Textile and Apparel Science

Performance Characteristics of the Merrow Infused ActiveSeam®: A Comparative Analysis of Joining Techniques for Durability, Comfort, and Appearance in Sportswear

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Abstract

This study conducted seam testing to compare the Infused ActiveSeam®, lapped-felled seam, and superimposed seam for durability, comfort, and appearance after laundering. A substrate of super stretch compression tricot was selected and seams were stitched with overlock (ISO 514 stitch), flatlock (ISO 607 stitch), and Infused ActiveSeam®, all using SabaFlex PTT Tex 70 continuous filament thread. Textileperformance testing was conducted to compare durability (bursting strength of seams), comfort (seam stiffness, drying time), appearance after home laundering (smoothness of seams), and thickness. Infused ActiveSeam™had the highest bursting strength and best smoothness rating. Lapped-felled was the thinnest of all three seams, showed lowest bending length, slowest drying rate, and lowest seam appearance rating. Overlock had the best drying rate but was the thickness of all three seams. Overall, the ActiveSeam™ showed better bursting strength and appearance but comparable drying time when tested against the lapped-felled and overlock seams. 

Keywords: sportswear, seams, durability, comfort, appearance after laundering, joining techniques, knits, ActiveSeam

How to Cite:

Michaelson, D., Cliett, A. & Martinez, D., (2022) “Performance Characteristics of the Merrow Infused ActiveSeam®: A Comparative Analysis of Joining Techniques for Durability, Comfort, and Appearance in Sportswear”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 78(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.13532