A study investigated the influence of tensile force on the deformation properties of two bar warp knit fabrics during relaxation. Researchers used the Alfrey rheological model to analyze the relaxation course for locknit fabrics. Computer porgrams calculated the parameters of the rheological model. Researchers also investigated fabric elasticity as a function of density. Results indicated that the relaxation of locknit fabrics depended on the applied tensile force during manufacture. If the applied tensile force exceeded 5 percent of the tensile breaking load, permanent deformation of the fabric occurred. The phenomenon was more pronounced in the weft direction. 6 refs.