Knitting is one of the ways of turning thread or yarn into clothes. Knitted
fabric completely consists of horizontal parallel courses (crosswise) of
yarn. These courses are joined to each other by interlocking loops where a
short loop of one course of the yarn is wrapped over the bight of another
course.
Knitted fabric is obtained either by hand knitting process or then by
machine. In hand knitting process, a base series of twisted loops of yarn
are made on a knitting needle before starting the process. A second needle
is then used to reach through each loop in succession to snag a bight of
yarn and pull a length back through the loop. Knitting by machine use a
different mechanical system producing nearly identical results.
Knitted fabric composites show higher impact tolerance compared to the
traditional composites or even to woven fabric composites. It is believed
that the hand knitting originated among the nomads of the Arabian Peninsula
about 1000 BC.
Types of knitted Fabrics
Weft Knitted Fabric - It is either made by hand or machine by
looping together the lengths of the yarn. This supports the fabric to become
stretchy and comfortable. Weft-knitted fabrics are uaed in socks, T-shirts
and jumpers.
Warp Knitted Fabric - It is made by machine only. The loops, in this
kind of fabrics interlock vertically along the length of the fabric. It is
only slightly stretchy and it do not ladders. These are used as swimwear,
underwear and geotixtiles.
