Characterizing and predicting the self-folding behavior of weft-knit fabrics

Abstract

Self-folding behavior is an exciting property of weft-knit fabrics that can be created using just front and back stitches. This behavior is easy to create, but not easy to anticipate and currently cannot be predicted by the existing computer-aided design software that controls industrial knitting machines. This work identifies the edge deformation behaviors that lead to self-folding in weft knits, and methods to characterize the mechanical forces driving these behaviors with regard to chosen manufacturing parameters. With this data and analysis of the fabric deformations, the self-folding behavior was purposely controlled using calculated scaling factors. Furthermore, theoretical equations were developed to mathematically predict these scaling factors, minimizing the trial and error required to design with self-folding behavior and create textiles with novel engineered properties. By understanding the mechanisms responsible for creating these three-dimensional self-folding textiles, they can then be designed in a programmable manner for use in technical applications.

Structure–Property Investigation of Knit Patterns on Thermal Comfort: A Holistic Approach

“…The purpose of developing novel complex NS knits was to induce an effect called self-folding that created air pockets in the fold of the structure to potentially improve the thermal insulation property of the fabric. Although the idea of self-folded knit architecture has been evolved recently, highlighting the aesthetic and smart textile application, , its potentiality in enhancing thermal insulation has not been investigated yet, to the best of the authors’ knowledge. In this research, combinations of jersey and reverse jersey stitches were deliberately selected and placed to disrupt the balance of the structure that developed tension variation causing localized folding, eventually creating air pockets in the fold (one of the standard knits, Rib 6 × 3 exhibited this property due to developing crevice cavities as seen from the technical face and back sides in Figure ).…”