Knitted Loop Structures and Stitches

Knitted Loop Structures

• The weft knitted structures are composed of loops
• New loops are formed when the knitting needle clears the previous loop, receives new yarn, and knocks over the old loop
• Three needle positions exist (knit, tuck, miss) determining stitch type
• Individual needle height control, and cam selection, produces various stitches.
• Stitch requirements use swing cams and auxiliary cams.

Knit Stitch

• Basic stitch, also called the plain stitch
• A knit stitch forms when a needle receives a new loop and knocks over the old loop
• The old loop then becomes a normal needle loop
• Forms a complete stroke, reaching the maximum height on the looping plane

Tuck Stitch

• A tuck stitch forms when a needle holds its old loop and receives a new yarn
• Two loops collect in the needle hook
• The held loop is at the back, and the loop next to it is the tuck loop
• Number of tucks is limited by the yarn the needle hook can hold (typically 4-5 loops)

Miss Stitch

• A miss stitch occurs when one or more knitting needles are deactivated, and the yarn passes by without forming a stitch
• Yarn floats on the reverse side of the held loop (technical back)
• Floats run from one loop to the next
• Also known as a float stitch or welt stitch

Stitch Combinations

• Knitted fabrics can use all three stitches (knit, tuck, miss) to create various textures, colours, and structural effects.
• These three stitches combined create a wide array of structural effects in fabrics.