Elastic plain woven fabric

Abstract

A smooth elastic stretch fabric which is plain woven with weft and/or warp yarns that include combination yarns which comprise a partially oriented synthetic crystalline polymer yarn combined with an elastomeric core wherein the smooth fabric (i.e., a non-crepe effect) is the result of a tight weave characterized by the reciprocal of the warp apparent fractional cover (i.e., 1/WaAFC) being in the range between about 1.13 and about 2.06. The fabric is stretched, heat set and finished under particular conditions to provide the resultant fabric with an elastic stretch of more than about 10% and dimensions about equal to the as-woven dimensions.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a process for making an elastic stretch woven plain, satin or sateen fabric and more specifically a smooth fabric surfaced product made thereby. In particular, the herein claimed specific embodiment of the invention involves a plain weave fabric being woven with a combination yarn that comprises an elastomeric yarn and a companion yarn of partially oriented non-elastomeric polymer wherein a smooth fabric (i.e., a non-crepe effect) is the results of a tight weave characterized by the reciprocal of the warp apparent fractional cover (i.e., 1/WaAFC) being in the range between about 1.13 and about 2.06.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Processes are known for making stretch-woven fabrics. For example, LYCRA.RTM. Spandex Fiber Bulletin L-94, "Producing stretch-woven fabrics from core-spun yarns containing Lycra.RTM. spandex," E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. (April 1980) describes the fabric design and construction, weaving, heat-setting and dyeing and finishing of filling-stretch, warp-stretch and two-way stretch woven fabrics. A core-spun yarn is a combination yarn that is produced by spinning a sheath of "hard" fibers (i.e., conventionally drawn, oriented non-elastomeric fibers, filaments or strands) around a core of elastomeric strand while the elastomeric strand (e.g., spandex) is under tension and elongated to several times its relaxed length. Subsequent release of the tension and contraction of the elastomeric core strand yields a stretchable combination yarn. Other processes for making stretchable combination yarns are known wherein elastomeric strand is combined with hard fibers, for example, by covering, air-jet entangling, plaiting and the like. However, woven stretch fabrics made with such combination yarns, typically have much smaller dimensions than the length and width of the loom on which the fabrics were woven.

Greenwald et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,357,076, discloses processes in which woven stretch fabrics are made with another kind of elastic combination yarn. The combination yarn of Greenwald et al is produced by wrapping undrawn synthetic filamentary material around a non-extended, non-heat set, elastomeric core strand. The woven fabric is stretched to draw the undrawn filamentary wrapping of the combination yarn. Then, the stretched fabric is at least partially relaxed and heat set in the partially relaxed state. Stretch fabrics made by the process of Greenwald et al are stated to exhibit a variety of surface effects and a stretch in the range of 10% to 215%.

The one example of Greenwald et al describes a fabric woven to a 45-inch (114-cm) width, stretched at 220.degree. F. (104.degree. C.) and subsequently treated in three different ways, as follows. In part (1) of the Example, the woven fabric, after having been stretched to a 55-inch (140-cm) width, was relaxed to a 43-inch (109-cm) width and then heat set at 380.degree. F. (193.degree. C.) in the relaxed condition. The resultant fabric was described as a terry-face fabric having a potential stretch of 40%. In part (2) of the Example, the fabric after having been stretched to a 110-inch (279-cm) width, was relaxed to a 48-inch (122-cm) width and then heat set at 380.degree. F. (193.degree. C.) in the relaxed condition to yield a terry-face fabric having a 215% potential stretch. In part (3) of the Example, after having been stretched to a 110-inch (279-cm) width, the woven fabric was not relaxed but was heat set at 380.degree. F. (193.degree. C.) while fully stretched at the 110-inch (279-cm) width to yield a fabric having a knit-deknit appearance and a potential stretch of less than 10%.

On of the present inventors found that the fabrics of Greenwald et al have certain short-comings. When fabrics such as those produced in parts (1) and (2) of the Greenwald et al Example were further treated under typical finishing conditions of hot-wet dyeing and scouring at or near a temperature of 100.degree. C., the fabrics shrank considerably and lost most of their potential stretch. With regard to part (3) of the Greenwald et al Example, hot-wet finishing of the heat-set fabric did not improve the inadequate potential stretch of the fabric. In addition, the properties of undrawn fibers, which are required for the filamentary wrapping of the elastic combination yarn of the Greenwald et al process, change significantly when stored for different lengths of time. Such changes in the undrawn fibers often make it very difficult to produce yarns and fabrics with consistent properties and lead to inferior woven fabrics.

In view of the above-noted shortcomings of the known processes for making stretch woven fabrics, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved process and a stretch woven fabric therefrom that will overcome or ameliorate at least some of the shortcomings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved process for preparing a stretch woven fabric. The process is of the type that includes the steps of

weaving a fabric with warp yarns and weft yarns, at least the warp yarns or the weft yarns being combination yarns which comprise an elastomeric strand and a non-elastomeric companion yarn, and then stretching, heat setting, and finishing the woven fabric. The improvement comprises the non-elastomeric companion yarn being of partially molecularly oriented synthetic organic polymer, preferably polyester or nylon, and the elastomeric strand having a heat setting temperature that is higher than the heat setting temperature of the non-elastomeric companion yarn, stretching the woven fabric by 25 to 85%, preferably by 30 to 60%, in the direction of at least the warp combination yarns or the weft combination yarns, heat treating the stretched woven fabric, while in the stretched condition for at least 20 seconds, typically for 30 to 90 seconds, preferably 45 to 60 seconds, at a temperature in the range of 80.degree. to 180.degree. C., preferably at least 120.degree. C., said temperature being below the heat setting temperature of the elastomeric strand, and finishing the heat-treated fabric in an aqueous bath for at least 1/2 hour at temperature that is at or near the boiling point of the bath, but at a temperature of no higher than 135.degree. C.

The specific embodiment being claimed herein involves the fabric being of a plain weave, i.e., a smooth fabric surface absent a crepe effect which is the result of a tight weave characterized by the reciprocal of the warp apparent fractional cover (1/WaAFC) being in the range between about 1.13 and about 2.06. More specifically, when the warp yarns are of poly/cotton the reciprocal of the warp apparent fractional cover (1/WaAFC) is preferably in the range between about 1.13 and about 1.42 and when the warp yarns are of polyester the by the reciprocal of the warp apparent fractional cover (1/WaAFC) is preferably in the range between about 1.42 and about 2.06.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

"Not Applicable"

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The following detailed descriptions illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope is defined by the appended claims.

