Weft Knitting
category
Weft knitting creates fabric by forming horizontal rows (courses) of interconnected loops where each loop is drawn through previously formed loops using latch needles, spring bearded needles, or compound needles. Produces 60-65% of knitted fabrics (~42 billion m² annually) via circular (85%) and flatbed (15%) machines, achieving speeds 1-3 million stitches per minute with superior stretch, comfort, and drapability compared to woven fabrics.
Role
Dominates comfortable apparel markets (t-shirts, underwear, sportswear, hosiery, sweaters) due to inherent stretch (20-40% without elastic), excellent drape, and moisture vapor transmission superior to wovens, while also enabling 3D shaping, variable structures, and rapid production making it preferred technology for form-fitting garments and activewear representing 35% of global fabric production.
Subtopics
- Weft Knit Structures and Loop Formation Basic weft knit structures: (1) Plain/Jersey—simplest structure, all needles knitting every course, …
- Circular Knitting Machines Circular machine types: Single jersey machines—one needle bed (cylinder), knitting tubular fabric (t…
- Flat Knitting Machines and Fully-Fashioned Knitting Flatbed/V-bed knitting: two flat needle beds (front and back) positioned in inverted V (typical angl…
- Knit Fabric Properties and Characterization Structural parameters: Stitch length (l, length of yarn in one loop, 2.0-5.0 mm typical, controlling…
- Derivative and Specialized Weft Knit Structures Advanced structures: Interlock—double jersey structure with two 1×1 rib fabrics interknitted, identi…
- Knit Patterning and Design Techniques Pattern creation methods: (1) Stripe patterns—changing yarn color at different feeders, horizontal s…
- Knit Fabric Quality Control Quality monitoring: Online detection—drop stitches (hole detection via optical sensors stopping mach…
- Knit Productivity and Production Economics Circular knit productivity: Production rate = (machine rev/min × needles × feeders × stitch length ×…
- Technical Knit Applications and Advanced Structures Technical knit structures: Spacer fabrics—double-layer knits connected by pile yarns creating 3D str…
- Weft Knitting Innovation and Future Trends Innovation directions: Speed increases—circular machines targeting 3.0+ million stitches/min (curren…