Elastic Properties of Plain and Double Knit Cotton Fabrics

The elastic behavior of plain and double knit fabrics was studied before and after laundering. Thirty-four fabrics were knit of 24/1, 20/1, and 16/1 cotton yarns. Elonga tion, recovery, and growth were determined by a manual method and by the Instron machine set at predetermined extension. Also, elongation and growth were measured with loads of 2 and 4 lb applied manually and after extension of 10% in lengthwise specimens and of 30% in widthwise specimens. Relationships of cover factor to elongation and to growth were studied.