Influence of Tuck Stitch Variations on the Stretch Properties of Half-Wool Single Weft-Knitted Fabrics

This study examines the stretch properties of nine variants of single tuck weft-knitted fabrics made from 31×2 tex wool/PAN yarn, compared to a plain stitch structure. The research emphasizes how variations in the arrangement and percentage of tuck loops (Tn) within the stitch repeat affect the fabrics' stretch characteristics. Results show that the presence and percentage of tuck loops at the width repeat significantly influence stretch properties. The plain stitch fabric displayed clear anisotropy, with widthwise deformation roughly four times greater than lengthwise deformation, mainly driven by the elastic component (E1), indicating strong immediate recovery and dimensional stability. Conversely, tuck stitch variants showed more balanced deformation between directions, reflecting the moderating influence of tuck loops on fabric anisotropy. Increasing the percentage of tuck loops improved lengthwise extensibility while decreasing widthwise recovery, leading to changes in elastic and residual deformation behavior. Analysis of deformation components revealed that tuck loops decrease the elastic deformation ratio (E1/E) and increase delayed (E2/E) and residual (E3/E) deformation, suggesting greater stress relaxation and a higher permanent set. These results confirm that the presence and combination of knit and tuck loops can be effectively used to fine-tune the mechanical and dimensional properties of knitted fabrics. Therefore, controlled use of tuck stitches provides a practical approach for optimizing fabric performance in terms of stretch, recovery, and stability, offering valuable insights for designing functional and high-performance knitted textiles.