Concept:
Winding is the process of transferring yarn from a small bobbin to a large package (like a cone). One common defect in this process is "ribboning" or "patterning."
Step 1: The Geometry of Winding.
As the yarn is wound, the traverse guide moves back and forth. If the "Wind Ratio" (the number of coils per double traverse) becomes a whole number, the yarn path for the new layer will fall exactly on top of the yarn path from the previous layer.
Step 2: Result of Overlapping.
This repeated overlapping creates a visible ridge or "ribbon" on the package, known as patterning. Patterning is undesirable because it causes uneven unwinding tension in the next process (weaving or knitting) and can lead to uneven dyeing.