to the first segment, wherein the surrounding row has no free ends, and partially interlocking an outer row with the surrounding row from a third segment that is longer than the second segment, wherein the third segment is sliced at one end with the second segment and the outer row has a second loose end. Although one second segment is described, it should be understood that multiple segments may be used to form a corresponding number of surrounding rows.

[0029] For the purpose of this disclosure the terms “yarn” and “fibre” refer to any fibre, natural (such as cotton, hemp, linen, silk, and / or wool), artificial (such as polyesters and / or acrylic), or blended, used in the fibre arts, including crochet, macrame, needlepoint, knitting, embroidery, tapestry, and / or another process of working fibre.

[0030] As indicated herein the pattern has a plurality of segments. Each pattern of segments forms one work-piece comprising an assembly of rows as described herein, for example, usingthe Granny square pattern or shape pattern. In one pattern of segments, each of the segments may have increasing length, meaning that the segments are arranged from shortest to longest or longest to shortest. While the method may be operated to start the dyeing with the shortest segment, the method may also be operated by starting with the longest segment and working in descending order. The number of segments in a pattern may range from three to ten segments, e.g., from three to eight segments, from four to eight segments, or from four to six segments. Typically each segment corresponds to one row, but in some embodiments one segment may be used for two or more rows. Each skein of yarn has more than one assembly of segments, and preferably the yarn comprises from 2 to 35 assemblies of segments, from 4 to 33 assemblies of segments, or more preferably from 6 to 16 assemblies of segments. Having a sufficient amount of assemblies of segments is desirable by the crafter to prepare and assemble the yarn into a work-piece. Each assembly of segments may be separated by the user or worked together to form a larger work-piece. Thus, several work-pieces each comprising a pattern of rows may be obtained from one skein of yarn.

[0031] The method allows dyeing in a continuous process so that the segments are arranged in colour sequence in a continuous yarn. This eliminates interruptions between the rows that are distinguished by varying colours. Although it is preferred that each segment has a different colour, in some embodiments, the colour may be repeated.

[0032] In one embodiment, the shortest segment has a length from 150 cm to 250 cm, e.g., from 175 cm to 240 cm, or more preferably from 200 cm to 225 cm. Each segment may independently increase in length by at least 50 cm, e.g., preferably at least 75 cm or more preferably at least 100 cm. The increase in the segment length may be predetermined by the desired assembly of rows. Table 1 illustrates exemplary ranges for a five segment pattern.Table 1Broad (cm) Preferred (cm) More Preferred (cm)First Segment 150 to 250 175 to 240 200 to 225(Shortest)Second Segment 300 to 475 325 to 440 350 to 400Third Segment 500 to 625 520 to 600 525 to 575Four Segment 650 to 800 675 to 840 690 to 715Fifth Segment 800 to 1000 825 to 950 840 to 900

[0033] As described herein, the number of segments may vary and in one embodiment the pattern may comprise the first three segments, i.e. the first, second and third segments, as shown in Table 1. In another embodiment, the pattern may comprise at least three segments as shown in Table 1, provided that shortest segment is included.

[0034] In one embodiment, the segment length may vary and generally follows a pattern where the lengths in each segment increase. In one embodiment, the shortest segment has a length from 550 cm to 750 cm, e.g., from 575 cm to 700 cm, or more preferably from 590 cm to 650 cm. The increase in the segment length may be predetermined by the desired assembly of rows. Table 2 illustrates exemplary ranges for a six segment pattern, where the third and sixth segment follow increasing length pattern from the first segment and the second, fourth and fifth segment follow a different increasing length pattern from the first segment.Table 2Broad (cm) Preferred (cm) More Preferred (cmFirst Segment 550 to 750 575 to 700 590 to 650 (Shortest) Second Segment 1100 to 1400 1150 to 1350 1200 to 1275 Third Segment 700 to 1000 750 to 950 800 to 875Four Segment 1800 to 2400 1900 to 2300 2100 to 2250Fifth Segment 2500 to 3200 2700 to 3000 2800 to 2900Sixth Segment 1500 to 2000 1600 to 1900 1700 to 1800

