Determining the loop length during knitting and dyeing processes

Abstract

Loop length is one of the most relevant variables to control while producing knitted fabrics because the final characteristics of the finished fabric depend on it to a great extent. The procedure followed to calculate it is based on standard UNE-EN 14970, and it is cumbersome, time-consuming and requires yarn-measuring equipment. This study investigated several single jersey and 1 × 1 rib structures produced with different yarn counts and 100% cotton yarns, and a 1 × 1 rib structure that was half-plated in alternating courses by defining four relaxation states of the different fabrics: two knits (knitting and dry relaxation and knitting and wet relaxation) and two dyed (dyed and dry relaxation and dyed and wet relaxation). The most significant dimensional variables were characterized in all the relaxation states and models were presented that explain the variability of the yarn length absorbed by the loop using other variables that are much simpler to analyze.