Improving of Sewability Properties of Various Knitted Fabrics with the Softeners

Abstract

Sewing damage is one of the most troublesome problems for the knitted fabrics and this damage is caused by the resistance of fabric to the penetration of needle during sewing operation. Such resistance comes from the fact that the spaces in fabric (between the fibers or the yarns). Finishing treatments directly affect these spaces and so, the sewability and the sewing conditions of fabrics are affected. The aim of this study is; to research the effect of the parameters, such as knitting structure, softeners type and chemical concentration to the sewability and seam puckering in apparel on cotton knitted fabrics. For this purpose, five various softeners with two concentration were applied to the pre-treated 100% of cotton single jersey, interlock and fleece fabrics. After applications, the sewability and the seam puckering of all fabrics were measured and the obtain results were statistically evaluated. The softening treatments improved the sewability and seam puckering markedly. Especially, macro silicone emulsion had the lowest needle penetration force value. After softening treatment, seam puckering increased nearly 1.5-2 grades. The lower concentration is sufficient to get same effect.