In describing the invention, various terms are used. As used herein, the term "combination yarn" means a yarn in which there are dissimilar component yarns, in this case, an elastomeric yarn and a non-elastomeric companion yarn. "Fiber" includes in its meaning staple fibers and continuous filaments. "Partially molecularly oriented" fiber refers to a fiber of synthetic organic crystalline polymer that has substantial molecular orientation but is not fully drawn and can achieve further molecular orientation. Partially oriented fiber yarns suitable for use in the present invention, sometimes referred to herein as "POY", typically have break elongations in the range of 50 to 150%. "Undrawn fiber" means a fiber that is not drawn, has only a very small amount of molecular orientation and has a break elongation of greater than 150%, typically greater than 200%. In contrast, fully drawn conventional synthetic organic crystalline fiber generally has a break elongation in the range of 15 to 35%. The "weft" is the widthwise yarns of a woven fabric and is often referred to in the art as the "filling", "fill" or "woof". Similarly, the "warp" is the lengthwise yarns of a woven fabric and is sometimes referred to in the art as the "ends". The term "spandex" means fiber of a long chain synthetic polymer that comprises at least 85% by weight segmented polyurethane. The term "heat set temperature" refers to the temperature at which the woven fabric of the invention, after having been stretched, is heat treated, for no more than 90 seconds, to stabilize the dimensions of the companion yarn. After stretching and heat setting the companion yarn has a break elongation to less than 50%. The "heat set temperature" of the elastomeric yarn is the lowest temperature at which the elastomeric yarn, when held at that temperature under tension in an extended state for 90 seconds, experiences a permanent reduction in denier and an inability to recover its original length upon release of the tension.

The process for preparing a woven stretch fabric in accordance with the present invention includes steps that are known and can be performed in conventional equipment. However, to obtain the advantageous stretch woven fabrics of the invention, the process requires particular starting materials, a specific order of performing the steps, particular conditions for treating the woven fabric, and a tight plain, satin or sateen weave characterized by the sum of the reciprocal of the weft apparent fractional cover and the reciprocal of the warp apparent fractional cover (1/WeAFC+1/WaAFC) being in the range between about 2.34 and about 3.11. In the specific embodiment claimed herein the stretch woven fabric is a plain weave characterized by the reciprocal of the warp apparent fractional cover (1/WaAFC) being in the range between about 1.13 and about 2.06 (more specifically between 1.13 and 1.42 when the warp is of poly/cotton and between 1.42 and 2.06 when the warp is of polyester).

In the first step of the improved process of the invention, a fabric is woven with warp yarns and weft yarns. The warp yarn and/or the weft yarn comprises a combination yarn having an elastomeric yarn (or strand), preferably of Spandex, and a companion yarn (or strand). The companion yarn is of non-elastomeric synthetic organic polymeric fibers that are partially molecularly oriented. Polyester or nylon polymers are preferred for the partially oriented polymeric fibers. The elastomeric yarn of the combination yarn has a heat setting temperature that is higher than the heat setting temperature of the companion strand.

Combination yarns for use in accordance with the process of the invention can be prepared by various known techniques. The partially molecularly oriented synthetic organic polymer fiber of the companion strand can be combined with the elastomeric yarn by operations such as wrapping, covering, core spinning, air-jet intermingling, air-jet entangling, plaiting and the like. For use in the present invention, the elastomeric yarn typically can amount to 2 to 40%, preferably 4 to 10%, of the total weight of the combination yarn.

Suitable materials for the elastomeric yarn include spandex, rubber, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyetheresters and the like. However, each of these elastic yarn materials must have a higher heat setting temperature than that of the companion yarn with which it is combined. Spandex (e.g., LYCRA.RTM. spandex, sold by E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.) which typically has a break elongation in the range of 250 to 800% and a heat setting temperature in the range of 365.degree. to 400.degree. F. (1 85.degree.-204.degree. C.) is a preferred elastomeric yarn.

Typical synthetic organic polymers suitable for the companion strand of the combination yarns include 66-nylon, 6-nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, cationic dyeable polyester and the like. The companion strand typically has a heat setting temperature that is in the range of 120.degree. to 180.degree. C., preferably 140.degree. to 180.degree. C.

The heat setting temperature of the elastomeric yarns is typically at least 5.degree. C., preferably at least 10.degree. C., higher than that of the non-elastomeric synthetic organic companion yarn.

In preparing the combination yarns suitable for use in the present invention, the spandex or other elastomeric yarn is usually extended by no more than 100% during the combining operation. Typically, the extension is in the range of about 20 to 70%. Sometimes, higher extensions (e.g., 300%) of the spandex or elastomeric yarn are employed during the combining operation. In comparison to the typical combination yarns suited for use in the present invention, such combinations yarns made with high extension result in final woven fabrics that can be stretched more than the fabrics made with the typical combination yarns used in the process of the present invention; but at a sacrifice in final fabric width.

Various weave patterns are suitable for preparing elastic woven fabrics according to the invention. Preferred fabrics are woven so that the warp is predominantly on one face of the fabric and the weft predominantly on the other face. Twills (e.g., 1.times.2, 1.times.3, herringbone, etc.) are particularly preferred. A plain weave is suitable when a fabric having a crepe effect is desired. In order to achieve a smooth (i.e., a non-crepe effect) fabric of the specific embodiment being claimed herein, it is critical that the plain, satin or sateen woven fabric be characterized by a tight weave wherein the sum of the reciprocal of the weft apparent fractional cover and the reciprocal of the warp apparent fractional cover (i.e., 1/WeAFC+1/WaAFC) is in the range between about 2.34 and about 3.11. The elastic combination yarn can be used in alternate thread lines of the warp or weft, or in some other regular repeat pattern to provide other special effects (e.g., 6 in/6 out for a seersucker effect). Special fabrics such as corduroy, seersucker and heavy-weight fabrics, can be woven such that as much as fifty percent or more of the yarns in the direction of subsequent stretching are not combination yarns, but are stretchable or drawable yarns which do not contain elastomeric yarns. Partially oriented yarns (POY) are particularly suited for this purpose while non-stretchable "hard" yarns in this type of fabric construction do not permit subsequent processing according to the invention. Also, more than one type or count of the partially oriented yarn can be used simultaneously in the same fabric to obtain special styling effects, cross-dyeability, particular hand or surface, etc. When the elastic combination yarn is used only in the weft, the warp can be composed of substantially any other yarn, such as cotton, nylon, polyester, wool, rayon, acrylic, etc. Similarly, when the elastic combination yarn is used only in the warp, the weft can be composed of substantially any other yarn. The invention is particularly useful in preparing stretch denim fabrics.

