24—THE STIFFNESS OF WOVEN TEXTILES

Abstract

Factors affecting the resistance to bending offered by fibres, yarns and woven fabrics are considered. Fibre stiffness depends upon fibre material, shape of cross-section and denier. Yarn stiffness is usually controlled by fibre stiffness, being little affected by twist under normal conditions of lubrication. When yarns are woven into fabrics, however, a wide range of stiffness is possible according to the extent to which free movement of fibres is inhibited by fabric structure or finish. The stiffness of a fabric may vary with the direction of bending in different ways, but, for most purposes, measurements along warp, weft, and one other direction are sufficient to describe it.