What is Knit Fabric?
Knit fabric is one of the most commonly used materials in the textile and fashion industry today. History of knit fabrics spans thousands of years. Weft knitting is the first ever used technique to knit a fabric by means of two handheld pins. Knit fabric differs vastly from woven fabrics. Woven fabric is formed substantially by interlacing of a series of lengthwise and crosswise threads. Knitting, in its simplest form, consists in forming loops through those previously formed. Knitting is the second largest and oldest technology of fabric manufacturing after weaving. In this technique, a continuous length of yarn is converted into a fabric by interlooping. The process of interlooping is done either by hand or by a machine. This interloping and the continuous formation of more loops into each other produce the knitted fabric structure. In machine knitting, a multiplicity of needles, needle holders and yarn feeders replace the pins, hand and fingers used in hand knitting.
Knitting is a more versatile manufacturing process, as entire garments can be manufactured on a single knitting machine, and it is much faster than weaving. Knitting is the method of creating fabric by transforming continuous strands of yarn into a series of interlocking loops, each row of such loops hanging from the one immediately preceding it. The basic element of a knitted fabric structure is the loop intermeshed with the loops adjacent to it on both sides and above and below it.
Knit fabrics of a wide variety of types are presently enjoying unprecedented consumer demand. In many end-uses, where formerly woven fabrics held undisputed away, knitted cloth has taken a commanding lead, while in those end-uses where the knit fabric traditionally has been supreme, production advanced by leaps and bounds. Knit fabrics have advantage over woven fabrics in terms of cost, process ability, flexibility of design, and other performance properties.
From the everyday jersey T-shirt to the high performance sportswear, knits adapt to diverse needs with ease. Understanding their types and characteristics empowers knit fabric manufacturers, designers, sewists, and consumers to choose the right fabric for durability, style, and function.
Types of Knit Fabric:
There are two main ways of manufacturing of knit fabrics: warp knitting and weft knitting.
Weft Knitting:
If the direction of yarn feeding is perpendicular to the direction of fabric formation or if yarn is supplied in a weft or crosswise direction, then this type of knitting is called the weft knitting (Figure 2). The fabrics formed through this type of mechanism are called weft-knitted fabrics or simple jersey fabrics and the machine used is called the weft knitting machine.
Warp Knitting:
If the direction of yarn feeding is parallel to the direction of fabric formation or if yarn is supplied in a warp-wise direction, then this type of knitting is called the warp knitting (Figure 3). The process of yarn feeding of warp knitting is just like feeding of warp yarn in weaving. The fabrics formed through this type of mechanism are called warp-knitted fabrics and the machine used is called the warp knitting machine.
Knit fabrics are divided into two main groups, weft and warp knit fabrics, each with several common subtypes that define their structure, properties, and end uses. Here are the most common types:
Weft Knit Fabrics:
- Single jersey
- Rib knit
- Interlock knit
- Purl knit
- Double knit
- Cable knit
- Jacquard knit
Warp Knit Fabrics:
- Tricot knit
- Raschel knit
- Milanese knit
- Mesh knit
- Simplex knit
Characteristics of Knit Fabric:
Knit fabrics have a soft texture and excellent breathability. In hot seasons, knitted garments allow the body to breathe, keeping you cool and comfortable. In contrast, during cold weather, they help retain body heat, providing warmth and insulation.
Key characteristics of knit fabrics are:
- Stretchability and Flexibility: Knit fabric stretch easily especially in weft knits and return to shape, thanks to their looped structure. Spandex blends enhance elasticity. This makes them ideal for form-fitting and activewear garments.
- Softness and Comfort: Knits are generally soft, breathable, lightweight and comfortable. It feels gentle and smooth on the skin and accommodating body movements without restricting.
- Breathability: The porous structure allows air to flow, making knits comfortable in warm weather.
- Wrinkle Resistance: Knit fabric is naturally wrinkle-resistant, reducing the need for ironing and it is ideal for travel and casual wear.
- Versatility: Available in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns for various uses.
- Cost-Effective: The production process is faster and involves fewer steps, making knits cheaper to manufacture than woven fabrics.
- Easy to Care: Most knit garments are machine washable and quick drying.
- Durability: Knits are strong and resistant to wear and tear, especially when made from synthetic fibers but can pill over time. Quality depends on fiber content (e.g., cotton, polyester, wool).
- Difficult to sew: Because of its stretch, knitted fabrics are more difficult to sew.
Uses of Knit Fabrics:
Knit fabric is incredibly versatile and used in a wide range of applications. Besides, knit fabric is popular for its softness, stretchability and comfort. This unique structure gives knits their signature flexibility, making them a staple in everything from everyday clothing to athletic wear.
Uses of knit fabric is mainly classified into three major categories such as clothing which includes weft-knitted vests, sweaters, pullovers, stockings, sportswear, underwears, etc. The home and furnishing textile is the second major class comprises of warp-knitted curtains, terry towel and weft-knitted blankets, upholstery, etc. The knitted fabrics also have a huge applications range in technical textile.
Both warp- and weft-knitted fabrics are used in medical textiles such as compression bandages. The automobile industry also has the consumption of warp-knitted fabric in the form of seat covers, roofing and filtration. Packaging materials and mosquitoe nets are also made with knitted fabric.
Conclusion
Knit fabric is well known for its stretch, comfort, and adaptability, making it a go-to choice for a wide range of garments and products. With numerous types of knit fabric—from jersey and rib to double knit and tricot offer endless possibilities for both fashion and function. Unique characteristics of knit fabrics, such as elasticity, softness, and wrinkle resistance, ensure their continued popularity in clothing, sportswear, and beyond
References
[1] Nawab, Y., Hamdani, S. T. A., & Shaker, K. (2017). Structural textile design: Interlacing and Interlooping. CRC Press.
[2] Ray, S. C. (2012). Fundamentals and advances in knitting technology. In Woodhead Publishing Limited eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857095558
[3] Thangamani, K., & Sundaresan, S. (2022). Fabric Manufacturing Technology: Weaving and Knitting. CRC Press.
[4] Belal, S. A. (2018). Understanding textile for a merchandiser. http://182.160.97.198:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1184
[5] Nawab, Y. (2016). Textile Engineering: An introduction. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG.