For satisfactory performance in apparel in which the woven stretch fabric of the invention is incorporated, the fabric has an elastic stretch in the range of 18 to 45%, preferably 20 to 35%.

In the stretching step of the process of the invention, the woven fabric is stretched in the direction of the combination yarn by 20 to 50% (i.e., to 1.2 to 1.5 times its original dimension). For example, when the combination yarns are used only in the weft, the stretch can be applied in a tenter frame across the width of the woven fabric (i.e., the weft direction). Similarly, when the combination yarns are only in the warp direction, the stretching of the fabric can be applied by a series of draw rolls. When the combination yarns are employed in both the warp and the weft, a conventional bi-axial stretching apparatus can be employed. The stretching of the fabric in this manner draws the partially oriented synthetic organic polymeric fibers of the companion yarn in the combination yarn. The orienting effect of the stretch on the companion yarn can be demonstrated by comparing the decitex or birefringence of companion yarns samples removed from the combination yarn before and after the stretching step. When fabrics are stretched in accordance with the present process, the companion yarn can undergo a reduction in decitex of as much as 30% with an accompanying increase in birefringence. Another convenient method for determining that a partially oriented yarn was molecularly oriented further during stretching of a woven fabric of the invention is provided the "oriented-in-fabric dyeing test" described hereinafter. The stretching step may be performed with the woven fabric wet or dry.

In accordance with the invention, the stretched woven fabric is heat set while the fabric is in the stretched condition. During heat setting, the stretched fabric is subjected for at least 20 seconds, typically 30 to 90 seconds to a temperature in the range of 120.degree. to 180 .degree. C., but below the heat setting temperature of the elastomeric core of the combination yarn. Preferably, the stretched woven fabric is heat set for 40 to 80 seconds at a temperature of at least 140.degree. C. Generally, stretched fabrics of relatively light weight or stretched fabrics or those with higher proportions of synthetic fibers can be heat set more readily (i.e., in less time) than can heavier fabrics or those containing higher proportions of natural fibers such as cotton. Heat-setting can be performed with the stretched woven fabric wet or dry.

If desired, the stretching and heating can be performed simultaneously, with the stretching being applied as the fabric temperature is raised. Usually, when the fabric is hot, less force is needed to stretch the fabric. Alternatively, the stretching and heat-setting can be performed in two or more stages. Stretching can be done in a first stage and heat-setting in a second stage, but the fabric preferably heated during stretching to reduce the forces required to stretch the fabric. Then the temperature can be raised further to heat-set the fabric. When the combination yarn used in weaving the fabric has a partially oriented polyester companion yarn, a higher temperature is needed in the last stage of a multi-stage drawing procedure than in the first stage because the polyester fibers "remember" the highest temperature to which they were exposed. Accordingly, if the temperature in the last stage were cooler than in an earlier stage, the polyester yarn would shrink to the dimensions under which it was stretched in the earlier stage. In contrast, to satisfactorily use companion yarns of partially oriented 6-nylon or 6,6-nylon in the process of the invention, one must maintain tension on the fabric until the heat setting is complete; otherwise, unwanted shrinkage of the POY would occur upon premature release of the tension.

The last step in the process of the invention is a finishing step which comprises releasing the fabric from any substantial tension and immersing the fabric for 1/2 to 1 hour in an aqueous bath maintained at a temperature close to or at the atmospheric boiling temperature of the bath, or at a temperature no higher than 135.degree. C. when the bath is under pressure (e.g., when dyeing a fabric containing polyester fibers). In the finishing step, various operations can be performed, such as aqueous scouring, dyeing, rinsing and the like. During finishing, the fabric develops its final dimensions and stretch characteristics.

Woven stretch fabrics prepared by the process of the invention typically have a built-in stretch capability in the range of 18 to 45%, preferably in the range of 20 to 35%, and final fabric dimensions that are about the same as the original dimensions of the fabric as woven on the loom.

Test Procedures

In the preceding description of the invention and in the examples below, various characteristics are mentioned. Unless indicated otherwise, these characteristics were determined by the following procedures.

An Instron Tester equipped with flat rubber-faced pneumatic grips is employed to determine the tensile properties of the yarns. Break tenacity, T, and break elongation, E, of non-elastomeric yarns are measured according to test method ASTM D 2256. The break elongation of elastomeric yarns (e.g., spandex) is measured according to the general procedures of test method ASTM D 2731-72. For the elastomeric yarns, a 2-inch (5-cm) gauge length and a zero-to-300%-to zero elongation cycle is used. The samples are cycled five times at a constant elongation rate of 800% per minute. After the fifth cycle the sample is elongated at the same rate to break.

Fabric stretch also is measured with an Instron Tester. A 4-inch (10.2-cm) long, 1-inch (2.54-cm) wide sample is clamped with a 2-inch (5.08-cm) spacing between the clamps. An extension of 50% per minute is applied until a load of 2 lb (0.9 Kg) is reached. At the 2-lb load, the sample length, L, is measured in inches and the % fabric stretch, % S, is calculated by the formula, % S=100(L-2)/2.

To confirm that partially oriented fibers were used for the companion yarn of the combination yarn with which a fabric was woven, two tests were used, depending on the polymer of the companion yarn; (a) and "oriented-in-fabric dyeing test" for nylon 66 companion yarns and (b) an "infrared dichroic ratio test" for polyester terephthalate companion yarns.

The oriented-in-fabric dyeing test for nylon 66 companion yarns is performed as follows. Note that substitution of appropriate dyes, additives and conditions can make the test applicable to other dyeable synthetic crystalline polymeric fibers. In this test, a woven fabric made with combination yarns comprising a nylon 66 companion yarn, is subjected to a 15-minute scour at 140.degree. F. (60.degree. C.) in an aqueous bath containing 0.1 gram/liter of MERPOL.RTM. HCS (a nonionic liquid detergent sold by E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.) and 0.1 g/l of ammonia. The fabric is then rinsed thoroughly with clear water. The rinsed fabric is placed in an aqueous bath operating at 80.degree. F. (27.degree. C.) and containing 5g/l of monosodium phosphate and maintained at a pH of 5.0 with phosphoric acid. Based on the weight of the fabric, 1 weight % of Polar Brilliant Blue RAWL dye (sold by Ciba-Geigy Corp.) is added to the bath, the temperature of the bath is raised to 100.degree. C. and the fabric is immersed in the bath for 30 minutes to become dyed. Thereafter, a sample of the combination yarn is removed from the fabric. Strands of the nylon companion yarn are teased from the combination yarn. The teased strand samples are examined under 10.times. magnification. A repeating pattern of light and dark sections are seen along the length of the nylon strand. The pattern corresponds to the repeating pattern of crossings of the warp and weft of the woven fabric and indicates that the companion yarn originally was a partially oriented yarn.

