Knitting Nylon; Strong, light and fancy

Hope you all had a wonderful New Year!

Today, I’d like to explore the possibilities of incorporating nylon materials in knitwear.

How was Nylon made?

Nylon was the first successful synthetic fiber developed for industrial use. It was invented by Wallace Carothers, an organic chemist at DuPont. At the time, natural fibers like linen, silk, and cotton dominated the market, and the advent of man-made fibers sparked significant interest.

In Europe, the demand for silk led to advancements in rayon manufacturing, which paved the way for synthetic fiber research.

A Strong and Versatile Fiber

Nylon is produced using coal, air, and water. It was famously described with the catchphrase: “Finer than a spider web, prettier than silk, and stronger than steel.” This branding helped nylon gain widespread popularity. Over time, the production process transitioned from using coal to oil to reduce costs.

How strong is it?

Compared to other fibers, nylon is remarkably strong. It can withstand ten times the friction of cotton and remains unaffected in wet conditions.

Additionally, nylon is incredibly lightweight. On average, it weighs about 70% of the weight of cotton, making it the lightest among widely produced fibers.

Applications Beyond Clothing

Thanks to its strength and lightness, nylon is used in various industries, including farming, outdoor equipment, and even medical applications.

In knitwear, nylon plays a crucial role in enhancing yarn composition. It is commonly used to hold down fancy yarns and maintain decorative structures, making it a staple in contemporary textile design.

Products we offer with Nylon:

EIFFEL, a decorative multi-color knot yarn. As I mentioned above, the nylon holds the decorative elements together.

MIERU, a nylon and polyester mix. Nylon is incredibly light and strong, therefore it adds strength while maintaining the lightness of MIERU.

Nylon’s durability and strength hold immense potential. In addition to its strength, it’s worth highlighting its excellent dyeability, allowing for vibrant colors.

These days, seasonless clothing has become a key trend not only in knitwear but across various fashion categories. Depending on how it’s used, nylon can serve as a versatile material suitable all year round.