Influence of stitch length and structure on selected mechanical properties of single jersey knitted fabrics with varying cotton percentage in the yarn
Knitting is a process of manufacturing a fabric by the intermeshing of loops of yarn. Knitted fabric possesses high stretch and recovery, providing greater freedom of movement and outstanding comfort qualities for which they have been preferred as fabrics in many kinds of clothing for a long time. In clothing design and manufacturing, fabric characteristics are usually dictated by a specified end-use.1,2
The Mechanism of Pilling
Studies of the mechanism of pilling have demonstrated that pilling propensity is determined by the rates of fuzz formation, entanglement, and pill wearoff. Motion pictures of fabrics subjected to an abrading action showed that the abradant acted on exposed fiber sections to pull loops which then opened to form fuzz. A pill formed quickly when the fuzz density reached a critical level. The fibers were then twisted and entangled, gradually involving nearby fibers. As the abrading action continued, pills wore away. Techniques were developed which permitted independent quantitative study of each of these three phenomena. The physical properties of several textile fibers were correlated with their behavior in these tests. Interfiber friction and bending stiffness were important factors in fuzz formation. Entanglement tendency was correlated with denier, cross-sectional shape, and bending stiffness. Pill wearoff was determined by abrasion resistance and tenacity. The general applicability of this mechanism has been demonstrated with modified polyester fibers. The reduced pitting tendency of ribbon staple fibers was attributed to a directional bending which reduced their entanglement tendency. Heat-setting increased bending stiffness, which reduced pilling by lowering fuzzing tendency. The most pronounced effect on pilling tendency of polyester fibers was obtained by changes in abrasion resistance, which affected the rate of pill wearoff.
Quality assurance for textiles & apparel
Quality Assurance for Textiles and Apparel, 2e reflects the industry's best practices and most practical efforts to provide products of a consistent quality that meet customers' needs. With updated information on technological advances and issues of globalization, the second edition emphasizes the importance of incorporating product quality from the merchandising and design stages through production, delivery, and retailing.