Knitwear Overview and Technology

The process of creating a fabric by interlacing loops of yarn.

A textile fabric made using the interlacing of yarn loops.

A type of knitting where the loops are formed in rows and interlock with each other to create a fabric.

A type of knitting where the loops are formed in columns and are interconnected to create a fabric.

The process of forming loops in knitting using machines.

The unique characteristics of a knitted fabric, such as its elasticity, drape, and breathability.

The ability of a knitted fabric to stretch and return to its original shape.

The way a knitted fabric hangs or falls.

A process that interlocks loops of yarn to create a fabric. Each loop requires its own needle and goes through a series of steps: needle movement, yarn insertion, loop slippage, takedown force, and return to the rest position.

A knitted fabric type known for its smooth, flat surface and good drapeability. It is often used in T-shirts, dresses, and sweaters.

The number of stitches per inch in knitted fabric, indicating its fineness or thickness. A higher gauge indicates a finer, more lightweight fabric, while a lower gauge indicates a heavier, thicker fabric.

A knitted fabric type with alternating face and reverse loops, creating a textured, ribbed surface. It's known for its elasticity and stability.

This structure is the opposite of rib, with alternating face and reverse loops across courses creating a ripple effect. It is used mainly in babywear.

The edges of a plain knitted fabric tend to curl inwards or outwards due to the tension of the stitches.

A straightforward knitted structure with identical loops intermeshed together, resulting in a smooth, even surface on one side and a rippled appearance on the other.

The process of finishing the edges of a knit garment using a different structure like rib or a hem to prevent unraveling.

The ability of a fabric to stretch and return to its original shape.

A knitted structure with alternating knit and purl stitches, creating a textured, usually more elastic fabric. Rib fabrics are often used for cuffs, collars, and waistbands.

The ability of a fabric to drape and flow naturally.

A heavier knitting structure used for outerwear sweaters, with thicker yarns and a coarser gauge; it provides warmth and durability.

A weft-knitted structure where the yarn is knitted into loops that are interlocked with each other.

The lengthwise direction of a knitted fabric, composed of rows of interlocked loops.

The width of a knitted fabric, defined by the number of stitches per inch.

The loops on the front side of a knit fabric.

The ability of a knitted fabric to return to its original shape after being stretched or deformed.

The loops on the back side of a knit fabric.

The tendency of a knitted fabric to form small balls of fibers on the surface, often due to friction during wear.

A rib structure that has the same number of face loops and reverse loops, making both sides look the same.

The ease with which a knitted fabric can be molded or shaped, often in the form of garments.

A rib structure that has a different number of face loops and reverse loops, creating a distinct visual difference on each side.

The tendency of a knitted fabric to drape gracefully, creating soft, flowing curves.

A type of weft-knitting machine that uses needles arranged in a circular formation to produce continuous tubes of fabric.

A technology that produces seamless knitwear by utilizing a circular knitting machine with small diameter needles.

The tendency of a knitted fabric to tear or unravel easily, forming long ladder-like runs in the fabric.

A type of weft-knitting machine that can produce individual panels (front, back, and sleeves) for garments.

Fabric structures where open spaces are intentionally created, giving the fabric a lightweight and airy feel, used in items like lace and mesh.

Fabric structures where different color yarns are interwoven to create intricate designs, often seen in high-end apparel and interior designs.

Fabric structures created by layering two or more fabrics together, resulting in a thicker, sturdier, and often more insulating material.

Fabric structures characterized by loops or tufts of yarn that create a raised surface, providing texture, warmth, and sometimes even cushioning properties.

Fabric structures that incorporate elements that add dimension and support, often used in technical applications like industrial textiles.

A flatbed knitting machine that allows for intricate and complex patterns, used for creating unique and stylish designs.

A type of knitting machine that can produce a variety of fabrics with different finishes and textures, including lace and openwork fabrics.

A key development in knitting technology where a single needle is used to create a full circle of fabric. This is seen in circular knitted garments.

A technique where yarn is woven onto a loom with multiple needles, creating a flexible and stretchable fabric, often used for sporting apparel.

Fabric structures that incorporate a layer of support, often combined with other fabrics to create waterproof or windproof garments.

Knitted fabrics that are specifically designed to compress and support the body, used for medical or athletic purposes.

A period of significant technological advancement in the textiles industry, marked by the rise of factory production and the use of steam powered machinery.

A period where electronics and computers revolutionized knitting technology, enabling complex patterns, automatic needle control, and more efficient production.

A knitting machine type producing a complete garment in a single process, eliminating post-knitting operations except labeling and yarn end sewing.

A knitting machine type with needles extending across the machine's width, each fed by an independent yarn source, creating a continuous sheet of fabric.

