Weft-Knitted Fabrics

Abstract

Weft-knitted fabrics are thicker than woven fabrics due to low twisted yarn. The loop-network structure means the number of air spaces is more in weft-knitted fabrics, and hence they are more air permeable than woven fabrics making them useful for undergarments. The number of courses per unit length of a weft-knitted fabric is expressed in terms of courses per inch or courses per centimetre. The loop length is the fundamental unit of weft-knitted structure and its shape determines the dimensions of the knitted fabric. The protruding neb of the sinker is positioned over the sinker loop, which is the piece of yarn that joins one weft-knitted needle loop to the next, of the old loops preventing them from rising with the needles. A lot of new structures with a special appearance and characteristics creating design variations can be obtained for weft-knitted fabrics by incorporating tuck and float stitches with the help of a needle selection device.