26—THE GEOMETRY AND DIMENSIONAL PROPERTIES OF PLAIN-KNIT FABRICS

Abstract

The difficulties encountered in attempting to obtain relationships between the dimensions of knitted fabrics, the properties of the constituent yarns and the variable factors in knitting are discussed. It is suggested that the natural shape of the knitted loop is determined by minimum energy conditions, that the loop tends to this state on relaxation and that this shape is independent of the properties of the yarn or length of stitch. It is shown that, with these assumptions, the dimensional and weight properties of the knitted fabric in a relaxed state are determined uniquely by the length of yarn in the stitch. The relationships derived geometrically are confirmed experimentally by measurements after dry and wet relaxation on wool and cotton fabrics.