Which is the most cost effective knit and why?
-Plain as it uses the least yarn and least machine time
Why does plain knit require little machine time?
It only uses one set of needles, as sinkers oppose the needles movements and provide tension for knitting.
All needles knit at each contact with the cam.
What are a plain knits two main visual features?
- face loops on one side
- reverse loops on other
What are the advantages of a plain knit?
- stretches more in width than in length, meaning it doesn’t grow with use but does allow comfort through width stretching
- used for light weight applications
- easy/ cheap to produce with stripes
What are disadvantages of plain knits?
- can be unravelled from both ends
- one dropped stitch makes laddering easy
What are plain knits used for?
- most widely used structure in apparel
- hosiery such as everyday knickers and boxers
- most common structure for standard t-shirts and classic jumpers
- common in children’s wear, sportswear, and general clothing
Which knit structures require 2 needle beds?
Rib, interlock and purl
Why are rib/interlock/purl knits referred to as ‘double jersey’ or double knit?
Because they use two needle beds
How are rib/interlock/purl different to plain knit?
They are bulkier, harder to sew, more expensive
How are rib fabrics knitted?
On the same needles at every course, forming columns of loops
In rib knits, what is a wale and what is it made out of?
-wale is a column of stitches, made from a single loop type
In rib knit, what is a course and what is it made of?
A course is a row composed of both face and reverse loops
In rib structures and names, what do each of the numbers refer to? For example, a 2x2 rib?
First number refers to the number for Front Bed Needles
The second number to Back Bed Needles
What are rib knits commonly used for?
-knitwear for cuffs and waistbands as well as entire garments
What are the disadvantages of rib knits?
- more expensive than plain knit (use more yarn + longer time to make)
- require two needle beds
- can be unravelled from the end knitted last
What are the advantages of rib knit?
- easy to cut and sew because they don’t curl at the edges like a plain knit
- reverse is identical to face
- high stretch in width direction making them comfy
- can be patterned
How are interlock knits made?
Knitted on two beds same way as ribs except instead of the needle beds being in rib gating, they are in interlock gating, where the needles directly face each other. This means you can only knit on alternate needles
What is the downside with knitting on alternate needles to create an interlock knit?
More expensive to produce as you have to knit two courses to create one complete course of stitches
How are the advantages of using interlock?
More stable than rib fabrics
What are interlock knits used for?
Good quality t shirts, jogging trousers, other apparel
What are purl knits known for? What are they used for?
- known for interesting surface texture
- not always in fashion, used in knitwear and occasionally jersey products
- also known to curl at edges
What determines a specific purl structure?
The arrangement of Wales made from both types of loops
