Effect of stitch patterns on moisture responsiveness of seamless knitted wool fabrics for activewear. Issue 2 (8th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gorea, Adriana; Baytar, Fatma; Sanders, Eulanda
• Is Part Of: International journal of clothing science and technology. Volume 33:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 175
• Page End: 187
• Publication Date: 2020-07-08
• Subjects: Circular knitting -- Moisture responsive -- Wool -- Fabric thickness; Clothing and dress -- Periodicals; Textile fabrics -- Periodicals; 677
• DOI: 10.1108/IJCST-11-2019-0173
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0955-6222

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of knit fabric stitch patterns, as indicated by fabric thickness variations, on moisture responsiveness for different seamless knitted wool-based fabrics. Design/methodology/approach: Forty fabrics were created on a Santoni Top-2 circular knitting machine by using combinations of jersey, tuck and float stitches in combinations of wool/Nylon, wool, and spandex yarns. Physical properties of the knit fabrics as well as changes in fabric thickness during dry, wet, after 30 min air-drying and after 60 min air-drying conditions were compared. Repeated measures ANOVA tests and bivariate correlation analysis were conducted. Findings: The results indicated that changes in moisture conditions had a significant effect on fabric thickness, and these changes differed by stitch pattern groups. Float patterns and tuck/rib patterns showed a continued relaxation of fabric thickness through all conditions, but tuck stitches and rib stitches showed a thickness recovery. Wool swatches, unlike the wool/Nylon swatches, increased their average thickness in after 60 min air-drying condition compared to 30 min air-drying condition. Originality/value: This research documents the moisture responsive properties for wool based yarns, as emerging natural functional materials for seamless knitting industry, with applications in garments for activewear as well as healthcare.