Influence of Lycra Content and Stitch Length on the Dimensional and Physical Characteristics of Lycra Back Plaited Cotton (LBPC) Single Jersey Fabrics

Abstract

The physical and dimensional characteristics, i.e. course and wale spacing, stitch density, tightness factor, diameter, porosity, dimensional stability and bursting strength of single jersey knitted items containing lycra yarn with the variations in stitch length and lycra content have been examined and a detail investigation on the lycra filament has been discussed in this study. Six different samples were knitted with identical cotton and lycra yarn but different in lycra contents and stitch length. After conditioning in a controlled environment, all the samples were tested as per the established methods. After analyzing the test results, noticeable effects of variations in stitch length and lycra content on physical and dimensional characteristics of single jersey knitted fabric has been found. As smaller the stitch length and as greater the lycra content, the dimensional stability and bursting strength are better; on the other hand, the air permeability is lower.