A Journey Through the Realm of Knitted Fabrics

Because of its unique weaving process and excellent performance characteristics, knitted fabric has become one of the indispensable materials in modern clothing production. By using knitting needles to interlock yarns into continuous coils, knitted fabrics exhibit exceptional flexibility, elasticity and comfort for a wide range of clothing types, from everyday casual wear to high-performance sportswear. Especially through the efficient production of circular knitting machines, these fabrics are able to achieve a wide variety of textures and structures. In this article, we will explore in detail the characteristics of knitted fabrics and their common types to help you better understand this widely used textile.

The Basic Structure of Knitted Fabric

Knitted fabrics are made by using knitting needles to interlock yarns into continuous coils. Unlike woven fabrics, the production process of knitted fabrics made by circular knitting machines is more flexible and can create a variety of fabric types. According to the different production processes, knitted fabrics can be divided into two categories: weft knitted fabrics and warp knitted fabrics.

Weft Knitted Fabric

Weft knitted fabrics are produced by a single continuous yarn forming a coil in the horizontal direction. Because of the relative simplicity of this production method, weft knitted fabrics are widely used in industrial production. However, one of the challenges of weft braided fabrics is that they are prone to edge unraveling during the cutting process, so special attention needs to be paid to preventing edge unraveling during processing.

Warp Knitted Fabric

Warp knitted fabrics, by contrast, are usually produced lengthwise. Its weaving structure is zigzag, forming two or more continuous coil walls, which gives the warp knitted fabric a smoother and tighter texture. Compared with the weft knitted fabric, the warp knitted fabric has lower elasticity, but its anti-dispersion performance is significantly improved, so it is more suitable for the application of high fabric requirements.

Main Features of Knitted Fabrics

Flexibility and Elasticity

Knitted fabrics are made of interwoven yarns that are exceptionally flexible and elastic and can be stretched in multiple directions. Whether in daily wear or sports, knitted fabrics can provide a comfortable fit to the body. This inherent elasticity allows the wearer to move and bend easily in a variety of activities, increasing the comfort of the garment.

Soft and Mild Texture

Knitted fabrics are often made of plush low-twist yarn and often have a fine layer of microsuede on the surface. Due to its loose and porous structure, knitted fabrics are able to minimize friction when they touch the skin, providing a gentle and comfortable feeling, a property that makes them ideal for underwear and casual clothing.

Water Management and Permeability

The unique ring structure of knitted fabrics creates a number of isolated air pockets inside the fabric, which effectively insulates and promotes air circulation. Coupled with the use of natural fibers such as cotton, knitted fabrics exhibit significant hygroscopic properties and are able to maintain a cool and breathable wearing experience in warm weather.

Wrinkle Resistance

Another notable feature of knitted fabrics is their superior wrinkle resistance. Because the structure of the coil can adapt to changes in external forces, once the external forces are removed, the fabric can quickly return to its original state. Because of this, knitted fabrics maintain a flat, smooth appearance even after prolonged wear or storage, reducing the need for ironing.

Common Types of Knitted Fabrics

Sweat Cloth /Sweat Cloth

Jersey is a common knitted fabric known for its continuous circular knitting structure. Its front lines are clear, the surface is smooth, and it has excellent longitudinal and horizontal ductility, of which the horizontal stretching is especially prominent. Although the sweatcloth provides good moisture absorption and air permeability, problems such as curling and coil skew may occur during processing.

Pique Fabric

Pique fabrics are usually produced using circular knitting machines, and their distinctive waffle texture is achieved by knitting and pleating stitches. This fabric is favored for its raised geometric pattern, which is not only beautiful in appearance, but also has good breathability, and is often used to make polo shirts and sportswear. Circular knitting machines guarantee high efficiency and consistent quality in the production of Pique fabrics.

Fleece Fabric

Fleece fabrics, also known as French loops or brushed wool, are mainly produced using replacement yarns, which give their surface a unique texture. Because of its towel-like surface feel, this fabric is also known as terry cloth or fish scale cloth. Fleece fabrics are available in a variety of weights, usually ranging from 190 g/m2 to 350 g/m2, suitable for clothing of different seasons and uses.

Ribbed Fabric

Ribbed fabric is a fabric that alternates coils on the front and back by a single piece of yarn. It is characterized by not only the stretchability and recovery of plain fabric, but also greater elasticity. 1x1 and 2x2 rib structures are common variants, due to their specific patterns, can provide better elasticity and fit, widely used in cuffs, necklines and other parts that need to be tightly fitted.

Roman Fabric

Roman fabric, also known as Roman bridge or chicken cloth, is a weft knitted fabric produced on a double-sided circular machine. Its fabric structure is tight, the surface shows a slightly irregular horizontal bar texture, and has four-way stretching. Because of its good elasticity, breathability and comfort, Roman fabrics are often used to make tight clothing and high-end casual clothing.

Conclusion

In general, knitted fabrics occupy an important position in the field of clothing with their excellent characteristics such as softness and comfort, breathability and wrinkle resistance. Whether it is the comfort of daily wear, or the functionality of sportswear, knitted fabrics can meet different needs. By understanding the unique structure and properties of these fabrics, we can not only better select suitable fabrics, but also give full play to their advantages in design and production to provide consumers with better quality products.