Relaxation Shrinkage Characteristics of Steam-Ironed Plain Knitted Wool Fabrics

Abstract

This study e valuates the dimensional changes of steam-ironed plain knitted wool fabrics after conditioning in air and then washing with an IWS 7A wash cycle. During steam ironing, different extensions are given to the fabrics by using larger sized ironing boards. Part of the expansion of the fabrics is recovered during conditioning in air and residual expansion depends mainly on the extensions given to the fabrics during steam ironing. After undergoing the IWS 7A wash cycle, the dimensional changes of the steam-ironed fabrics are identified as depending on yarn linear density, fabric tightness, anti-felting treatment of wool yarn, and the degree of extension imparted to the fabrics during steam ironing. Further analysis also shows that whether or not the fabrics are treated with steam ironing and regardless of the extensions imparted during steam ironing, all fabrics with the same yam and knitting parameters approach similar dimensions and shapes after IWS 7A washing.