A geometric analysis of the stitch form of a circular plain knit fabric inserted over a cylinder

The particular stitch used in the legs of pantyhose is one important factor related to wear performance, for example, the way the fabric feels, its lu ster, etc. To obtain a fundamental knowledge of the stitch form, we analyze d geometrically the stitch form of a circular plain knit model inserted ove r a cylinder. We developed some formulas that can be used to calculate each of the partial loop lengths from some parameters, such as the radius of a cylinder, yam diameter, number of courses, number of wales, covered height, and length of yarn in one course, etc., where one loop is divided into eig ht parts. The formulas include those in the general analysis and an analysi s under extreme conditions. Some results from the numerical calculations ar e shown.