Stretch and recovery of jersey and onterlock knits

The study compared stretch and recovery of three jersey and three interlock fabrics using industrial method of measurement, as well as BS 4294-1968 for comparing two methods. ASTM standards were used to measure structural attributes such as fabric thickness, weight, and count. Results revealed that two methods were compatible with each other for stretch but not for recovery. Increase in spandex percentage did not necessarily increased the stretch and/or recovery. Poly/cotton blend performed differently from the Rayon/Nylon and spandex blend of interlock knits for both stretch and recovery. Two interlock knits with same fiber content did not perform similarly for stretch and recovery. Mixed results were found for the inter-operator differences. Interlock and jersey materials differed significantly from each other for stretch and recovery suggesting that fabric construction can impact stretch and recovery. The study examined consumer driven approach. Comparing with manufacturer's perspective can deepen the understanding of scholars. Study can be extended to other types of knits and fiber contents as well as available methods of measurements for optimized knowledge base.