Influence of stitch density on seam strength in cotton fabrics

The goal of this paper was to investigate the influence of three different fabric thread densities per weft (10, 17, and 25 cm−1) as well as three different linear densities of weft threads (20, 30, and 50 Tex) on the seam strength of cotton fabrics. When measuring seam strength, the values of the F–ε curve were monitored. In this, a uniform increase in force is observed in all samples up to a certain point. After that point, the force suddenly begins to decrease for a while. Then, the same force begins to increase again. That part of the curve at the point where the force begins to decrease is defined in this paper as seam yielding. Therefore, it is concluded that the seam at this point is significantly damaged in structure. The results obtained show that the values of seam strength, for all samples, increase with increasing: stitch density, weft thread density, and weft linear density. It is concluded that the average yield force in samples B decreases by 21.54% and by 32.94% in samples C, compared to the average yield force values of samples A. The average yield force in samples E decreases by 23.24% and that in samples F decreases by 37.92% compared to the average yield force values of samples D. The average yield force in samples H decreases by 19.87% and in samples I it decreases by 24.92% compared to the average yield force values of samples G. The results obtained show that weft yarns with a larger cross-section more intensively resist thread yielding in the seam. Defining these parameters represents a significant contribution for manufacturers of quality clothing because it is possible to project in advance the intensities of forces to which seams in clothing can be subjected to without impairing their quality.