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Purpose – Seam efficiency plays an important role for obtaining a desired seam quality. Therefore, this issue is often referred in research papers. The purpose of this paper is to determine the seam strength and efficiency as well as examining, if and how such factors as: a kind of fabric, kind of thread, kind of seam and the stitch density influence the transverse seam strength and the seam efficiency. Design/methodology/approach – For research four types of polyester/wool fabrics having different structural parameters and two types of polyester sewing threads were used. Three types of seam were made. The fabric samples were sewn using lockstitch with three different stitch densities. Obtained in this way seams were tested on the tensile machine. The influence of individual factors on the seam strength and its efficiency was assessed statistically using a multivariate variance analysis (ANOVA). Findings – The findings of this study revealed that the independent variable – stitch density affect significantly of the seam strength as well as its efficiency. Seam strength and seam efficiency values increase with the increase stitch density. Moreover, the variance analysis showed that a kind of fabric also is a statistically significant factor for the seam efficiency and its strength. Furthermore, in the case of seam efficiency it is also important to the stitch direction. However, the study did not show an impact of kind of thread and kind of seam on dependent variables: the seam strength and its efficiency. Research limitations/implications – Due to the fact that this paper focuses on the seams made only on wool/polyester fabrics with two the most popular weaves, involving only two sewing PES threads, the conclusions presented in this paper are valid only to this assortment and cannot be generalized. Originality/value – So far, it has not been taken research on the effect of seams with the different number of sewn layers on the seam strength and efficiency. This issue has been taken in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to check an applicability of aluminized basalt fabrics for production of gloves protecting simultaneously against thermal and mechanical factors. Design/methodology/approach – Six variants of protective gloves were manufactured using two different glove constructions: more simple and cheaper with the anatomical thumb arrangement (model A), and more ergonomic one with so called “distance gussets” (model B). Aluminized basalt fabrics were contained in the back side of all variants and in only one variant of palm side. Then the protective properties against thermal and mechanical factors were measured according to the up-to-date standards. Findings – The fulfillment of contact heat requirement was achieved for all glove variants at 100°C. Application of aluminized basalt fabrics in the glove back side allowed obtaining the fourth performance level in the case of resistance to small metal splashes and assuring the highest protection against the radiant heat and small metal splashes. Fulfillment of standard requirements for all examined mechanical parameters was achieved and significantly higher values than reqired for the highest performance level were registered. Research limitations/implications – The further research including upscalling strategy as well as industrial conditions requirements should be taking into account for basalt textiles development. Moreover functionalization of basalt yarns and fabrics seems to be promising feature. Practical implications – The preliminary utility trials were done and registered results are very promising, shows that this kind of gloves will be cheaper than produced so far and could be used in the glass, welder companies. Social implications – The basalt textiles applied for protective gloves or other personal protective equipment can ensure safety at work for end users operating in mechanical and thermal risk scenarios. Originality/value – Up till now the basalt fabrics have not been recognized as a material for the personal protective equipment, they were used mostly for technical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the formability of cotton and cotton/polyester woven fabrics and their selected properties: weft density, weave and a way of finishing. It shows how the mentioned properties influence fabric formability and analyze a statistical significance of investigated relationships. Design/methodology/approach – In paper two groups of cotton and cotton/polyester woven fabrics of different structure and a way of finishing have been measured in the range of their basic structural properties as well as bending rigidity and initial Young’s modulus. Formability of investigated fabrics has been calculated on the basis of bending rigidity and initial Young’s modulus. Next, ANOVA has been performed in order to analyze the relationships between the weft density, weave and a way of finishing of woven fabrics and their formability. Findings – The paper shows that all selected properties of woven fabrics significantly influence their formability as well as that there is statistically significant interaction between mentioned independent factors. It provides empirical results confirming that the influence of raw material composition of investigated cotton and cotton/polyester woven fabrics on the formability of fabrics is statistically insignificant. Research limitations/implications – Results of investigations can be applied for cotton and cotton-like woven fabrics. Practical implications – The paper includes implications for woven fabric engineering from the point of view of achieving the expected fabric formability. Social implications – The results enables the choice of appropriate fabric for the given clothing. Originality/value – This paper fulfills an identified need to study how the formability of woven fabrics can be shaped by an appropriate selection of their structure and a way of finishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]