Basic stitch types There are four basic stitch types used to create the majority of knit fabrics While there are other stitch types these are the most common

Knit stitch or plain stitch

Purl Stitch or Reverse Stitch

Missed stitch which produces a float of yarn on the fabric's wrong side

Tuck stitch, which creates an open space in the fabric

Methods of knitting Weft Knitting Warp knitting

Weft knit fabrics Weft-knitted fabric is made by looping together long lengths of yarn. This makes the fabric stretchy and comfortable. The yarn runs in rows across the fabric. If a stitch is dropped it will ladder down the length of the fabric. Weft knits, can made by hand or machine, and are used for socks, T-shirts and jumpers.

Warp knits Because of their complex structures warp knits are only produced by machines. Fabrics are usually run proof and can have limited stretch ability. The loops interlock vertically along the length of the fabric. Used to produce laces, swimwear and underwear

Sewing machine needles come in two different points Round point (Ordinary needle) Ball point needle

Use a ball point needle for all knit/stretch fabrics Ball point needles are available for all types of industrial sewing machines The most common types of ball point needles are: SES SUK

The thickness of thread is indicated by a number. The lower the number the thicker the thread will be. A 25wt thread is much thicker than a 120wt thread

100% cotton thread Expensive to buy No stretch 100% polyester thread Cheap to buy, but try to buy good quality Good for stretch fabrics Polyfil is the trade mark name of thread that is a mix of cotton and polyester Good quality thread but expensive to buy

Remember: Thread weight and type Needle size and point Must be compatible to the type and weight of the fabric you are sewing