This paper deals with a novel approach for improved fibre alignment and hoo
ks removal during drafting of mohair fibres in ring spinning. The concept o
f fibre control with a pinned apron to replace the conventional double apro
ns used in ring spinning was examined. The intention was to achieve both fi
bre alignment and hooks removal, coupled with fibre control due to fibre/pi
n interaction during drafting. This was thought to he particularly importan
t for slippery fibres like mohair. The yarn assessment results obtained ind
icate that, far the pinned apron arrangement used, there was a significant
reduction in the number of neps, but the yarn evenness deteriorated. The pr
oblems associated with the pinned apron are discussed in this paper. A diff
erent approach, overcoming these problems, will be reported in Part II of t
his series.