Developments in knitting technology and increased demand for fabrics with extensibility, elasticity, and air permeability have increased interest in new types of knit fabrics. Although flax fibers have not traditionally been used widely in the manufacture of yarns for knit fabric, their high hygroscopicity is desirable in blends with manmade fibers. Linen, wool, or cotton yarn spinning machines can manufacture knitting yarns of flax/manmade fiber blends. Researchers used wool carding machines to manufacture 20/80 flax/polyacrylonitrile worsted yarns. The yarns had properties similar to 100 percent polyacrylonitrile but with improved hygroscopicity. In combinations with mohair yarn, the flax/polyacrylonitrile blend yarns improved the comfort and aesthetic properties of women's sweaters. 5 refs.