Influence of yarn torsional rigidity on dimensions of cotton knitted loops

Abstract

An interlock machine has been suitably modified for knitting 1×1 rib, half cardigan and interlock constructions employing commercial cotton hosiery yarns of seven different counts while maintaining the machine and process variables unchanged. Multiple regression equations were worked out relating the loop dimensions, namely loop length, course spacing

and wale spacing of the fully relaxed samples, with the tensile, flexural and torsional rigidities as well as with the thickness and coefficient of friction values of the yarns. These equations were validated by additionally knitting three different types of hosiery yarn for the three constructions and comparing the predicted values with the experimental ones. It is observed that the mean torsional rigidity of yarn plays a very important role in determining loop dimensions of all the three constructions, necessitating the testing and standardization of this property for improvement in quality of knit goods. For constructions incorporating tuck loops, such as half cardigan, the yarn buckling rigidity may additionally playa decisive role.