Research Article
Iftikhar F*, Hussain T, Mal
Abstract
This paper investigates the seam strength and efficiency along with, how fabric structural and sewing parameters as: weave design, weft density and seam type effect the strength and efficiency of seams. Six cotton fabrics having three weave designs and two weft densities were developed and sewn by five different seam sub-types. The lockstitch sewing machine was used. Strength of fabrics and seams were tested on Instron tensile machine. Assessments of all results were conducted with respect to weave design, weft density and seam sub-types separately by using a factorial design variance analysis. The study found that weave design significantly affect the seam strength and its efficiency in both directions. The direction of stitch is most important for seam efficiency. Moreover, the increasing trend was found towards seam strength and its efficiency by increasing the weft density. Each seam sub-type has its own strength values relative to each type of weave design and weft density. This research emphasizes only on cotton fabric with selected fabric structural parameters and seam sub-types. The presented conclusion is effective only this group of parameters and cannot be used inclusively. Thus far, the effect of different fabric structural parameters with seams has not been studied previously. This concern has been fulfilled in this research.