(1) Sliver that forms the starting material for the worsted and certain other drawing systems, usually obtained by the process of combing, and characterized by the following properties:
< >(a) the absence of fibres so short as to be uncontrolled in the preferred system of drawing;
(b) a substantially parallel formation of the fibres;
< >(c) a substantially homogeneous distribution throughout the sliver of fibres from each length-group present.
Note 1: Tops are usually produced by carding and combing, or by preparing and combing on worsted machinery, but recent years have seen the introduction of top-making by the cutting or controlled breaking of continuous-filament tows of man-made fibres, and the assembly of the resultant staple fibres into sliver in a single machine.
Note 2: The advent of man-made fibres has meant the introduction of staple-fibre top into the flax, jute, spun silk, and other drawing systems.
(2) The form or package in which sliver is delivered, e.g., ball top or bump top.
Textile Resource (http://www.textile.org.uk)
A continuous untwisted strand of wool fibers of predetermined length from which the short fibers (noil) have been removed in the combing process.
Textile Links (http://www.textilelinks.com)
