Physical Properties of the Traditional Stitched Fabric, Kogin, of Tsugaru District

Abstract

The original Kogin fabric, a hemp fabric decoratively stitched in the weft direction with cotton thread , is a traditional farmer's product of the Tsugaru district. Most of bending, shear and compression properties of the original Kogin were larger than respective averaged values of 220 types of lady's suit garment fabrics available today. The front surface of the original Kogin was geometrically smoother. We examined the change in the property values of the hemp fabric caused by the stitching in the weft direction with cotton thread. The stitching generally reduced anisotropy of the property values between the warp and weft directions of the hemp fabric. The stitching increased warmth retention slightly and decreased air permeability drastically. Also, the stitching remarkably improved breaking strength in the weft direction and abrasion resistance.