[0035] In one embodiment, the work piece may form a shape such as a flower, circle, fruit, hearts, spirals, triangles, starbursts, etc. The number of segments may vary depending on thestyle. In one embodiment, there is provided a continuous yarn with three segments. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the shortest segment may have a length from 125 cm to 225 cm, e.g., from 130 cm to 200 cm, or more preferably from 150 cm to 175 cm as shown in Table 3. The remaining segments have an increasing length as shown in Table 3.Table 3Broad (cm) Preferred (cm) More Preferred (cm)First Segment 125 to 225 130 to 200 150 to 175(Shortest)Second Segment 750 to 1250 800 to 1100 850 to 925Third Segment 1500 to 2500 1800 to 2350 2000 to 2250

[0036] To achieve the consistent and repeatable patterning that the crafter desires, the variation in the length of segments between patterns should have minimal variation in the continuous yarn. The method described herein achieves minimal variation, which improves the experience of crafting and the ease of using the yarn. The variation is determined based on a similar coloured segments in different patterns. In one embodiment, the length of segments of similar colour in different patterns varies by less than 4%, e.g., less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1%, less than 0.5%, and by less than 0.1%. Being over 4% introduces too much variation and makes the yarn undesirable to obtain the pattern. Accordingly, when the shortest length is dyed blue and has a length of 200 cm, every remaining pattern has a short blue segment that is similar in length, namely in particular 200 cm ± 4%, e.g., 200 cm ± 0.5%.

[0037] In one embodiment, each segment is knotless, referring to no knots are introduced during dyeing. Thus, the continuous yarn that is process according to the embodiments of the present invention may be knotless. In some embodiments, the raw yarn prior to dyeing may contain knots. Preferably, the raw yarn is also knotless. For purposes of the present disclosure, knotting relates to when the yarn breaks during dyeing. One issue with knotting is that the segment length may be effected in an uncontrolled manner. This introduces too much variation into the yarn resulting in a pattern that is not aligned to match the assembly. Thus, it is difficult to reliably control the length of the segment within ± 4%, or more preferably ± 0.5%, whenknotting occurs. By controlling the feed rate of and / or the tension on the yarn to prevent knotting and achieving a knotless configuration, the method produces yarn having patterns with consistent lengths. If breakage occurs, the monitoring section may signal to discard the yarn.

[0038] Once the yarn is produced, a crafter may use the yarn to assemble the pattern into a sequence of rows. In general, the sequence of rows may be used for patterns that are assembled with different rows having different colours. Many different designs may be assembled in this manner, including but not limited to flowers, stars, fruits, objects, starbursts, spirals, etc. In one embodiment, the sequence of rows may be referred to a Granny Square as shown by the pattern200 in FIG. 2 A with five rows (clusters) or the pattern 200’ in FIG. 2B with three rows (clusters). The diagrams used in FIGS. 2A-2D use slip stitches, represented by dots, chain stitches, represented by ovals, and double crotch stitches, represented by T with a diagonal line. Each row is labelled by a number, 1 to 5, 1 to 3, 1 to 6, or 1 to 10. Although these diagrams are illustrative of patterns, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these patterns. As shown in FIG. 2A, the shortest segment forming the ring cluster (first cluster or row) 201 at a middle position surrounded by the other rows. In one embodiment, the pattern may begin with the slip stitch in the ring cluster. Although not shown it should be understand that the ring cluster201 may have a loose end. The next row in the pattern is shown by surrounding row 202 and partially interlocks with the ring cluster 201 and is formed a segment intermediately adjacent to the shortest segment. In the Granny Square the stitching may be joined as shown in FIGS. 2A and FIG. 2B to partially interlock the additional rows. In FIG. 2A, there are two additional surrounding rows, 203 and 204 that may partially interlock in a similar fashion. In the pattern with five segments, the outer row 205 that partially interlocks with the surrounding row 204. In one embodiment, the outer row 205 may be obtained from the segment having the longest length in the pattern. Similar to the ring cluster 201, the outer row 205 would also have a loose end that is not shown in FIG. 2A.

[0039] FIG. 2C represents a sequence of rows that form a flower shape pattern 200”. As shown in FIG. 2C there are three rows that comprise the flower shape pattern 200”. The first row 201 (or ring cluster) is represented as an inner circle. The second row 202 forms the petals of theflower design. Thus, the second row 202 may partially interlock within the first row 201 to form the necessary petal design. The third row 203 is the background that may provide a visually pleasing contrast to the flower design. Depending on the style, the rows as represented by the row cluster 203 in FIG. 2C may be significantly longer than the previous segments and may interlock within the second row 202.

