Reflective Yarn
Reflection that is knitted in, not sewn on.
Five yarn constructions — single and double side, film core and fabric build, plus an embroidery thread — specified by width, face and reflectivity for bags, footwear, headwear and knitwear.
What we supply
Reflective yarn is specified when the reflective element has to be part of the construction: a knitted panel, a braided cord, a woven webbing, an embroidered logo. The reflective layer is slit to yarn width and carried on a core, so it runs through the machine like any other yarn. The five constructions below differ in face count, in core, and in width — that is what decides which one runs on a given machine and reads correctly in the finished article.
One reflective face, film core
Single Side Reflective Yarn
RS-F-YR-01
Reflective yarn with the reflective face on one side, carried on a PET film core. It knits, braids and weaves like a normal yarn, so the reflective line becomes part of the structure of the fabric instead of a trim added afterwards.
- Single reflective face on a PET film core
- Grey in daylight, reflective under a headlight
- Over 250 cd/(lx·m²)
- From 0.5 mm, made to order
- For bags, backpacks, shoes, hats and knitwear
RS-F-YR-01 · specifications
| Code | Face | Core | Daytime colour | Reflectivity | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS-F-YR-01 | Single side | PET film | Grey | >250 | ≥0.5 mm |
Reflects through a full twist
Double Side Reflective Yarn
RS-F-YR-02
The same film construction with a reflective face on both sides, so the yarn still reflects when the twist turns it over — for braided cord, open knits and trim that is seen from more than one direction.
- Reflective face on both sides
- PET film core keeps the yarn thin
- Stays reflective where a single side build turns inward
- From 0.5 mm, made to order
- Woven, braided or knit into fabric or trim
RS-F-YR-02 · specifications
| Code | Face | Core | Daytime colour | Reflectivity | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS-F-YR-02 | Double side | PET film | Grey | >250 | ≥0.5 mm |
Fabric face, softer hand
Single Side Reflective Fabric Yarn
RS-F-YR-03
A yarn built on reflective fabric rather than reflective film: silver or high reflective tape slit to yarn width on a textile carrier. Softer than a film build, and brighter at the same width.
- Reflective layer is silver or high reflective tape
- Single reflective face
- Softer hand than a film build of the same width
- Grey daytime colour
- From 0.5 mm, made to order
RS-F-YR-03 · specifications
| Code | Face | Layer | Daytime colour | Width | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS-F-YR-03 | Single side | Silver / high reflective tape | Grey | ≥0.5 mm | Knit, braid, trim |
The heavy build
Double Side Reflective Fabric Yarn
RS-F-YR-04
Reflective fabric yarn with the reflective face on both sides and a polyester backing. The heaviest construction in the range: it keeps a reflective face through a full twist and takes abrasion better than a bare film.
- Reflective face on both sides
- Reflective layer: silver or high reflective tape
- Polyester backing for abrasion resistance
- For braided cord, webbing edges and exposed trim
- From 0.5 mm, made to order
RS-F-YR-04 · specifications
| Code | Face | Layer | Backing | Width | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS-F-YR-04 | Double side | Silver / high reflective | Polyester | ≥0.5 mm | Cord, webbing, trim |
Reflection inside the stitch
Reflective Thread for Embroidery
RS-F-YR-05
Reflective thread fine enough to run through an embroidery head or a knitting machine, so a logo, a stitch line or a pattern reflects without a separate trim being applied.
- Polyester reflective thread
- From 0.25 mm, made to order
- A range of colours, made to order
- Runs on standard embroidery and knitting equipment
- For garment, bag and accessory decoration
RS-F-YR-05 · specifications
| Code | Material | Width | Colour | Application | Attachment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS-F-YR-05 | Polyester | ≥0.25 mm | Made to order | Embroidery / knitting | Stitched in |
FAQ | Reflective yarn
What buyers ask before specifying a reflective yarn — film versus fabric, single versus double side, how fine it can go and how it behaves on a knitting or embroidery machine.
What is reflective yarn used for?
Reflective yarn puts the reflective element inside the fabric structure instead of on top of it. It is knit, woven or braided into bags, backpacks, shoes, hats, knitwear and trim, so the reflective line runs with the stitch rather than sitting on the surface where it can lift or wear.
What is the difference between a film core and a fabric build?
A film build slits reflective PET film to yarn width: thinner, stiffer, and the usual choice where the yarn has to stay fine. A fabric build slits reflective tape on a textile carrier: softer in the hand and brighter at the same width, which matters on knitwear and anything that has to drape.
When should we specify double side instead of single side?
When the reflective face can turn away from the viewer. On an open knit, a braided cord or trim seen from both sides, a single side yarn loses its face wherever the twist rolls it inward; a double side build keeps the line continuous. On a closed flat knit where one face is always out, single side is enough and costs less.
How fine can the yarn go?
From 0.5 mm for the yarns and from 0.25 mm for the embroidery thread, both made to order. The practical minimum is set by the machine that has to run it: a very fine slit yarn needs tension control and a suitable needle, so the width should be agreed against the equipment rather than chosen from a table.
What reflectivity can the yarn reach?
Over 250 cd/(lx·m²) on the film builds. The number that matters in the finished article is the reflectivity of the surface as built, which depends on how much of the yarn shows after knitting or braiding, so it is confirmed on the actual construction rather than on the yarn alone.
Can reflective yarn be washed?
It can, within limits set by the construction: the yarn is only as washable as the fabric it is knitted into and the way it is secured. Wash performance is confirmed against the wash programme supplied with the order, and a test on the real fabric is the reliable answer.
Does the yarn work on standard knitting and embroidery equipment?
The thread is made to run on standard embroidery and knitting equipment, but reflective thread behaves differently from a normal thread: it is less elastic and less forgiving of tight tension. Set tension low, use a slightly larger needle and run a test on the actual machine before a production run.
Can we get a sample on our own fabric or machine?
Yes. Send the base fabric or the trim you intend to build, the machine and the stitch, and the yarn is run on it and checked for coverage, hand and residual reflectivity. Yarn performance changes with stitch density and tension, so a test on the real construction is the only reliable answer.
Reflectivity is given in cd/(lx·m²) measured on the yarn face. In a finished article the figure depends on stitch density and on how much of the yarn shows, so it is confirmed on the built construction. Wash performance is confirmed against the wash programme supplied with the order. Widths and colours are made to order. Test documentation for a build is confirmed with the quotation.
Send the stitch and the machine.
Tell us the base fabric or trim, the machine, the stitch and the width you need, and the answer comes back with the construction, the yarn width and a price.