Advancing Elastic Warp Knit Fabrics: The Role of Natural Fibers on Functionality

Elastic warp knit fabrics have long been used in applications such as orthopedic treatment and rehabilitation due to their flexibility and support. Typically, these fabrics incorporate elastomeric yarns in every wale, contributing to their widespread use. This study aims to reduce the weight and cost of these fabrics while maintaining essential properties, including elasticity, flexural rigidity, and compressive performance. Market analysis and literature search show that natural fibers despite their eco-friendly properties are not common in warp knitted elastic fabrics. Therefore, natural fibers such as cotton and linen were used as weft yarns. The use of these natural fibers not only offers environmental benefits but also has potential health advantages. The findings indicate that replacing polyester weft yarn with cotton or linen resulted in higher pressure on the body. Additionally, by partially threading elastomeric yarns, the fabric’s overall weight was reduced without changing performance.