Knitting
" The process of forming open work fabric by tying yarns when
they cross one another, interlocking a series of loops is called Knitting "
Knitted Fabrics:
These are made by interlocking of series of loops made from one
or more yarns, with each row of loops caught into the preceding row. Hand
Knitting probably originated from among the nomads of the Arabian Desert in
about 1000 BC and spread from Egypt to Spain, France and Italy. By the later
middle ages, knitting guilds were established in Paris and Florence. Heavily
cabled and knotted fabrics, embroidered with brightly colored patterns were
produced by Austria and Germany. Several Dutch knitters went to Denmark to
teach Danish women the Dutch skills. Later in 1589, with invention of the
Knitting Machine, the craft of hand knitting became less important. Of course,
the production of yarns for hand knitting has remained an important branch of
the Textile industry till the present day.
The Frame Knitting machine allowed production of a complete row
of loops at one time. And it is from this simple device that the modern
Knitting industry, with its highly sophisticated machinery has grown.
Knitting Machines:
The basic element of all knitting machines is the needle. The
two main needle types are
The 'bearded' spring needle invented in about 1589.
Latch needle, invented in 1847.
Bearded needle
This is made from a thin wire and has one end bent, forming an operating
handle. The other end is drawn out and bent over, forming a long flexible
tipped hook, resembling a beard.
Warp Knitting
The scope of Warp Knitting has been extended by the development
of procedures for laying in non-knitted threads for color, density and texture
effects (or inlaying), although such threads may also be an essential part of
the structure. For example in the form called 'zigzagging across several
pillars,' the ground of most of Rachel fabrics, the front bar makes crochet
chains, or 'pillars', which are connected by zigzag inlays.
Co-We-Nit Warp Knitting
This is an extension of the warp knitting machine, producing
fabrics with the properties of both woven and knitted fabrics.
Knitted Fabrics
These are made by interlocking of series of loops made from one
or more yarns, with each row of loops caught into the preceding row. Hand
Knitting probably originated from among the nomads of the Arabian Desert in
about 1000 BC and spread from Egypt to Spain, France and Italy. By the later
Middle ages, knitting guilds were established in Paris and Florence. Heavily
cabled and knotted fabrics, embroidered with brightly colored patterns were
produced by Austria and Germany. Several Dutch knitters went to Denmark to
teach Danish women the Dutch skills. Later in 1589, with invention of the
Knitting Machine, the craft of hand knitting became less important. Of course,
the production of yarns for hand knitting has remained an important branch of
the Textile industry till the present day.
The Frame Knitting machine allowed production of a complete row
of loops at one time. And it is from this simple device that the modern
Knitting industry, with its highly sophisticated machinery has grown.