Knitting Needles Overview

The primary component of a knitting machine responsible for intermeshing loops, affecting fabric quality.

Three types: bearded, latch, and compound, each with distinct knitting cycles and applications (warp or weft).

The earliest type of knitting needle, used for intermeshing loops with one needle, compared to the two needed by hand knitters.

Composed of head, beard, groove/eye, and shaft, each part plays a specialized role in forming a knit loop.

Primarily used in weft knitting, the latch needle has a specialized mechanism to capture and hold the yarn loop.

A needle type used in warp knitting, having its unique method of loop formation.

Needle size (coarse/fine) corresponds to the yarn size (coarse/fine) used for knitting.

Knitting needles must have high strength and toughness to withstand repeated use, maintaining consistent knitting action.

The part of the bearded needle that creates the loop takes up a lot of space, reducing efficiency.

Bearded needles can be positioned vertically or horizontally depending on the knitting machine.

A tool used with bearded needles to close the loop, often a bar, blade, or wheel.

A presser bar used in warp knitting machines with bearded needles.

The number of needles per inch on the knitting machine.

Bearded needles are prone to high wear and tear and breaking frequently.

Used in weft knitting, this needle captures and holds the yarn loop using a latch mechanism.

Latch needles are slower than other needle types because the latch mechanism takes more time to knit a loop.

The depth to which a needle penetrates the yarn determines the length of the knitted loop.

Different heights of the needle's reciprocating motion create different stitch types, like knit, tuck, or miss stitches.

The latch mechanism puts a certain amount of stress on the yarn during the knitting process.

The repeated friction between the latch and yarn can cause fluff or lint to build up on the needle.

Latch needles are well-suited for use with computer-controlled machines because of their precision and consistency.

During the knitting cycle, the needle clears the old loop and feeds new yarn through a specific guide to form a new loop.

There are two main types of knitting needles: bearded and latch. Each type has a distinct mechanism and is used for different types of knitting.

The bearded needle came first, invented in the 16th century, while the latch needle was invented nearly 200 years later in 1849.

Latch needles are self-acting, precise, popular for weft knitting, and work at any angle. However, they can be prone to needle lines if damaged.

Latch needles are more intricate and complex to manufacture than bearded needles due to their multiple parts.

A loop-controlled needle, like a latch needle, has a mechanism that acts automatically based on the yarn loop's movement.

A self-acting needle doesn't rely on external force to function. It is driven by the movement of the yarn loop.

The track raises and lowers the latch needle, controlling its movement during the knitting process.

Latch needles' self-acting nature, flexibility, and precision make them ideal for weft knitting, a process that requires precise loop intermeshing.

A type of compound needle where the closing element slides externally along a groove on the hook. It's simpler and cheaper to manufacture.

A type of compound needle where the closing element slides inside the tube of the open hook. It offers more precision and durability.

They offer a smoother and faster knitting action compared to other needles, allowing for higher knitting speeds. They are also more robust and less prone to yarn strain.

The movement of both parts of the compound needle is straight, which contributes to faster knitting speeds and reduced yarn strain.

Their complex design and the need for precise manufacturing techniques make them more expensive to produce compared to other needle types.

Compound needles are primarily used in high-speed warp knitting machines due to their efficient knitting action and ability to handle various yarn types.

Instead of moving individual hooks and closing elements like in weft knitting, compound needles move two bars simultaneously, which makes warp knitting more efficient.

Compound needles are designed with a slim body and a short hook, making them suitable for high-speed warp knitting and creating fine structures.

Compound needles can knit chain stitches without allowing the loops to rise up the needles, ensuring a consistent fabric surface.

Compound needles are robust and resistant to deflection caused by elastic yarns or thick spots in spun yarns, ensuring consistent knitting quality.

Knitting needles can be positioned vertically, horizontally, or at a 45-degree angle depending on the knitting machine and fabric type.

Bearded needles are cheaper, thinner, and flexible, used with a presser mechanism to close the loop. Latch needles are self-acting, more expensive, thicker, and create looser stitches.

Compound needles are more expensive and consist of two separately controlled parts, preferred for weft knitting. Latch needles are self-acting and less expensive.

The length of the needle's stroke during the knitting cycle influences the stitch density. A longer stroke creates looser stitches, while a shorter stroke results in tighter stitches.