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Changes in the coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (Vd) were made by blending top qualities (a) 70s and 56s, and (b) 60s and 56s, and comparing these with a 58s. In this way, a range of values of Vd from 21·4 to 24·9% was obtained over three top samples whose mean fibre diameters and fibre lengths were closely similar. These tops were worsted-spun to determine their performance at the spinning limit and other yarn counts and to measure the yarn properties. The three samples did not give any important differences in chemical composition or in spinning limit, but did show a trend to significant differences in yarn breaking strength and elongation, the lower-Vd sample being favoured. Over this range of values of Vd at mean diameters of 25-26 μm, although there are hints of slight differences in spinning and in the product, the trend is not important. The range of Vd values for European tops of mean fibre diameter 25·3 μm appears to lie between 22 and 28%. The Australian tops investigated gave Vd values over the lower half of this range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]