Types of Knitting

The knitting sector is composed of two major segments. There are:

- Wrap knitting
- And weft knitting

Warp Knitting: this is a flat knitting process with one or more sets of yarns that run vertically and parallel to each other. Wrap knitting represents the fastest method of producing fabric from yarns. The fabric is constructed by manipulating these warp yarns simultaneously into loops which are interconnected e.g. Tricot, Raschel, Milanese etc. Hand knitting by using a hooked needle forms the most simple warp knitting loops know as crocheting.

- Weft Knititng: This is flat or circular knitting process that places one yarn at a time to form loops running across the fabric. Weft knitting may be done by hand or by jersey, a purl, or a rib knitting machine. Weft knits can be classified according to the machine or the stitch such as plain, jersey, purl, and rib with interlock or Jacquard variations. The process can produce either finished garments or lengths of fabrics for clothing or upholstery.

Definition and Use of Knitting Fabrics

Knitting is one way to convert thread or yarn into fabric, called Knit or Knitted fabric. Knitted fabric consists entirely of horizontal parallel courses of yarn. The courses are joined to each other by interlocking loops in which a short loop of one course of yarn is wrapped over the bight of another course. Knitting can be done either by hand or by machine.

Knit fabrics are used world wide of apparel and industrial uses. Of these end of uses, apparel is the largest. The knitted fabrics tend to be less durable than woven fabrics. A new and rapidly developing trade in the knitting industry is the production of technical textiles and composites.