Effect of Blending Ratio and Sewing Characteristics on Performance Properties for Barki Wool/Polyester Fabrics

Abstract

ABSTRACT The coarse wool breeds have a very small share in the clothing market due to the difficulty of their weaving and sewing. Herein, we propose a new method for utilization of coarse wool fibers (Barki), after grading and sorting according to handle, fineness, and kemp content to separate the class of fine fleeces and patches with no kemp fibers. Barki wool fibers were then blended with woolen polyester fibers to produce 30:70% and 45:55% wool/polyester woven fabric. The properties of the produced fabrics from Barki wool/polyester yarns were compared with those of Merino wool/polyester fabric 45:55%. The effects of wool type, nature of sewing threads, stitch type, and the number of stitches per centimeter, on the seam slippage as well as other inherent properties of the fabrics, were studied. The results indicate that a fine soft grade of Barki wool could be used in apparel, and the least seam slippage was obtained upon using fabric and stitch from the same type of yarns using 5 stitches/cm. As the ratio of polyester fibers in the blended fabric increases, the seam slippage as well as, crease recovery, and tear strength get better except that for pilling resistance and drapeability.