The following "infrared dichroic ratio test" is used to confirm that partially oriented fibers of poly(ethylene terephthalate) were used for the companion yarn of a woven fabric of the invention. The woven fabric is scoured, a combination yarn removed from the fabric, and strands of the poly(ethylene terephthalate) companion yarn are teased from the combination yarn in the same manner as was done in the above-described "oriented-in-fabric dyeing test". The polyester fiber is then examined with an IR-Plan II microscope having redundant aperturing (about 15 .mu.m by 100 .mu.m along the fiber), sold by Spectra Tech, Inc., of Shelton, Conn. The sample holder opening at the microscope stage is about 1 cm. The microscope is equipped with a liquid nitrogen-cooled mercury-cadmium telluride narrow band detector and an IR wire grid polarizer. The double-sided interferogram from the microscope is analyzed with a Fourier Transform Infrared Model 1800, sold by Perkin-Elmer of Norwalk Conn. The Jacquinot stop is set at 6 (wide open); the optical path difference velocity, at 3 cm/sec; the gain, on "auto"; and the apodization (mathematical function applied to the interferogram) on "medium Norton-Beer". The single beam system has a range of 4000-700 cm.sup.-1, a nominal resolution of 4 cm.sup.-1 and performs 256 scans in 1.5 minutes. A 1370 cm.sup.-1 CH.sub.2 absorption wavelength (or other suitable wavelength) is used. Single polyester fibers are analyzed at 0.5 mm intervals along 1 cm of fiber. A polarized infrared beam is directed onto the fiber and the absorption intensities "A" of the polarization along the fiber axis (the parallel or "pa" direction) and the polarization across the fiber axis (the perpendicular or "pe" direction) are measured. The ratio of the absorption intensities "A" of infrared radiation is the dichroic ratio, DR, which is expressed as follows:

(DR)=(A.sub.pa -A.sub.pe)/(A.sub.pa +A.sub.pe) The filaments are analyzed without distortion by carefully extending or flattening the filaments only enough to hold them across the aperture. The dichroic ratio shows periodic minima along the fiber which correspond in the spacing of the repeating pattern of crossings (weave crimp nodes) of the warp and weft of the woven fabric, indicating that the companion yarn was originally a partially oriented yarn which had been drawn while in the fabric.

Computation of Fractional Cover

For purposes of describing and characterizing the specific embodiments being claimed herein, the fractional cover is the ratio of yarn diameter (e.g., mm) to yarn spacing (e.g., mm.sup.-1) in the fabric. Typically, yarn spacing is expressed as picks per inch for weft yarns and as ends per inch for warp yarns. In analyzing the fabrics described and claimed herein, apparent fractional cover (AFC) was used, in which the spacing of the warp and weft yarns are considered independently, without taking into account the effect of the other, crossing yarn, which would spread apart the yarns being analyzed. Therefore, the apparent fractional cover is lower than the true fractional cover. AFC was calculated separately for the warp (WaAFC) and weft (WeAFC) yarns.

Depending on the units in which the yarn fineness is expressed, yarn diameters expressed in mm, d(mm), were calculated as follows, using the yarn densities in the Table below.

TABLE______________________________________ ##STR1## ##STR2## ##STR3##SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF YARN(g/cm3)Cotton 1.50DACRON Polyester 1.38LYCRA spandex 1.20DACRON/cotton 65/35 1.42DACRON-covered LYCRA 1.37YARN DIAMETER, mmWeft (DACRON-covered Lycra*) 0.22Warps:Textured DACRON* 0.22Poly/cotton 65/35 0.27______________________________________

In the following Examples, samples of the invention are designated with Arabic numerals; comparison samples are designated with upper case letters. Each of the results reported in the Examples are from single measurements. The measurements are believed to be provide representative values, but do not constitute the results of all the runs and tests performed involving the indicated yarns, fibers and components.

The following Examples I through V illustrate the invention with the preparation of woven twill fabrics while Examples VI through XI illustrate the smooth fabrics embodiments being claimed herein. In Examples I through V the wefts of the fabrics were combination yarns that had POY companion yarns (i.e., companion yarns of partially oriented crystalline polymer) around an elastomeric core of 40-den (44-dtex) Lycra.RTM. spandex, Type 146C (sold by E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.). The specific POY yarn that was used in each of these examples is described just before the tabulated summary of results of the stretching and heat setting tests that were performed on each sample. Unless noted otherwise, each of the companion yarn was a commercial POY yarn sold by E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

In preparing the combination yarn used in Examples I through V, the spandex was extended by 50% and combined with the POY companion yarn on a Leesona #512 twister (Leesona, Inc. Warwick, R.I.) operating at a linear speed of about 92 yd/min (84 m/min) and inserting about 3.5 turns per inch (1.38/cm) of twist into the combination yarn.

In Examples VII through XI illustrative of the specific embodiments claimed herein, all weft yarns were 30 denier Type 146 LYCRA spandex, combined with 260 denier, 68 filament Type 56T DACRON polyester partially oriented yarn, which is capable of being drawn to 150 denier. Three methods were used to combine these yarns. In the first method (Examples VI, IX, X, and XI), the LYCRA and DACRON were combined using a Fadis air-jet entangling machine (Varese, Italy) operated at a speed of 328 meters per minute with 60 psi air pressure and at a LYCRA draft of 2.16.times.. In the second method (Example VII), the air-jet entangled combination yarn prepared as for Example I, was subsequently processed at 90 ypm through a Leesona #512 twister (Warwick, R.I.). In the third method (Example VII), one end each of the DACRON and LYCRA were fed to the Leesona twister at 90 ypm. In calculating yarn diameters, the same weft yarn specific gravity was used regardless of the method of combining the spandex with the polyester (air-jet entangling, air-jet entangling plus twisting, or only twisting). The weft decitex was 304. case.)

Also, in the Examples illustrative of the specific embodiments claimed herein all but one warp (Examples VI, VII, VIII, X and XI) were partially oriented Type R14 T56 DACRON polyester, 265 denier, 34 filaments, doubled which had been draw-textured with a Barmag AFK draw-texturing machine (Remscheid, Germany), using a draw ratio of 1.68, D/Y 2.4, and a yarn speed of 600 mpm to make the 150 denier yarn used in the warp. No size was applied to this warp. One warp (Example IX) was 12/1 cc polyester/cotton 65/35, in which the polyester was DACRON Type T35, 3 denier, 2 inch staple. To this warp was applied 6 wt % PERMLOID 172 size (available from Rhone-Poulenc Chemicals, Marietta, Ga.).

