What is Rib Knit?
Rib knit fabric is a knitted textile known for its distinctive vertical ridges, or wales, which are formed by alternating raised and lowered rows of stitches. This creates a stretchy and flexible fabric that is ideal for form-fitting garments such as t-shirts, cuffs, collars, and hems.
Rib knit fabric is made using a ribbing machine that has two sets of needles, one set for the front of the fabric and one set for the back. As the machine works, it produces vertical rows of stitches that alternate between raised and lowered sections, resulting in the characteristic ribbed texture.
The raised sections are called ribs, and the lowered sections are called courses. Different variations of rib knit can be created by adjusting the number of ribs and courses in the pattern. The most common type of rib knit is 1x1, which has one rib and one course. Other variations include 2x2, 3x1, and 3x3.
Rib knit fabric can be made from a variety of fibers, including cotton, wool, and synthetic blends. Cotton rib knit is the most common type and is known for its softness and breathability, while wool rib knit is more insulating and is often used in cold weather garments.
Synthetic blends can add stretch and durability to the fabric, making it a versatile choice for a range of applications.
