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Knitting
What is knitting?
The principle of knitting is the making of loops in a yarn, which are linked to each other. The loops are formed using knitting needles. Knitting by hand is done using two or more knitting needles. Knitting machines work with needles next to each other. The knitting process starts with the making of loops on the needles. After that row by row the yarn is pulled through the existing loops. In this way, a fabric is created consisting of loops that are linked together. An important characteristic of a piece of knitting is that it is elastic to a certain extent: you can stretch it.
Flat and circular knitting machines
In flat knitting machines the needles are mounted horizontally next to each other in a straight line. The yarn is guided along the needles by a moving part – the carriage. The resulting piece of knitting then hangs on the needles. Scarves and flat pieces of material are produced on this type of knitting machine.
Circular machines have the needles mounted vertically in a circle. The machine produces cylindrical pieces of fabric without seams.
Specialised knitting machines, such as the computer-controlled Knit & Wear knitting machine and the sock knitting machine, can produce a three-dimensional piece of knitting. This means that they can knit a ready-to-wear jumper or sock that no longer has to be sewn together or finished off in any way.
Knitting based on patterns
A number of knitting machines can make different combinations by temporary skipping some loops and needles or by adding some. In this way the machine is able to knit various stitches and patterns. Examples are small gaps in a piece of knitting or the knitting of cable stitches, such as those used for a fisherman’s jumper. There are also some machines that can knit using different colours in one knitted piece of fabric.
The knitting of patterns with different structures and colours takes place on Jacquard knitting machines. The mechanically controlled machines work with punch cards and metal strips. The cards and strips ensure that the machine can knit patterns and also specify which colour is to be used each time. The computer-controlled knitting machines are controlled by a CAD/CAM system. This is a computer program with which a design can be translated into the knitting pattern required.
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