Analysis of loop length basic weft knitted structures with elastane

Abstract

Knitting with elastane core-spun yarns results in a compact, or very compact structure because of the yarn extension in the knitting zone, fabric relaxation in unloaded state after relaxation and yarn compression within the knitted structure. This results in knitted loop geometry changes and hence results in changes of knitted fabric structural parameters. The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the most frequently applied loop models for the loop length calculations. As anticipated, the structures made from conventional yarns without elastane show the best agreement with the studied geometrical loop models. Structures made from the elastane core-spun yarns do not correspond to geometrical loop models for individual structures. The investigated loop models cannot be generally applied, when designing both conventional and elasticised knitted fabrics in various structures. The research objective was also to define new loop models based on multiple linear regression.