Spirality of Knitted Fabrics: Part I: The Nature of Spirality

We have investigated spirality in both dry and fully relaxed jersey fabrics produced from a series of relaxed spun yams. From this study, it is clear that spirality depends on feed density, machine cut, and loop shape, but the magnitude of spirality can be offset by the selection of yarn twist direction. In addition, we have shown that a reduction in yam "torque" can only partially reduce fabric spirality, but the use of plied yams and plaiting techniques may completely eliminate it. In three-end fleece fabrics, spirality can be substantially reduced by balancing the twist direction in the face and binder yams. We have also developed a theory to explain the mechanism of loop inclination and loop rotation in single knit fabrics.