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4 Knitting Basics
4 Knitting Basics
By Hammad Mohsin Department of Textiles, UMT Pakistan Courtesy: Dr. Jimmy Lam Institute of Textiles & Clothing The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Content
z Difference between woven and knitted fabric z Single Knit Fabric
{Properties and Characteristics {Knitting Notation
Woven fabric is at least made up of two separate groups of yarns (warp and weft) and knitted fabric can be made up of one yarn only. Weaving is interlacing of 2 set of yarn to form a fabric. Knitting is a process of converting yarn to fabric by forming a series of loops dependent on each other.
Fabric Elasticity
The single knit fabrics are composed of loops linking with each other on the two sides as well as on the two ends. The shape of a loop can easily be changed by stretching the fabric in all directions. The elasticity of knitted fabrics makes them favorable for sports wear, casual wear and hosiery. This elasticity, however, will be deterioriate due to over stretching, washing or ageing and eventually, the loops cannot recover to its original shape. This change of shape is called distortion or poor dimensional stability
Fabric Elasticity The dimensional stability of single knitted fabrics can be improved by:
Increase the fabric density, by using smaller loop length to give the fabric higher cover factor. Warp and weft insertion, by inserting straight yarns to the fabric and bind the loops together to reduce their freedom of movement Apply resin finishing, a resin chemical can set the fibres and loops on fabric. Use the thermal plastic yarns, man-made fiber like polyester or nylon can be set at high temperature and maintain the loop shape on knitted fabrics.
The curling on the fabrics edges is one of the disadvantages of single knit fabircs. { It gives problems to the cutting, sewing and linking processes. { Edge curling can be reduced by the following:
z z Wet finishing, high temperature treatment like sourcing, bleaching and dyeing can remove the torque in the yarn and fabric. Stentering or steam pressing, stentering is used on open width piece goods, and steam pressing for knitwear panel and garment.