Fashion accessory products design from handspun mulberry and cotton blended yarn: Mechanical characteristics and consumer response

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the composition ratios and mechanical qualities of handspun yarn made from mulberry and cotton blended fibers for textile craft, design fashion products made from handspun yarn, and evaluate the target group’s opinions on the fashion products. Using the mixed methods research approach, this study integrated both experimental and quantitative research. The results revealed that handspun mulberry and cotton fibers blended yarn at the ratio of 40:60 had the most disorganized fibers and the highest crimp level. However, the four varied composition ratios of these two types of fibers had no significant effect on the fiber weight and yarn count of the handspun yarn (p > 0.05). In terms of mechanical qualities, the 40:60 handspun yarn had the highest tensile strength and tenacity (p > 0.05) compared to pure cotton handspun yarn. The elongation property of the 20:80 blended mulberry and cotton fiber yarn was determined to be the highest. The target group, which included experts, community members, and consumer perspectives, had the highest level of agreement. Textiles produced from Mulberry fiber, an agricultural waste, have the potential to revitalize weaving communities. This research is also valuable to cotton weaving communities, textile designers, and artists.

Keywords:

• Handspun yarn
• Mulberry
• Cotton
• Blended fibers
• Fashion products
• Handicrafts
• Agricultural by-product

Acknowledgments

The author is very grateful for the financial support obtained from the Provincial Community Development Office of Khon Kaen, the Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Provincial Community Development Office of Khon Kaen, Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior

Notes on contributors

Thanakrit Kaewpilarom

Thanakrit kaewpilarom is leading a team that focuses on researching materials for fashion products. He holds a Ph.D. in Culture, Fine Arts, and Design Research.

Atissanun Sakthirasunthon

Atissanun Sakthirasunthon specializes in the apparel industry.

Piyaporn Kampeerapappun

Piyaporn Kampeerapappun is a lecturer and researcher in Faculty of Textile Industries. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and her research focuses on natural dye, natural fiber, and technical textiles.

Chulaluck Thephatsadin Na Ayuthaya

Chulaluck Thephatsadin Na Ayuthaya is a researcher in natural dyeing and dressmaking and she holds a Ph.D. in Tropical Agriculture. All three researchers are affiliated with the Department of Pattern and Garment Technology.