Textile Term: Knitted Fabric
Knitted fabric is a unique textile made by intertwining a series of yarn loops through a knitting process, using either hand-held needles or a machine. Unlike woven fabrics, the resulting material has a distinctive structure that offers stretchiness and flexibility, making it suitable for clothing items that need to conform to the wearer's body shape, such as t-shirts, socks, and leggings.
When we say that knitted fabrics are known for their stretchiness and flexibility, what we mean is that they are able to stretch and bend in various directions, allowing them to conform to the shape of the wearer's body. This is due to the structure of the fabric, which is created by interlocking loops of yarn or thread.
The loops themselves are created by a technique called knitting, which involves manipulating the yarn or thread to form a series of interlocking loops. This can be done using either hand-held needles or a knitting machine, depending on the desired outcome.
Knitted fabrics can be made from a variety of materials, each of which has its own unique properties. For example, wool is a popular material for knitted fabrics because it is warm, soft, and naturally elastic. Cotton, on the other hand, is lightweight, breathable, and easy to care for, making it ideal for casual wear.
In terms of the different types of knitted fabrics, jersey knit is one of the most common. It is often used for t-shirts and other casual wear because it is lightweight, breathable, and has a soft, smooth surface. Rib-knit, on the other hand, has a more textured surface due to its raised vertical lines, which make it ideal for cuffs, collars, and waistbands on clothing items.
Overall, knitted fabrics offer a wide range of possibilities in terms of texture, structure, and stretch. They can be produced in a variety of weights and densities, depending on the intended use, and are often chosen for their versatility and comfort.
