Fundamentals of Textile Design 3(2+1)

Lesson 18: Knitting and its types

Comparison of knitting with weaving

Knitted fabrics Knitted fabrics stretch and this is an important factor where fit and comfort are concerned	Woven fabrics Woven fabrics do not stretch to any degree unless special stretch yarns are used.
Fabrics are warm because of the insulative air pockets present in them. They are porous and have breathing comfort	Unless the fabric is heavily napped or laminated with foam it is not wind proof
Fabrics are absorbent, light in weight, and wrinkle resistant, retaining their neatness in use	Recovery from wrinkles varies with the type of weave
Fabrics are less stable in wear and care. Many shrink more than 5%	More stable in wear and care. Many shrink less than 2%
Response to changes in fashion demands can be made more quickly in knits as designs can be changed very rapidly	Huge investments are involved when changes in design is to be made and so fashion demands cannot be made quickly