Each fabric sample of Examples I through V was woven on a . loom, Model C-4, sold by Crompton & Knowles of Worcester, Massachusetts, with 2916 warp ends of 6.4/1 CC, 830-denier (922-dtex) 100% cotton yarn, spaced at 55 warp ends/inch (21.6/cm), and 48 picks per inch (18.9/cm) of combination weft yarns, to produce 1.times.3 warp-faced twill fabric.

In Examples I through IV, the stretching and heat treating of the woven fabrics were performed on a Bi-axis Lab Stretcher, sold by T. M. Long Co. of Somerville, N.J. The stretcher has a chamber which is equipped with (a) a vacuum mounting device for holding a fabric sample in place, (b) alligator clamps for grasping and stretching the sample and (c) means for heating the chamber. For each test, a 5.5-inches (14.0-cm) long by 4-inches (10.2-cm) wide fabric sample was cut, with the combination yarn in the long direction (i.e., weft or fill direction) of the sample. A 3-inch (7.6-cm) gauge length was marked in the center of the long direction of the fabric for use in determining the actual stretch imposed on the fabric. A square piece of cardboard measuring 4 inches (10.7 cm) long on each side was centered in the middle of the fabric so that an extra 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) of fabric extended beyond each end of the cardboard. The extending edges of the fabric were folded over the edges of the cardboard. The sample was then subjected to following sequence. The fabric/cardboard combination was placed onto the vacuum mounting apparatus with the fabric side up; vacuum was applied to hold the test sample in place; the apparatus positioned the thusly mounted sample within the opened alligator clamps in the pre-heated chamber; the clamps were activated to grasp the fabric/cardboard on all four sides; the vacuum mounting apparatus was disengaged and moved away; the chamber was closed and reheated for one minute to the desired operating temperature; the sample was then stretched a pre-set amount in the long direction of the sample at 100% per minute (i.e., in the direction of the combination yarn of the sample); the clamps and chamber were then opened; the sample fabric was removed from the chamber; and the sample was then allowed to cool to room temperature while in a relaxed condition. Note that the cardboard always broke during the early stages of sample stretching. Fabrics that were to be stretched and heat set while wet were first soaked for 5 to 15 minutes in room-temperature tap water before being subjected to stretching and heating sequence. In this apparatus, some slippage of the fabric can occur in the stretcher clamps. Also some fabric shrinkage can occur during cooling of the fabric under relaxed conditions. In Example V, fabric was stretched and heated using a large tenter frame.

The tenter used in Examples VI through XI for the stretching operation was a Kranz of America Model 103251 (Charlotte, N.C.). The first box was set at 325.degree. F. and the second and third boxes at 345.degree. F. The fabric was passed once through the tenter at 7 ypm and had a total residence time in the second and third boxes of 45 seconds. 33% stretch was applied to the fabric in the weft direction. The fabric was air-cooled while in the stretched condition.

The heated and stretched fabric of Examples I through V was then subjected to a simulated hot-wet finishing procedure, referred to herein as "mock dyeing" in which the fabric was immersed in 100.degree. C. boiling water for one hour. The amount of stretch remaining in the fabric after the mock dyeing was measured for each sample. After mock dyeing, each sample of the invention had final dimensions that were about the same as the original dimensions of the fabric as woven.

For Examples VI through XI, the stretched fabric was scoured in a Hisaka Jet-Dye Machine Model Cut T (Crompton-Knowles, Worcester, Mass.). The fabric was placed in the machine and the temperature was raised to 250.degree. F. at 5.degree./min. The machine was run 30 minutes and then cooled to 170.degree. F. The fabric was removed from the machine and dried at 250.degree. F. on the Kranz tenter at greige width. The greige width for all fabrics was 34 inches and no lubricants or finishes were applied unless otherwise noted.

The fabrics were evaluated by hand, appearance, and amount of hand-stretch, which is expressed as a percent. Hand-stretch was measured by placing the fabric on a rule, stretching it in the weft direction, and observing the amount of stretch. In the description of Hand and Appearance, "Flat" and "Flat and Crisp" indicate acceptable fabrics. References to "Stiff" and "Boardy" indicate excessive stiffness, and to "Crepe", excessive limpness and uneven surface. Some borderline situations are also indicated.

Example I

In this example, fabrics were woven with combination yarn that had a companion yarn consisting of two ends of 95-den (106-dtex), 34-filament, semi-dull 6,6-nylon POY yarn (Type 288 sold by E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.). The POY yarn had a tenacity at break of 3.4 g/den (3.0 dN/tex) and a break elongation of 67%, and was customarily intended to be drawn to 70 den (78 dtex). The samples were subjected to dry and wet stretching and heating tests at different temperatures and different total mechanical stretch in the direction of the weft combination yarns, as indicated in Table I below. The table also summarizes the amount of stretch in the woven fabric after being removed from the stretcher and after being exposed to mock dyeing. The tests illustrate suitable conditions for obtaining desirable stretch properties in woven fabrics comprising combination yarns that have 66 nylon POY companion yarns. The results with comparative Samples A and B also show that excessive mechanical stretching can result in excessive stretch in the fabric after finishing and dyeing.

TABLE I______________________________________Example I, 6,6-nylon POYMechanical Stretching % Fabric Stretch AfterSample Temperature % Stretch Stretching Mock dyeing______________________________________Dry1 140.degree. C. 50 20 272 160.degree. C. 50 24 253 180.degree. C. 50 26 254 160.degree. C. 75 32 36A 160.degree. C. 100 42 51Wet5 140.degree. C. 50 20 286 160.degree. C. 50 23 287 180.degree. C. 50 22 248 160.degree. C. 75 43 41B 160.degree. C. 100 55 70______________________________________

Example II

In this example, fabrics were woven with combination yarn that had a companion yarn consisting of four ends of 55-dtex, 13-filament, semi-dull 6-nylon POY yarn, sold by Nylon de Mexico, S. A., of Monterey N. N., Mexico. This POY yarn is customarily intended to be drawn to 44 dtex. The results of the stretching, heating and finishing on the stretch characteristics of the fabrics are summarized in Table II below. The results illustrate the successful use of 6-nylon as a companion yarn for the POY component of the elastic combination weft yarns (Samples 9-13) and the need to avoid excessive stretching of the fabric during processing (comparative Samples C-E).

