Original scientific paper
Sustainable knitwear design: analysis of the impact of engineered structures on functional properties
Živa Zupin
; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Antonija Petrov
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Ivana Salopek Čubrić
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology, Zagreb, Croatia
Goran Čubrić
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology, Zagreb, Croatia
Vesna Marija Potočić Matković
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
In today’s world, where the need for sustainable materials is widely recognized, the demand for the design and production of high-quality textile structures with enhanced properties is increasing. To meet these requirements, it is necessary to carefully consider all aspects of material selection, structural design, and product functionality. After a long period of reduced use, wool is once again attracting attention due to its unique properties, encouraging new efforts to utilize its advantages in the development of functional materials. This paper investigates the relationship between the structure and properties of different knitted fabrics produced using wool yarn. As part of the study, a series of various knitted structures was produced, followed by an examination of a range of physical and mechanical properties. The results showed that thickness largely depends on the structure of the knitted fabric, while surface roughness varies between individual structures and between the front and back of the fabric. The dynamics of wetting and drying confirm that more open structures wet and dry faster, whereas denser structures wet and dry more slowly. The knitted structure influences the air permeability of the fabrics; denser structures have lower air permeability. Among the tested samples, the best elasticity and the least reduction of force are found in fabrics made with double jersey and rib double jersey 2+2 structures.
Keywords
sustainability; wool; yarn; knitted fabric; functional properties
Hrčak ID:
350977
URI
Publication date:
9.9.2026.
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