Study on the Impact of Stitch Length on the Quality Parameters of Knitted Fabrics Produced on a V-Bed Knitting Machine

Abstract

The proposed study is research on the effects of stitch length on the quality parameters of knitted fabrics knitted on a V-bed flat knitting machine. The intent is to know how different stitch length affects physical and mechanical characteristics of the fabric generated. Three stitch lengths were used to create fabric sample using 100 percent acrylic yarn. Pertinent testing’s have been carried out in the laboratory involving stitch length, Wales per Inch (WPI) and Courses per Inch (CPI), weight of the fabric in grams per square meter (GSM), and ball bursting strength and single yarn strength tests. Findings provided that stitch length also influences density of fabric, weight, and mechanical strength to a significant extent. To be specific the yarn strength and bursting improved with short stitch lengths and there was also more compactness in the fabrics produced but when the stitch lengths were long there was a lighter more flexible fabric. This research can be helpful to the optimization of the length of stitch in the knitted fabric production in order to get the required performance and quality of the fabric.