TABLE II______________________________________Example II, 6-nylon POYMechanical Stretching % Fabric Stretch AfterSample Temperature % Stretch Stretching Mock dyeing______________________________________Dry 9 160.degree. C. 50 nm 3310 180.degree. C. 50 nm 31C 160.degree. C. 100 nm 51Wet11 140.degree. C. 50 28 3612 160.degree. C. 50 28 3513 180.degree. C. 50 28 34D 160.degree. C. 75 41 60E 160.degree. C. 100 60 60______________________________________ *nm means no measurement was recorded.

Example III

In this example, fabrics were woven with combination yarn that had a companion yarn consisting of one end of 265-den (294-dtex), 34-filament, semi-dull DACRON.RTM. polyester fiber Type 56 POY yarn. This POY yarn was made of poly(ethylene terephthalate) homopolymer and had a tenacity at break of 2.3 g/den (2.0 dtex) and a break elongation of 150%. Usually, this POY yarn is intended to be drawn to 150 den (167 dtex). Table III below summarizes the effects of the stretching, heating and finishing conditions on the stretch characteristics of the fabrics.

TABLE III______________________________________Example III, polyester homopolymer POYMechanical Stretching % Fabric Stretch AfterSample Temperature % Stretch Stretching Mock dyeing______________________________________Dry14 140.degree. C. 50 22 3815 180.degree. C. 50 22 37G 180.degree. C. 75 35 50H 180.degree. C. 100 49 60Wet16 90.degree. C. 50 37 1817 140.degree. C. 50 40 2118 180.degree. C. 50 33 18I 180.degree. C. 75 52 42J 180.degree. C. 100 74 56______________________________________

Example IV

In this example, fabrics were woven with combination yarn that had a companion yarn consisting of one end of 245-den (272-dtex), 34-filament, semi-dull DACRON(.RTM. polyester fiber Type 92 POY yarn. The POY companion yarn was made of cation dyeable polyester copolymer and had a tenacity at break of 1.3 g/den (1.1 dtex) and a break elongation of 115%. Usually, this POY yarn is intended to be drawn to 150 den (167 dtex). The results of the stretching, heating and finishing conditions on the stretch characteristics of the fabrics are summarized in Table IV below.

TABLE IV______________________________________Example IV, Copolyester POYMechanical Stretching % Fabric Stretch AfterSample Temperature % Stretch Stretching Mock dyeing______________________________________DryK 140.degree. C. 50 35 4719 180.degree. C. 50 19 2420 160.degree. C. 100 20 3621 140.degree. C. 75 20 3722 160.degree. C. 75 20 2823 180.degree. C. 75 16 33Wet24 140.degree. C. 50 36 1625 180.degree. C. 50 32 2426 90.degree. C. 75 34 1827 140.degree. C. 75 31 1628 160.degree. C. 75 43 1629 180.degree. C. 75 50 2830 160.degree. C. 100 78 36______________________________________

Example V

This example illustrates the use of a tenter in the process of the invention. The same fabric as was used in Example III was stretched while dry on a five-box tenter frame, each box being 10-feet long (sold by Bruckner Machinery of Spartanburg, S.C.). To achieve sufficient stretching on this short tenter frame (full-size commercial units typically have 8 to 10 boxes, each of 10-foot length), fabrics samples were stretched in two passes with half the total stretch being imposed in each pass. Fabric Sample 31 was stretched a total of 50%, from 48 inches (122 cm) to 72 inches (183 cm) in width). The fabric experienced a temperature of 140.degree. C. for 20 seconds in the first pass and 160.degree. C. for 20 seconds in the second pass. Fabric Sample 32 was stretched a total of 38%, from 48 inches (122 cm) to a 66-inch (168-cm) width, at a temperature of 140.degree. C. for 20 seconds in the first pass and at 180.degree. C. for 15 seconds in the second pass. Each of these fabric samples was allowed to cool while in the stretched condition. As a result of the stretching, the partially oriented companion yarn of the combination yarn became oriented, as could be seen by elongation and tenacity measurements made on companion yarns teased from the fabric. The polyester companion yarn from Sample 31, which had been stretched 50%, had a tenacity at break of 1.7 g/den (1.5 dN/tex) and a break elongation of 15%. The corresponding properties for the polyester companion yarn of Sample 32, which had been stretched 38%, were respectively 1.3 g/den (1.1 dN/tex) and 29%.

The thusly stretched fabrics were then scoured in six passes through an open width washer (sold by Jawatex A. G. Textilmaschinen, Rorschach, Switzerland). The temperature was increased in each subsequent pass. The fabric entered the first pass at a temperature of 140.degree. F. (60.degree. C.) and exited the last pass at 210.degree. F. (99.8.degree. C.).

Fabric stretch was determined by comparing a 20-inch gauge length marked on the woven fabric prior to stretching with the length of the marked gauge length when the final fabric was extended in the POY (weft) direction under a 2-lb/inch (0.36-Kg/cm) load. Before the scouring, neither Sample 31 nor Sample 32 exhibited any fabric stretch. However, after the hot-wet finishing, Samples 31 and 32 respectively exhibited a 33% and 22% fabric stretch. The spandex of the combination yarn was not heat set during the heating and stretching step. The spandex relaxed to its original as-woven dimensions in the finishing step. Thus, all the fabric stretch was developed in the hot-wet finishing step.

Polyester companion yarn from fabric Sample 31 was analyzed by the "infrared dichroic ratio test" and found to have periodic minima in the dichroic ratio every 2.5 mm. This periodicity corresponded to the distance between "weave crimp" nodes in the companion yarn. The nodes, measured with a caliper, also were 2.5 mm apart. In addition, two comparison yarns were analyzed. For the first comparison yarn, a sample of polyester companion yarn was removed from the combination yarn that was to be woven into fabric Sample 31. Infrared dichroic ratio analysis of this comparison yarn revealed no periodic minima in the dichroic ratio. For the second comparison yarn, textured continuous polyester filaments were removed from a commercial woven fabric. The filaments were then analyzed by the infrared dichroic ratio test. No periodicity was apparent.

Example VI

In this example, satin fabrics were woven with combination yarn that had a companion yarn consisting of five ends of 260-den, 68 filament, semi-dull Dacron.RTM. polyester POY yarn (type 56T sold by E. I. du Pont de Nemours& Co.). The elastomeric yarn was 30-den type 146 Lycra.RTM. spandex. The Lycra and Dacron were air-jet entangled using a Fabes air-jet entangling machine operated at a speed of 328 meters per minute with 60 psi air pressure and at a Lycra draft of 2.16.times.. The warp was partially oriented type R14 T56 Dacron polyester, which had been draw-textured to 150-den, 34 filament. After the woven samples were subjected to stretching and heat treating while stretched the fabrics were evaluated by hand, appearance, and amount of hand stretch. There was substantially no width loss upon treating the greige fabric with the process of this invention. The resulting data evaluating the fabrics are presented in Table VI.

