We present multi-component knitted resistive sensors for tracking tensile
force. The knits were fabricated using a Twill structure, which is a simple
pattern featuring anisotropic elastic behavior, providing high stability along
course-direction. Our sensors are made of two commercially available conductive
yarn types, with highly different linear resistance. We present a variety of
integration methods using the proposed Twill structure, all of which can be
easily replicated on a two-bed weft-knitting machine. We evaluate the
performance of the resulting sensor variations, with respect to consistency,
hysteresis, short-term and long-term relaxation and drift, among other metrics.
We found that particulars of the knit's loop composition have a crucial effect
on the consistency of the sensor readings. Furthermore, we show that knitting
resistive yarn more tightly than the substrate material gives superior results
and that improving elastic recoil by adding Lycra to the supporting substrate
can considerably improve performance