LookChina develops 4-way stretchable knitted spacer fabric

16 Oct '09

4 min read

Innovation isn't easy, it's just essential. In pursuit of knitting innovation, we have developed a feature- enhanced 4-way stretchable knitted spacer fabric that has a promising utilization in home textiles, automobile, apparel and medical industries.

4-way stretchable knitted spacer fabrics are constructed like a sandwich; a fabric layer on the top and bottom, with a third connecting layer tucked in-between. It is a three-dimensional integrated fabric structure with no foam, no adhesive and no Latex! This fabric enjoys great longevity without the deterioration and breathablity problems that normally accompanies a laminated product. Our new feature-enhanced 4-way stretchable knitted spacer fabric offers several characters:

1) Even compression in all directions (4-way stretchable) and cushioning effect
2) Thermal insulation, temperature regulation, air permeability and breathablity
3) Lasting and sustained compression memory
4) Easy care, machine washable and tumble dry
5) No yarn raveling

In fabric development, there are commercial incentives to add additional features to the aesthetic value of fabric. However, “value-added” features are also being developed to create solutions for specific applications. Researchers have revealed that the comfortablilty consumers' experience when wearing apparel is closely related to fabric three main factors:

1) Temperature control;
2) Moisture management; and
3) Customized compression

Apparel industry has been using stretchable fabrics for years and apparel marketing campaigns have done a good job advertising the temperature control and moisture management factors as benefits to consumers. As a result, buzz words such as thermo, insulated, breathable, absorbent, wicking, Quick Dry, Double Dry, Wind/waterproof, and Cool, are common. Most consumers have experienced pleasing benefits when wearing apparel made from fabrics with a compression factor, such as stockings, socks, long johns, bras, briefs, gloves, headbands, turtle-neck sweaters, but this factor has not been as highly publicized as temperature control and moisture management. Because the compression factor found in stretchable fabrics allows the garment to contour to the shape of the human body while offering aerodynamic and freedom of movement advantages, it is being used in sportswear apparel and has become known as “Compression Wear”.

In addition, stretchable fabric has been used in the medical field for years. Doctors have been using and prescribing 2-way stretchable fabric as compression wear to patients, such as stretchable bandages, compression socks and elastic wraps, which are applied to foot, ankle, knee, wrist, elbow, back, and shoulder injuries…these elastic textile materials offer key healing power generated from fabric “compression”. Research has shown that the correct degree of compression in appliances used in medical treatments offer the following benefits:

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