TABLE VI__________________________________________________________________________Greige GreigePicks/ Ends/ Fabric Greige AFC GreigeInch Inch Hand & Appearance % Stretch Weft Warp 1/WeAFC 1/WaAFC 1/WeAFC + 1/WaAFC__________________________________________________________________________60 128 Flat & Crisp 11% 0.51 1.13 1.97 0.88 2.8570 128 Flat & Crisp 11% 0.59 1.13 1.69 0.88 2.5780 128 Flat & Crisp 9% 0.68 1.13 1.48 0.88 2.3660 113 Flat/Slight Crepe on Edge 15% 0.51 1.00 1.97 1.00 2.9770 113 Flat 13% 0.59 1.00 1.69 1.00 2.6980 113 Flat & Stiff 8% 0.68 1.00 1.48 1.00 2.4890 113 Flat & Stiff 8% 0.76 1.00 1.31 1.00 2.3160 98 Flat/Slight Crepe 15% 0.51 0.87 1.97 1.16 3.1270 98 Flat 13% 0.59 0.87 1.69 1.16 2.8480 98 Flat 12% 0.68 0.87 1.48 1.16 2.6390 98 Flat & Crisp 12% 0.76 0.87 1.31 1.16 2.47100 98 Flat & Crisp 8% 0.85 0.87 1.18 1.16 2.34__________________________________________________________________________

Example VII

In a manner analogous to Example VI, further samples of fabric were produced using identical yarn except that the combination Lycra and Dacron yarn was further processed at 90 yards per minute through a Leesona #512 twister resulting in 5 tpi combination yarn prior to weaving. Again, there was substantially no width loss upon treating the greige fabric with the process of this invention. The resulting data evaluating the fabrics are presented in Table VII.

TABLE VII__________________________________________________________________________Greige GreigePicks/ Ends/ Fabric Greige AFC GreigeInch Inch Hand & Appearance % Stretch Weft Warp 1/WeAFC 1/WaAFC 1/WeAFC + 1/WaAFC__________________________________________________________________________60 128 Flat & Crisp 12% 0.51 1.13 1.97 0.88 2.8570 128 Flat & Crisp 10% 0.59 1.13 1.69 0.88 2.5790 128 Flat & Stiff 8% 0.76 1.13 1.31 0.88 2.2060 113 Flat & Slight Crepe 14% 0.51 1.00 1.97 1.00 2.9770 113 Flat 12% 0.59 1.00 1.69 1.00 2.6980 113 Flat 9% 0.68 1.00 1.48 1.00 2.4890 113 Flat & Stiff 7% 0.76 1.00 1.31 1.00 2.3160 98 Flat 15% 0.51 0.87 1.97 1.16 3.1270 98 Flat 15% 0.59 0.87 1.69 1.16 2.8480 98 Flat 13% 0.68 0.87 1.48 1.16 2.6390 98 Flat & Crisp 10% 0.76 0.87 1.31 1.16 2.47100 98 Flat & Crisp 9% 0.85 0.87 1.18 1.16 2.34__________________________________________________________________________

Example VIII

Again in this example, satin fabrics were woven with combination yarn that had a companion yarn consisting of five ends of 260-den, 68 filament, semi-dull Dacron.RTM. polyester POY yarn (type 56T by E. I. du Pont de Nemours& Co.) and the elastomeric yarn was 30-den type 146 Lycra.RTM. spandex, similar to Example VI. However, the Lycra and Dacron yarns were processed at 90 yards per minute through a Leesona #512 twister resulting in 5 tpi combination yarn prior to weaving without being air-jet entangled. Again, there was substantially no width loss upon treating the greige fabric with the process of this invention and the resulting data evaluating the fabrics are presented in Table VII.

TABLE VIII__________________________________________________________________________Greige GreigePicks/ Ends/ Fabric Greige AFC GreigeInch Inch Hand & Appearance % Stretch Weft Warp 1/WeAFC 1/WaAFC 1/WeAFC + 1/WaAFC__________________________________________________________________________60 128 Flat & Crisp 13% 0.51 1.13 1.97 0.88 2.8570 128 Flat & Crisp 9% 0.59 1.13 1.69 0.88 2.5780 128 Flat & Crisp 8% 0.68 1.13 1.48 0.88 2.3660 113 Flat/Sligt/Crepe 9% 0.51 1.00 1.97 1.00 2.9770 113 Flat & Crisp 9% 0.59 1.00 1.69 1.00 2.6980 113 Flat & Crisp 9% 0.68 1.00 1.48 1.00 2.4890 113 Flat & Stiff 7% 0.76 1.00 1.31 1.00 2.3160 98 Flat 12% 0.51 0.87 1.97 1.16 3.1270 98 Flat 10% 0.59 0.87 1.69 1.16 2.8480 98 Flat 8% 0.68 0.87 1.48 1.16 2.6390 98 Flat & Crisp 8% 0.76 0.87 1.31 1.16 2.47__________________________________________________________________________

As shown in Examples VI, VII, and VIII, to attain the desired degree of stretch (more than about 10%) in satin weaves without creating a crepe or boardy fabric, the value 1/WeAFC+1/WaAFC should be in the range of about 2.34 to about 3.11, preferably about 2.48 to about 2.97, and more preferably 2.83 to about 2.97. Below a value of about 2.3 or 2.4, the fabric generally has low stretch and is excessively stiff. The degree of stretch increases as the value increases, but above a value of about 3.1, the fabric can begin to exhibit a crepe effect.

Example IX

In this example, 1.times.1 plain fabrics were woven with combination yarn that had a companion yarn consisting of five ends of 260-den, 68 filament, semi-dull Dacron.RTM. polyester POY yarn (type 56T sold by E. I. du Pont de Nemours& Co.). The elastomeric yarn was 30-den type 146 Lycra.RTM. spandex. The Lycra and Dacron were air-jet entangled using a Fabes air-jet entangling machine operated at a speed of 328 meters per minute with 60 psi air pressure and at a Lycra draft of 2.16.times.. The warp was 12/1 cc polyester/cotton 65/35, in which the polyester was DACRON Type T35, 3 denier, 2 inch staple. To this warp was applied 6 wt % PERMLOID 172 size (available from Rhone-Poulenc Chemicals, Marietta, Ga.). After the woven samples were subjected to stretching and heat treating while stretched the fabrics were evaluated by hand, appearance, and amount of hand stretch. There was substantially no width loss upon treating the greige fabric with the process of this invention. The resulting data evaluating the fabrics are presented in Table IX.

