Abstract:
This study investigated the influence of laundering and stitch density, on fabric and seam strength, elongation and efficiency of plain seams, in two types of polyester poplin linings sold on the Ghanaian market. To accomplish this, experimental quantitative design was employed for the study. Two types of lining fabrics (Kell Star and Kell Special), two ranges of stitch density (12 and 15 SPI) and three cycles of washing were used to carry out the investigation. A total number of 135 specimens each from the two fabrics were obtained for the study. The specimens were stitched with the Ankerette® electric sewing machine and washed at a temperature of 60oC for 30 minutes with the Standard Launder-Ometer (Gyrowash 315). After drying, the tensile strength and elongation of the specimens were tested with the Universal Tensile Tester (MARK-10) at a rate of 25mm/min. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (independent sample t – test, one way ANOVA) were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that with regards to the seam strength, fabric types, stitch densities and washing did not have a statistically significant difference. There was a statistically significant difference however, between fabric types and stitch densities with regard to the seam efficiency but washing showed no statistically significant difference with regard to the seam efficiency. The results also showed that with regards to the seam elongation, a statistically significant difference was found only with stitch densities but not with the fabric types and washing. It was recommended that dressmakers should be educated through outreach programmes to use appropriate stitch densities in the construction of garments.
