Raschel knitting is a warp knitting technique that offered the manufacturer a tremendous flexibility in fabric design. Fabrics from sheer to coarse can be made with highly patterned, lacy and crocheted knits. These machines have more than 60 guide bars (many more than tricot) to produce a variety of designs. Raschel machines commonly use latch or compound needles.
The needle action resembles that of tricot machines, but additional weft yarns can be inserted. These knits are produced with any type of yarn, including bulky novelty yarns. Due to the flexibility in design and the capacity to use almost any type of yarn, raschel knits find a wide variety of end uses. Garments like thermal knit underwear, elastic power nets for women’s foundation garments, stretch laces and decorative apparelfabrics and unique upholstery fabrics are all made on these machines.
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