TABLE IX______________________________________Greige GreigePicks/ Ends/ Hand & Fabric Greige AFC GreigeInch Inch Appearance % Stretch Warp 1/WaAFC______________________________________48 100 Flat 9% 0.88 1.1340 100 Flat 12% 0.88 1.1332 100 Flat 7% 0.88 1.1324 100 Flat/Soft 8% 0.88 1.1348 88 Flat 9% 0.78 1.2940 88 Flat 9% 0.78 1.2932 88 Flat 9% 0.78 1.2924 88 Flat/Soft 9% 0.78 1.2948 80 Flat 9% 0.71 1.4240 80 Flat 10% 0.71 1.4232 80 Flat 11% 0.71 1.4224 80 Some Crepe, 12% 0.71 1.42 Soft______________________________________

Example X

In a manner similar to Example IX, further 1.times.1 plain fabrics were woven with combination yarn that had a companion yarn consisting of five ends of 260-den, 68 filament, semi-dull Dacron.RTM. polyester POY yarn (type 56T sold by E. I. du Pont de Nemours& Co.). The elastomeric yarn was 30-den type 146 Lycra.RTM. spandex. The Lycra and Dacron were air-jet entangled using a Fabes air-jet entangling machine operated at a speed of 328 meters per minute with 60 psi air pressure and at a Lycra draft of 2.16.times.. The warp in this example was partially oriented type R14 T56 Dacron polyester, which had been draw-textured to 150-den, 34 filament similat to Examples VI, VII, and VIII. After the woven samples were subjected to stretching and heat treating while stretched the fabrics were evaluated by hand, appearance, and amount of hand stretch. There was substantially no width loss upon treating the greige fabric with the process of this invention. The resulting data evaluating the fabrics are presented in Table X.

TABLE X______________________________________Greige GreigePicks/ Ends/ Hand & Fabric Greige AFC GreigeInch Inch Appearance % Stretch Warp 1/WaAFC______________________________________37 98 Flat/Crisp 5-6% 0.87 1.1642 98 Flat/Crisp 6% 0.87 1.1648 98 Flat/Crisp 6-7% 0.87 1.1662 98 Flat/Crisp 6% 0.87 1.1668 98 Flat/Boardy 5% 0.87 1.16______________________________________

Example XI

In this example, 1.times.1 plain fabrics were woven with combination yarn that had a companion yarn consisting of five ends of 260-den, 68 filament, semi-dull Dacron.RTM. polyester POY yarn (type 56T sold by E. I. du Pont de Nemours& Co.). The elastomeric yarn was 30-den type 146 Lycra.RTM. spandex. The Lycra and Dacron were air-jet entangled using a Fabes air-jet entangling machine operated at a speed of 328 meters per minute with 60 psi air pressure and at a Lycra draft of 2.16.times.. The warp was partially oriented type R14 T56 Dacron polyester, which had been draw-textured to 150-den, 34 filament. After the woven samples were subjected to stretching and heat treating while stretched the fabrics were evaluated by hand, appearance, and amount of hand stretch. The greige fabric width was 38 inches. The maximum width loss observed in the finished fabrics of this example was 9%. The resulting data evaluating the fabrics are presented in Table XI.

TABLE XI______________________________________Greige GreigePicks/ Ends/ Hand & Fabric Greige AFC GreigeInch Inch Appearance % Stretch Warp 1/WaAFC______________________________________42 80 Flat & Crisp 11% 0.71 1.4256 80 Flat & Crisp 11% 0.71 1.4262 80 Flat & Crisp 10% 0.71 1.4246 68 Flat & Crisp 12% 0.60 1.6756 68 Flat & Crisp 14% 0.60 1.6770 68 Flat & Crisp 10% 0.60 1.6780 68 Flat & Crisp 12% 0.60 1.6756 55 Flat & Crisp 18% 0.49 2.0670 55 Flat & Crisp 13% 0.49 2.0680 55 Flat & Crisp 14% 0.49 2.06______________________________________

As shown in Examples IX, X, and XI, to attain the desired degree of stretch (more than about 10%) in plain weaves without creating a crepe or boardy fabric, the value 1/WaAFC should be in the range of about 1.13 to about 2.06. However, it should be noted that the nature of the warp can affect the preferred range, so that a poly/cotton warp, as in Example IX has a preferred frange of about 1.13 to about 1.42, while a polyester warp, as shown in Examples X and XI, has a preferred range of about 1.42 to about 2.06. Below these ranges, the fabrics tend to be too stiff, and above them, exhibit too much crepe.

Warp-faced fabrics such as twills are rather easily made flat by this method. Satins take more care but can also be made flat. Plain weaves, especially 1.times.1 weaves, are the most difficult and generally require the most care and tightest weave to get good stretch without creating a crepe effect. To make a 2.times.2 (basketweave) plain weave, no tighter weaving is necessary beyond that used to make flat stretch 2.times.1 or 2.times.2 twills.

Claims

1. A smooth elastic stretch woven plain weave fabric which is the product of a process that comprises the steps of

weaving a fabric with warp yarns and weft yarns, wherein at least half of the warp yarns or of the weft yarns are combination yarns which comprise an elastomeric strand and a non-elastomeric companion yarn, the non-elastomeric companion yarn being of partially molecularly oriented synthetic organic polymer and the elastic strand having a heat setting temperature that is higher than the heat setting temperature of the non-elastomeric companion yarn, and wherein the reciprocal of the warp apparent fractional cover (1/WaAFC) is in the range between about 1.13 and about 2.06,

stretching the woven fabric by 25 to 85% in the direction of at least the warp combination yarns or the weft combination yarns,

heat setting the stretched woven fabric for at least 20 seconds while in the stretched condition at a temperature in the range of 80.degree. to 180.degree. C., said temperature being below the heat setting temperature of the elastomeric strand, and

finishing the heat-treated fabric in an aqueous bath for at least 1/2 hour at a temperature that is no higher than 135.degree. C.

2. An elastic stretch woven fabric in accordance with claim 1 wherein the warp yarns are of polyester/cotton and wherein the reciprocal of the warp apparent fractional cover (1/WaAFC) is in the range between about 1.13 and about 1.42.

3. An elastic stretch woven fabric in accordance with claim 1 wherein the warp yarns are of polyester and wherein the reciprocal of the warp apparent fractional cover (1/WaAFC) is in the range between about 1.42 and about 2.06.