Experimental and artificial neural network studies on dimensional properties of weft knitted rib fabrics

Abstract

Knitted constructions have developed popularly in the use of casual newlinewear and in sports wear however little is known about engineering these fabric structures in connection with predicting their shrinkage Considering the huge demand for knitted garments made with rib derivative structures the necessity for a permanent solution to the problem of dimensional stability is important It is learnt from the industry circle that in spite of a great deal of work in this area a large amount of rib derivative knitted fabrics has been rejected due to shrinkage Rib derivative structures formed by incorporating tuck and or float stitches along with face and back knit stitches are attractive to garment manufacturers today because of their open structure and the ease with which it offers comfort to the wearers In view of this it is felt that an investigation on the dimensional properties of these fabrics is warranted newline