Utilization of Malatarlak Grass (Themeda Arundinacea) as a Potential Material in Yarn Making

Abstract

Themeda Arundinacea, also known as Malatarlak Grass, has qualities that can be used to make yarn. Due to the mass growth of malatarlak grass, researchers are exploring new materials, and this study investigates the potential of Malatarlak Grass as a yarn material. The researchers used manual methods to extract the fibers and tested them through crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and weaving to create a prototype. This helped evaluate the effectiveness of the fabric. The study used experimental research to test how changing certain factors affected the results. A One Sample T-test was applied to compare Malatarlak yarn with conventional yarn. The results showed that Malatarlak yarn has some similarities to conventional yarn, especially in terms of elongation and elasticity. The study suggests that more research should be done to improve the properties of Malatarlak Grass as a yarn material (Sicat, R. M., 2021).

Introduction

Yarn plays a crucial role in fabric production, made from either natural or synthetic fibers and used in textiles, rope-making, and composites. Natural fiber yarns can be twisted or non-twisted and are evaluated for characteristics such as strength, elasticity, and flexibility.

However, the textile industry faces environmental challenges, including excessive waste, water use, and pollution. Only 14.7% of textile waste was recycled in the U.S. in 2018, contributing to landfill growth. In response, the industry seeks sustainable materials.

One such option is Malatarlak Grass (Themeda Arundinacea), indigenous to Tarlac, Philippines. Its stems and leaves produce natural fibers, and its abundance in local soil conditions makes it a promising eco-friendly alternative. The Malatarlak Festival celebrates this cultural and ecological heritage.

Study Objective

This study investigated the viability of Malatarlak Grass as a yarn material, comparing its performance to conventional yarn in terms of:

• Color, texture, and flexibility

• Elongation and tensile strength

• Suitability for crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and weaving

Methodology

Using a quantitative experimental research design, researchers compared dry and wet fiber rolling methods. They prepared samples by extracting fibers through soaking, boiling, and combing, then tested yarn properties such as:

• Flexibility using degree bending angles

• Elongation under weighted loads (2–6 kg)

• Knitting effectiveness across various stitch patterns and needle sizes

They applied statistical tools like:

• One-way ANOVA

• One-sample t-test

• Descriptive statistics

• Likert scale surveys for user feedback

Key Findings

1. Flexibility

   • All tested yarn diameters (2.25mm, 3.25mm, 4.25mm) showed limited flexibility based on the bending angle test.

2. Elongation

   • Yarn elongation increased with diameter and weight applied.

   • 4.25mm yarn showed the greatest stretchability, while 2.25mm had minimal elongation.

3. Knitting Suitability

   • Stitch patterns tested: knit, purl, garter, stockinette, and seed stitch.

   • Yarn types assessed: smooth, fuzzy, chainette, single ply, multi-ply.

   • Needle sizes ranged from 15mm to 25mm.

   Likert scale results showed:

   • Low satisfaction with yarn durability and performance.

   • Very low intent to purchase or recommend the yarn.

Conclusion

The study concluded that Malatarlak Grass yarn exhibited limitations in color output and texture, making it unsuitable for a wide range of applications. However, its flexibility made it useful for certain purposes. While its elongation contributed to its potential uses, its tensile strength, elasticity, thickness and friction was not sufficient for yarn-making. Its performance in knitting showed that it was suitable for these techniques. While in crocheting, weaving, and embroidery showed that it was not suitable for these techniques. To improve the yarn’s quality, future research should explore natural softening methods that enhance its texture without compromising its durability. Finding a balance between softness and strength is crucial to expanding its usability. Researchers should also investigate dye compatibility to enhance the yarn’s appearance by testing various natural and synthetic colorants that provide vibrant and long-lasting results. Addressing the presence of bulges in Malatarlak fibers during processing is essential for improving tensile strength and expanding its potential applications. Since yarn did not perform well in traditional textile techniques, further research should focus on refining processing methods and identifying alternative uses such as macrame and fiber art, where its unique texture could be an advantage.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Cruz, Christian Jay C., Cuello, Clifford John F., Capitulo, Jeniero I., Celestial, Eliza Joy C., Mangila, Kenshin Clarence D., Soliman, Angela B., Basco, Kate S., Guarin, Vi Briza E. . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.