The mechanical properties of polyester/cotton yarns representing random fiber disposition and core-sheath construction were compared to understand the influence of fiber distribution on yarn properties. The yarns were converted into plain weave fabrics under identical conditions and the properties of the fabrics were compared to understand how yarn properties translate into fabric properties.

The core-sheath yarn (polyester-core/cotton-covered yarn) showed lower values for bending rigidity, bending hysteresis, compressive resilience, and tensile elongation. The same yarn also showed higher values for compressive softness, and tensile modulus. The lower tensile elongation and higher tensile modulus of the core-sheath yarn reflected in lower elongation and higher modulus of the corresponding fabric. However, the bending and compression properties of the core-sheath yarn showed an inverse relationship with the bending and compression properties of the corresponding fabric.

Results thus indicated that the bending behavior of a plain weave fabric is more a function of yarn compression properties rather than yarn bending properties. Results also suggested that a closely woven plain weave fabric made from a less resilient and easily compressible yarn will exhibit an exactly opposite trend in terms of compressive resilience and compressibilty properties.