The Determination of Fabric Loop Length

Abstract

An alternative approach towards the measurement of loop length while in fabric form is proposed employing techniques of scanning electron microscopy and aerogrammetry. Distortions inherent in the recorded image have been taken into account by obtaining coordinates at intervals as determined by a micrograph of a cross-ruled grid. The lengths of all the resultant elements have been summed to obtain an estimate of the loop length, which was found to be 4–5% different from that obtained using the HATRA (Hosiery and Allied Trades Research Association, Nottingham, England) Course Length Tester. Some suggestions are offered for improving the estimated loop length by obtaining coordinates for both the face and back views of the same knitted loop. It is proposed that a similar approach would be beneficial towards an understanding of parameters governing the geometry of the knitted loop.