Fundamentals of Textile Design 3(2+1)

Lesson 20: Weft Knitting

The basic knitting action of a needle

The knitting action of all types of needles is similar except the closing of the hook with the loop formed. A latch comes into action for closing the hook on a latch needle, a presser on the knitting machine, for closing the hook on spring bearded needle and the tongue to close the compound needle hook. The basic knitting action is summarized as follows.

1. The needle in the rest position, with the previously formed loop held on its stem
2. The loop then is cleared from the needle hook to a lower position on the needle stem
   
3. The new yarn is fed to the needle hook at a higher position on the needle stem than the position of the previous loop forming a ‘new’ loop.
4. The hook is closed, enclosing the new loop and excluding the old one onto the outside of the closed hook.
5. The new loop is drawn through the head of the old loop. Simultaneously the old loop slides off the closed hook of the needle and is cast-off or knocked-over.
6. The old loop now hangs from the feet of the fully formed new loop and the knitting cycle starts again.