Q2: Warp and Welft Knits

Question 1

Weft Knitting

Answer 1

Weft knitting is similar to hand or domestic machine knitting.

One yarn is passed from needle to needle, forming one course at a time. It is called weft knitting because the yarn moves from side to side as the weft yarn does during the weaving process.

In industry, most weft knitting is done on machines that have needles arranged in a circle.

The fabric is formed as a tube which can be slit to form a flat fabric. This is called circular or tubular knitting.

The knitted tube is not always cut open; it can be used in a tubular form for T-shirts and nylon stockings (hosiery). Weft knitting can also be produced on a flat-bed machine.

Question 2

Basic weft-knitting stitches

Weft knitting can be classified into four basic stitches.

Answer 2

Knit stitch
Purl stitch
Miss stitch
Tuck stitch

Question 3

Weft-knit fabrics have the following characteristics:

Answer 3

1 They can either be fully fashioned or cut and sewn like any woven fabric.
2 A run can form in the lengthwise (wale) direction if a yarn breaks.
3 They have good stretch, especially in the course direction.
4 They do not ravel.
5 They can be manufactured in a wide variety of constructions and patterns.
6 They are crease-resistant.

Question 4

We can differentiate between a number of weft-knit fabrics.

Answer 4

Plain, or single, knits
 Purl knits
Rib knits
Cardigan
Interlock/double jersey

Question 5

Warp knitting

Answer 5

In warp knitting, the loops are formed in a warpwise direction. Each needle is supplied with its own yarn. The loops are interlocked with the loops on either side. The fabric consists of vertical chains of loops which are connected sideways. Warp knitting is manufactured rapidly and in great quantities. The fabric is flat and has straight side edges. Warp knitting can be classified according to the type of equipment used.

Question 6

Warp-knit fabrics

Answer 6

Tricot fabrics
Raschel knits
Other warp knits

Question 7

Care of knitted garments

Answer 7

Knits, in particular weft knits, can easily become distorted when hanging. For this reason, loosely knitted garments must be laid flat to dry and also stored on a flat surface, not on a hanger. Knitted fabrics tend to snag when rubbed against a rough surface. A loop can be pulled out of the surface and, if broken, the fabric may ladder.