Knit Fabrics Constructed by looping yarns together One loop of yarn is pulled through another loop New compared to weaving One loop of yarn is pulled through another loop. The loop can be varied to create different patterns & textures

Methods of Knitting Weft Knitting Warp Knitting

Weft Knitting Loops are made as yarn is added in the crosswise direction Weft knits can be made by hand or by machine and can be either circular or flat Single yarn is used Horizontal parallel rows are formed Weft knitting machine can be either circular or flat. Circular machines knit the fabric in the shape of a tube: socks, tihgts Flat knitting involves very little sewing

Most Common Type of Weft Knits Plain/Single Knit: made of a single needle knitting machine Purl Knits Rib knits are single knits Examples: Hosiery, T-shirts, and lingerie

Ribbed Knit Vertical ribs or columns of stitches that alternate on the F & B Used as neck, wrist and bottom bands on sweaters and jackets

Warp Knits Yarn runs length of fabric Vertical parallel rows are formed Done only by machine uses multiple yarns Examples Tricot – underwear Raschel – lace fabric & trims. Milanese – stronger, smoother & more expensive than tricot. Resistant to runs Relatively easy to sew

Examples Tricot – underwear Raschel – lace fabric & trims. Milanese – stronger, smoother & more expensive than tricot.

Tricot Knits Very fine vertical wales on the RS and crosswise courses on the back End uses: Most frequently used in lingerie and underwear.

Raschel Knits May have an extra yarn stitched in to produce a textured or patterned design Open and lacy knits can be created

Double Knit 2 sets of needles and 2 yarns are used. (Warp knit) Cannot be separated into 2 layers Sturdy fabric that will not stretch or sag because it has enough “give”

Seamless Knits Newest trend in knitting Feel good Comfortable Slimming effect on body Garments typically made this way: Knit tops Skirts T-shirts

Why are Knits Popular? Development of manufactured fibers Answers the need for comfort Stretch Can be warm in the winter and cool in the summer Resist wrinkling Little, if any ironing is needed Versatile Made from any fiber and any yarn Development of manufactured fibers well suited for knits

Other Fabric Construction Felt Short wool fibers Looks like fish scales under microscope Use of heat, moisture, and pressure make fibers into fabric Thick, stiff, and warm Easily molded into shapes Used for hats, handcrafts, and household items

Other Fabric Construction Non Woven Fabrics The use of heat melts fibers together to make fabric Used in disposable items Diapers, hospital sheets, bandages, towels, cleaning cloths In garments used as interfacing which provides shape and prevents stretching Cheap

Other Fabric Construction Bonded Fabrics Glue one fabric to another Have more body than single fabrics Wrinkles less Warm, but not heavy Used in skiwear or winter coats

Other Fabric Construction Quilted Fabrics Adding batting between 2 layers of fabric Machine stitching hold 3 layers together

Difference between Knit and Woven Fabrics Why is it important to know the difference…and a little review… https://youtu.be/XAUYog0Pipg

Review Time Single-knit jerseys, ribbed knits, and jersey knits are examples of which fabric construction? Weft Yarns run the length of the fabric forming parallel vertical rows. Warp A knit with an extra yarn stitched in to give it texture or design Raschel Knit made w/2 sets of needles and 2 sets of yarns. Double Knit Knit most commonly used in lingerie and underwear Tricot