Introduction to Knitting PDF

Textile Institute of Pakistan, Karachi. TEXT302 (Knitting Technology) Introduction  The term knitting describes the technique of constructing textile structures by transferring a continuous length of yarn into columns of vertically intermeshed...

Textile Institute of Pakistan, Karachi. TEXT302 (Knitting Technology) Introduction  The term knitting describes the technique of constructing textile structures by transferring a continuous length of yarn into columns of vertically intermeshed loops.  Knitted fabrics have been gaining increased popularity during the past two decade.  Knitted fabrics are now widely used in the applications where woven fabrics formerly predominated.  Today, the usage of knitted fabrics ranges from hosiery, underwear, sweaters, slacks, to rugs and other home furnishings. Why Knits Fabrics are popular?  Knit fabrics are usually soft and drape well.  Knit fabrics mould and move easily with body moment.  Knit fabrics are highly stretchable.  Knit fabrics are highly wrinkles resistant.  Most important perhaps is that knit fabrics relate well to contemporary life-styles. History of Knitting  Hand knitting has been practiced for thousands of years. Where and how this art was invented is still a mystery.  From the beginning the art of knitting was an occupation for women.  Records seem to indicate that sweaters were first knit in the 17th century.  The earliest example of true knitting is a pair of knitting socks found in Egypt, dating back to A.D. 1100- just over 9 centuries ago!  Socks and stockings were knitted because they had to be shaped to the foot or leg.  By the 16th century knitting had advanced into a craft.  In 1758: Jedediah Strutt has invented the double knit  In 1847: Matthew Townsend obtains a patent for his invention of the Latch Needle.  In 1850: The circular machine has been developed from the English circular knitting frame.  In 1878: D Griswold gets a patent for a circular machine, which can produce plain or ribbed fabric tubes in any desired distribution. Prepared By: Shakeel Ahmad Paracha Page 1 of 4  Textile Institute of Pakistan, Karachi. TEXT302 (Knitting Technology)  In 1910: The firm Robert Walter Scott in Philadelphia was granted a patent for interlock fabric.  In 1918: The first double cylinder, small circular knitting machine with a double hook needle was built by Wildt.  In 1920: Besides flat knitting machines, increasing use is made of circular knitting machines for the fabrication of color patterned fabrics.  After 1946, notable further developments were made in circular knitting with regard to higher performance & new products as result of an increase in feeder numbers, a raise in production speeds and the use of new needle technology.  In 1963: The era of electronic begins and the first electronic needle selection is demonstrated by Morat.  In 1987: The firm Mayer & Cie begins with the serial production of the Relaint, a plain circular knitting machine having a relative movement between needles and sinkers.  In 1995: Shima Seiki launched computerized whole garment knitting machines. Comparison between Weaving and Knitting Weaving  Weaving is the intersection of two sets of straight threads, warp and weft, which cross and interweave at right angles to each other.  Capital investment is higher.  Setting up a machine is difficult and slower.  Less productivity.  Design modification is difficult. Knitting  Knitting is the interlooping of yarn (s), which are interlaced in a variety of ways to form a fabric.  Capital investment is lower.  Setting up a machine is easier and faster.  High productivity. Prepared By: Shakeel Ahmad Paracha Page 2 of 4  Textile Institute of Pakistan, Karachi. TEXT302 (Knitting Technology) Comparison between Woven and Knitted Fabrics Classification of Knitting  The knitting industry is divided into two distinct sectors, weft knitting and warp knitting. Prepared By: Shakeel Ahmad Paracha Page 3 of 4  Textile Institute of Pakistan, Karachi. TEXT302 (Knitting Technology) Weft Knitting  In weft knitting, the loops are formed across the width of the fabric, and each weft thread is fed more or less at a right angle to the direction in which the fabric is produced.  It is possible to knit with only one thread or cone of yarn, though production demands have resulted in circular weft knitting machines being manufactured with up to 192 threads. Warp Knitting  Warp Knitting is a method of producing a fabric by using needles similar to those used in weft knitting, but with the knitted loops made from each warp thread being formed down the length of the fabric; the loops are formed vertically down the length of the fabric from one thread. Comparison between Weft Knitting & Warp Knitting Prepared By: Shakeel Ahmad Paracha Page 4 of 4