A type of warp knitting machine known for producing stable fabrics with a wide range of applications, including lingerie and sportswear.

A type of warp knitting machine known for producing openworks, laces, jacquards, and pile fabrics, often with limited stretch.

A basic warp knit structure produced using one guide bar, characterized by its instability due to loop inclination.

The most common warp knit structure produced using two needle bars, creating a stable and widely applicable fabric.

A warp knit structure made with two needle bars, offering good extensibility, cover, handle, drape, and a flat reverse side, making it popular in fashion.

A knitting machine type with needles arranged in a single row, producing fabrics in flat panels.

A specialized flatbed knitting machine designed for producing rib structures, commonly for cuffs and welts.

A knitting machine type using a single set of needles, producing fabrics with a single loop structure.

A knitting machine type using two sets of needles, producing fabrics with alternating loop structures, like ribs.

Knitted structures that are created from intertwined yarn loops that cross in a zigzag pattern.

The difference in yarn orientation between weft knitting and warp knitting, resulting in distinct fabric structures and properties.

The process of producing fabrics by interlacing yarns at right angles, creating a sturdy structure.

A type of needle used in flatbed knitting machines that allows the formation of loops in a row by moving up and down.

The process of knitting a garment in one continuous piece, eliminating the need for seams.

A type of knitting machine that allows the creation of complex patterns by controlling individual needles. It can produce 3D shapes and textures.

Knitting a series of loops in a single row, creating a textured effect. This process builds on the principle of controlling individual needles.

The ability of a knitting machine to control individual needles, creating variations in stitch length, resulting in intricate patterns and textures.

A programming language designed specifically for knitting machines, allowing creation of complex patterns and stitch sequences.

Software used to design and create virtual patterns for computerized flatbed knitting machines.

A technique that gives the illusion of a seamless design by creating a fabric structure that is not actually joined together. This reduces the amount of waste and labour involved.

The ability of a knitting machine to adjust the length of stitches to create different textures and patterns. This technique creates the illusion of seamless knitting and is a key feature of modern knitwear designs.

A knit stitch characterized by a series of vertical rows that create a linear, textured pattern. This stitch is popular in a range of fashion garments.

This refers to stitches made in two opposing directions, creating a textured effect. This is commonly seen in rib knit garments, creating the signature rib structure.

Stitches used to connect different sections of a garment, creating a more three-dimensional look.

A type of knitting machine that allows the production of individual panels (parts) of a garment. These panels are then joined using seams to create a complete garment.

A type of knitting machine that allows the production of fully shaped panels. These are essential for creating complex garment designs.

A type of yarn that is often used for its versatility. This yarn is commonly used in fashion knitwear because of its affordability and range of colors and textures.

A publication that provides a comprehensive overview of key technological developments, stitch geometry, industry specifications, and selected knitwear designers.

A book focusing on knitwear as an art form, comparing it to sculpture and showcasing contemporary designer knitwear.

This publication details employment opportunities within the knitwear industry and highlights specific skills required for designers in this area.

A collection of books offering valuable insights into the flexibility, versatility, and resilience of the knitting sector throughout history. Notable authors include Wells, Gulvin, Chapman, and Barty-King.

A magazine providing an archive of information related to the evolution of knitting technology, including reviews of machinery and trend exhibitions.

A magazine providing up-to-date information and analysis of current and predicted market trends in both the fashion and knitwear sectors.

The length of yarn used to form a single knit stitch when laid flat under a predetermined force.

The number of wales (vertical columns of stitches) per unit of measurement (cm or inch).

The number of courses (horizontal rows of stitches) per unit of measurement (cm or inch).

A measurement that combines wale density and course density to determine the overall density of a knitted fabric.

A device used to measure the length of a single course (row) in a knit fabric.

The ability of a knitted fabric to resist creases or wrinkles.

The ease with which a knitted fabric can be cared for, including washing and ironing.

The ability of a knitted fabric to retain heat.

The softness or smoothness of a knitted fabric to the touch.

The flexibility or bendability of a knitted fabric.

The ability to combine different textures and patterns in a knitted fabric for visual or functional effects.

The ability of a knitted fabric to allow air to pass through it, influencing its breathability and comfort.

A type of knitwear used as a base layer for sportswear, designed to wick moisture away from the skin and provide comfort.

A synthetic fiber offering moisture-wicking, quick-drying properties, often used in sportswear.

A synthetic fiber offering moisture-wicking, quick-drying properties, often used in sportswear.

A type of knitwear that creates a seamless garment, offering comfort and a smooth surface.

A type of knitwear with a unique visual appearance and texture created by loops interlacing vertically.

The use of advanced technology in the design and production of knitted fabrics, like 3D simulations and customization software.

The trend of increasingly frequent fashion cycles with new products released every few weeks.