5.5.2. Knitting

Knitting is the interlooping of at least one set of yarns. It may be done by hand using a set of two needles for flat fabrics or a set of four needles for circular fabrics. Knitting may be done on machines.

Knitting is a technique used to create fabric by creating loops from yarns. We use at least one yarn as we weave it together to form the fabric. There are two different methods of knitting: hand knitting, where you use two or four needles, and machine knitting, which is efficient for making larger quantities of fabric quickly.

Think of knitting like making a chain with links. Each link represents a loop made from yarn. If you've ever played with rubber bands and linked them together, it's similar; you create a fabric by connecting these loops.

The process consists of making a series of loops along the knitting needle or machine bed. Each successive row is formed by interlooping with the first row of loops.

During knitting, the first loop is created, and from there, more loops are added in a row-by-row manner. This is like building a layer on top of another layer. Each new row connects with the previous row, and this continues until the desired length of fabric is achieved.

Imagine stacking pancakes on a plate. Each pancake represents a row of loops you create. Just as you add pancake after pancake, you are adding row after row of loops in knitting to build the fabric.

The movement of the yarn is along the width of the material and therefore it is called filling or weft knitting. This method of knitting is used to produce articles which can be shaped while being constructed.

In filling knitting (also known as weft knitting), the yarn runs across the width of the fabric. This technique allows us to create garments that fit properly, such as t-shirts and sweaters, since it is flexible and stretches nicely. The shaping happens naturally as the knitting process develops the fabric to fit various forms.

Consider wearing a stretchy t-shirt. The way the fabric easily conforms to your body shape is due to the filling knitting method, which allows the fabric to stretch and fit various sizes comfortably.

At the industrial level, the knitting machines used are like the looms for weaving. They have a set of yarns (like warp yarns) fitted on the machine. The interlooping occurs with adjacent yarns. This is known as warp knitting.

In warp knitting, the yarns are arranged in a vertical position, and the loops are created by interlooping adjacent yarns. This type of knitting is generally faster and can produce fabric that is more stable than filling knitted fabrics. Warp knitting can be used to create materials for use in various applications like sportswear and upholstery.

Think of warp knitting as a set of vertical strings on a guitar. When plucked together, they create a tight and strong sound, similar to how yarn arranged vertically can create a strong textile for various uses.

Knitted fabrics can be made more rapidly. Because of the system of loops they have more elasticity and thus are suitable for fitted articles like vests, underwear, socks, etc.

The looping structure of knitted fabrics gives them inherent elasticity, allowing them to stretch and move with the body. This makes knitted fabrics particularly comfortable for clothing items that require some give, such as socks and fitted tops, providing a snug fit and greater comfort during wear.

Think of wearing a yoga pant. The fabric stretches and moves with you when you do different positions, thanks to the elasticity provided by the knitting process. It's designed to be comfortable and supportive during activity.

They are porous and permit free circulation of air, are comfortable and allow freedom of movement and are therefore ideally suited for sportswear.

Knitted fabrics allow air to flow through them due to their loose structure, which keeps the wearer cool and comfortable. This characteristic, combined with the elasticity of knitted materials, makes them ideal for activewear, where freedom of movement is crucial.

Imagine running in a regular cotton shirt versus a knitted sports shirt. The knitted shirt helps wick away sweat and allows air to pass through, while the regular fabric might be heavier and cling to your body, making you feel uncomfortable.

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