[0040] In FIG. 2D, the pattern 200” has ten rows. Although each row may have a visually distinguishable colour, in one embodiment, adjacent pairs of row may have a similar colour. In some embodiments, three adjacent rows may have the similar colour. In the pattern 200” shown in FIG. 2D, the innermost row 210 and the adjacent row 212 have a similar colour. Rows 210 and 212 may together form a ring cluster. Accordingly, one segment of the yarn may be used form both the innermost row 210 and the adjacent row 212. The next two adjacent rows (214 and 216) have a similar colour. Row 218 has a colour that is distinguishable from row 216, but does not have a similar adjacent pair with the same colour. Row 218 corresponds to one segment of the yarn. Continuing the pattern, rows 220 and 222 have a similar colour, while rows 224 and 226 have a similar colour. The outermost row 228 has a colour that is distinguishable from row 226, but does not have a similar adjacent pair with the same colour. In total the pattern 200” shown in FIG. 2D has six segments to form ten rows.

[0041] By having all the colours arranged as a plurality of segments allows ease of use for the crafter. The crafter can use one skein of yarn to make an article from the pattern without having to use multiple balls of different colour yarns. By having one skein improves the ease of transport and allows for crafting in a variety of settings, including while traveling or commuting. This also reduces the number of skeins necessary to produce a pattern.

[0042] In one embodiment, the pattern having a plurality of segments reduces the number of loose ends. The loose ends need to be secured by weaving or knotting to prevent the pattern from unravelling. As shown in FIG. 3, there is a pattern 300 wherein the ring cluster 301 has a first loose end 310 and the outer row 305 has a second loose end 312. The length of the first loose end 310 and the second loose end 312 may vary to allow the user to tie each loose end. In comparison to the prior method shown in FIG. 4, the pattern 400 has 10 loose ends (410-419),while the yarn produced according to the present invention reduces the number of loose ends to no more than two. In addition to the weaving being tedious and time-consuming, the weave can cause discomfort to the crafter. By weaving all 10 loose ends in the prior method in FIG. 4, the tension on the yarn may become compromised resulting in a reduction in tension. The previous method of weaving the loose ends results may lead to a pattern that is subject to wear and can lead to excess expansion and quality deterioration.

[0043] In one embodiment, the finished work piece may be a sweater, scarf, blanket, towel, placemat, table cloth, linens, rug, jacket, robe, dress or any other suitable type of garment.

[0044] While the disclosure has been described in detail, modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. In view of the foregoing discussion, relevant knowledge in the art and references discussed above in connection with the Background and Detailed Description, the disclosures of which are all incorporated herein by reference. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the disclosure and portions of various embodiments and various features recited below and / or in the appended claims may be combined or interchanged either in whole or in part. In the foregoing descriptions of the various embodiments, those embodiments which refer to another embodiment may be appropriately combined with other embodiments as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the disclosure.

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. A method for producing a yarn having a pattern characterized by a plurality segments that are assembled into a sequence of rows and comprising the steps of: feeding the yarn in one direction along a series of rollers corresponding to the number of segments in the pattern; controlling each roller of the series of rollers to independently dye each segment with a different colour, and the plurality segments have a shortest segment that forms a pull-end of the yarn; repeating the pattern; and controlling the feed rate of and / or the tension on the yarn to prevent knotting, whereby the patterns of segments are assembled into the sequence of rows comprising: forming a ring cluster from the shortest segment, wherein the ring cluster has a first loose end; partially interlocking a surrounding row with the ring cluster from a segment intermediately adjacent to the shortest segment, wherein the surrounding row has no free ends; and partially interlocking an outer row with the surrounding row from a segment that is longer than the intermediate segment, wherein the outer row has a second loose end.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein each segment has an increasing length.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the pattern comprises from three to ten segments.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the pattern comprises from four to six segments.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein each segment is knotless.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the shortest segment has a length from 150 cm to 250 cm, preferably from 200 cm to 225 cm.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the increasing length between the segments is at least 50 cm, preferably at least 75 cm or more preferably at least 100 cm.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the yarn comprises from 2 to 35 assemblies of segments, preferably from 6 to 16 assemblies of segments.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the length of segments of similar colour in different patterns varies by less than 4%, preferably by less than 0.5%.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first free end of the ring cluster is the pull-end of the yarn.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the sequence of rows comprises no more than two loose ends.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling the speed of each roller to permit dyeing of a segment to obtain the length.

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