Relationship in Knitting Parameters Considering Higher GSM
This document explores the relationship between various knitting parameters and their impact on achieving higher GSM (Grams per Square Meter) in knitted fabrics. The parameters considered include machine diameter and gauge, fabric type, yarn type, stitch length, and finished diameter, with a focus on how these factors contribute to a heavier, denser fabric. The data provided offers insights into specific combinations of these parameters that result in GSM values of 400 and 440.
Data Analysis and Observations
The provided data showcases a series of knitting trials with varying parameters, ultimately aiming to achieve higher GSM values. Let's break down the parameters and their potential influence:
1. Machine Diameter and Gauge (M/C DIA & GG):
The primary machine configuration used is 30*16. This likely refers to a 30-inch diameter machine with a 16 gauge.
One instance shows 30*18, indicating a slightly finer gauge (18). This finer gauge could potentially lead to a denser fabric structure, contributing to a higher GSM, assuming other parameters are kept relatively constant.
2. Fabric Type:
The fabric type is consistently "3TFL," which likely stands for 3-Thread Fleece. This structure inherently adds weight and thickness to the fabric compared to simpler structures like single jersey.
3. Yarn Type:
The yarn type varies considerably, impacting the final fabric GSM. The yarns are blends of Cotton Combed (CC), Cotton Melange (CM), Grey Melange (GM), Draw Textured Polyester (DP), and Polyester Cotton (PC).
Finer counts like 26/CC and 24/CC appear in the samples with 440 GSM, suggesting that finer yarns, when knitted tightly, can contribute to a higher GSM.
The presence of 150DP (Draw Textured Polyester) consistently across the higher GSM samples indicates its role in adding bulk and weight to the fabric.
The percentage of PC (Polyester Cotton) remains relatively constant (around 10%), suggesting it plays a supporting role rather than a primary driver of GSM.
4. Stitch Length:
Stitch length is represented as a combination of three values (e.g., 5.30+3.40+2.30). These likely correspond to the stitch lengths of the three threads in the 3-thread fleece structure.
The stitch lengths are relatively consistent across all samples. This suggests that while stitch length is important for fabric structure and hand feel, the variations within this dataset are not the primary drivers of the GSM difference.
5. Finished Diameter:
The finished diameter is either 60 inches or 59 inches. A slightly smaller finished diameter, while keeping the same number of stitches, would result in a denser fabric and potentially a higher GSM.
6. Finished GSM:
The target GSM values are 400 and 440. The data shows that specific combinations of yarn type and potentially a finer gauge (30*18) are associated with the higher GSM of 440.
Key Relationships and Factors Influencing GSM
Based on the data, the following relationships and factors appear to be crucial for achieving higher GSM in the context of 3-thread fleece fabrics:
Yarn Type and Count: Finer yarn counts (e.g., 26/CC, 24/CC) combined with a bulking component like 150DP contribute significantly to higher GSM. The fiber composition (CC, CM, GM) also likely plays a role, with some fibers being inherently heavier or contributing more to fabric density.
Gauge: A finer gauge (e.g., 30*18) can potentially increase the stitch density and contribute to a higher GSM, but more data points are needed to confirm this relationship definitively.
Fabric Structure: The 3-thread fleece structure is fundamental to achieving the target GSM values.
Stitch Length: While important for fabric properties, the variations in stitch length within this dataset do not appear to be the primary drivers of GSM differences.
Finished Diameter: A slightly smaller finished diameter can contribute to a denser fabric and higher GSM.
Recommendations and Further Investigation
To further optimize knitting parameters for achieving specific GSM targets, the following steps are recommended:
Controlled Experiments: Conduct controlled experiments where only one parameter is varied at a time to isolate its impact on GSM.
Yarn Analysis: Perform detailed yarn analysis, including linear density, twist, and fiber composition, to better understand how yarn properties influence fabric GSM.
Stitch Length Optimization: Explore a wider range of stitch lengths to determine the optimal settings for achieving the desired fabric properties and GSM.
Gauge Variation: Systematically vary the machine gauge to assess its impact on GSM while keeping other parameters constant.
Statistical Analysis: Apply statistical analysis techniques to the data to identify the most significant parameters and their interactions.
By systematically investigating these parameters and their interactions, knitters can develop a more comprehensive understanding of how to control GSM and achieve desired fabric properties.
| M/C DIA & GG | FABRIC TYPE | YARN TYPE | STICH LENGTH | FINISHED DIA | FINISHED GSM |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 20CC+100DP(48F)+12PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.40+2.30 | 60 | 400 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 20CC+100DP(48F)+12PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.38+2.30 | 60 | 400 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 22GM15%+150DP(48F)+10PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.44+2.30 | 60 | 400 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 20GM15%+100DP(48F)+10PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.44+2.30 | 60 | 400 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 20CC+100DP(48F)+10PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.40+2.30 | 60 | 400 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 26/CC+ 150DP(48F)+10 PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.40+2.30 | 59 | 440 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 26/CC+ 150DP(48F)+10 PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.42+2.30 | 59 | 440 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 26/CC+ 150DP(48F)+10 PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.44+2.30 | 59 | 440 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 24/CC+ 150DP(48F)+10 PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.40+2.30 | 59 | 440 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 24/CM+ 150DP(48F)+10 PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.40+2.30 | 59 | 440 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 24/CC+ 150DP(48F)+10 PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.44+2.30 | 59 | 440 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 24/CC+ 150DP(48F)+10 PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.45+2.30 | 59 | 440 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 24/CC+ 150DP(48F)+10 PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.46+2.30 | 59 | 440 |
| 30*18 | 3 TFL | 22/CC+150DP(48F)+10 PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.40+2.30 | 59 | 440 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 22CM+150DP(48F)+10PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.46+2.30 | 59 | 440 |
| 30*16 | 3TFL | 20/CC+150DP(48F)+10PC(65/35) | 5.30+3.44+2.30 | 59 | 440 |