Stitch Length Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions buyers ask most often about Stitch Length.
What does it mean?
yarn length consumed per stitch. Working figures for Stitch Length normally sit around 2.6-3.4 mm typical stretch knit in mainstream production. Note machine cam setting on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
What value should be specified?
Start from 2.6-3.4 mm typical stretch knit and adjust for the end use of the garment. Record elastane content alongside Stitch Length, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside 2.6-3.4 mm typical stretch knit usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
How is it tested?
machine cam setting. Keeping reference values for Stitch Length lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with machine cam setting, since both affect the reading.
Why does it change between lots?
Process variables such as finishing temperature and elastane batch cause the normal spread of results. Working figures for Stitch Length normally sit around 2.6-3.4 mm typical stretch knit in mainstream production. Note machine cam setting on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Can results be compared across suppliers?
Only when the same standard revision and conditioning are used; otherwise measurements are not equivalent. Record elastane content alongside Stitch Length, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside 2.6-3.4 mm typical stretch knit usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
