Introduction to Fabric Manufacturing Lecture 11 Department of Knitting

Weft Knitting
Knitting is of two types:
 Weft knitting
 Warp knitting
Weft knitting is the more diverse, widely spread and larger of the two sectors, and accounts for
approximately one quarter of the total yardage of apparel fabric compared with about one sixth
for warp knitting. In weft knitting, the yarns fed into the machine form loops across the width of
the fabric. In a weft knitted structure a horizontal row of loops can be made using one thread and
the thread runs in the horizontal direction. Most of the knitted fabrics are produced by weft
knitting.

Warp knitting
Warp knitting represents the fastest method of producing fabric from yarn. Warp knitting differs
from weft knitting in that each needle loops its own thread. The needles produce parallel
columns of loops simultaneously that are interlocked in a zigzag pattern. Fabric is produced in
sheet or flat form using one or more sets of warp yarn. The yarns are fed from warp beams to a
row of needles extending across the width of the machine.

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Introduction to Fabric Manufacturing Lecture 11 Department of Knitting

Flow Chart of Knitting

knitting

warp weft
knitting knitting

Trciot Circular Flat

Knitting knitting Knitting

Raschel single Double

Knitting Jersey Jersey

crochet
Rib
knitting

Interlock

Comparison of Weft and Warp Knitting

Sr. # Warp Knitting Weft Knitting

01 Here, the used yarn runs in the vertical Here the used yarn runs in the horizontal
direction. direction.
02 Warp knitting is elastic to the length. This type of knitting is elastic to the width.
03 It has less shrinkage than weft knitting. It has higher shrinkage than warp knitting.

04 Used yarns are supplied from the beam. Here, used yarns are supplied from the

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Introduction to Fabric Manufacturing Lecture 11 Department of Knitting

cone.

06 Warp knitting is suitable for producing This type of knitting is perfect for
coarse fabric. producing thin fabric.
07 Here, the loops are produced to the length of Here, the loops are produced to the width
fabric. of fabric.
08 Elasticity is less for warp knitted fabric. Higher elasticity for weft knitted fabric.

09 More courses are required for Here, course is equal to the pattern.
each pattern raw.
10 Here, at least one yarn is required for each Here, any number of knitting needle is
knitting needle. required for one yarn.

11 It’s easy to produce any kinds of It’s tough to produce any kinds of fabric
fabric design by using warp knitting design by using this knitting process.
process.

Uses of weft knitting

 Sheets
 Sweaters
 T- shirts
 Men’s underwear
 Dresses
 Infant and children’s wear
 Sweaters
 Scarves
 Collars
 Necklines
 Cuffs
 Knit hats
 Men’s hosiery
 Sweat shirts
 Table mat

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Introduction to Fabric Manufacturing Lecture 11 Department of Knitting

Figure 1: T-shirt Figure 2: scarves/Mufflers Figure 3: Neckline/Collars

Figure 4: Polo Shirts Figure5: Boxer/Underwear

Figure 6: Knitted Rugs/Table Mats

Uses of warp knitted fabric

 Inner wears (lingerie camisoles, girdles, sleep wear, hook & eye tape.)
 Apparel (sportswear lining, track suits, leisure wear and safety reflective vests.)
 Household (mattress stitch-in fabrics, furnishing, laundry bags, mosquito nets &
aquarium fish nets.)
 Shoes (inner lining and inner sole lining in sports shoes and industrial safety shoes.)
 Automotive (car cushion, head rest lining, sun shades and lining for motor bike helmets.)

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Introduction to Fabric Manufacturing Lecture 11 Department of Knitting

 Industrial (PVC/PU backing, production masks, caps and gloves (forth electronic
industry.)

Mosquito Nets Agro nets Lingrei/Laces

Warp knitted shoe