An Evaluation of the Effect of Different Yarn-spinning Systems on the Handle of Fabrics Part I: A Comparison of Ring-spun and Mule-spun Woollen Yarns

Abstract

An investigation is reported in which simple rib-knitted fabrics were constructed from lambswool yarn spun on ringframes and mules. The mechanical properties of these fabrics were then measured on the Kawabata range of instruments, and primary hand values (stiffness, smoothness, and fullness/softness) were calculated. The fabrics were also subjectively assessed by a panel of judges for differences in handle. Both the objective measurements and the subjective measurements detected differences in handle between the fabrics. The fabrics constructed from mule-spun yarns were found to be less stiff and smoother in handle.