Introduction to Knitting Notes
Subject Overview
Introduction to Knitting introduces the second major fabric construction method after weaving — the fundamentals of warp and weft knitting, knitting machinery, and knit fabric classification, alongside developing design and forecasting skills specific to knitted fabrics. You'll learn knitting terminology and stitch types (plain, purl, miss, tuck), classification of weft knitted fabrics (jersey, rib, interlock and more), and warp knit categories including tricot and Raschel fabrics, closing with the differences between woven and knitted fabric construction. This is a 3-credit core theory paper across 4 units.
Subject at a glance
4
Units
23
Topics
3
Credits
4
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
4 units — open any unit for detailed topic-wise notes, diagrams and important exam questions
- Introduction to the knitting industry
- key knitting terminology
- types of needles
- types and construction of knitting stitches — plain
- purl
- miss and tuck stitch
Knit (plain)
New loop drawn through to the front
Smooth V face
Purl
Loop drawn through to the back
Bumpy face
Tuck
Yarn held without knitting off
Raised texture, wider fabric
Miss (float)
Needle skips the yarn
Floats on the back, narrower
Study guide
This unit introduces the knitting industry, terminology, needle types and the construction of plain, purl, miss and tuck stitches. Learn the loop structure first; every knit fabric is built from it.
- Classification of weft knitted fabrics — jersey
- rib
- purl knit
- interlock
- double knit
- high pile
- fully fashioned fabric
- knitted terry and velour
- tuck/welt/transferred loops
Single jersey
Knit stitches on one face
T-shirts
Rib
Knit and purl wales alternate
Cuffs, collars
Interlock
Two interlocked 1x1 ribs
Smooth both sides, polo shirts
Purl
Knit and purl courses alternate
Children's wear, sweaters
Study guide
You study weft-knitted fabrics: jersey, rib, purl, interlock, double knit, high pile, fully fashioned fabric, terry and velour, and tuck, welt and transferred loops. Make a sample of each structure if you can.
- Categories of warp knit
- loop structure and identification of warp knits
- classification into tricot and Raschel fabric
- tricot knitting machine
- yarn and fabric characteristics
- distinguishing Raschel from tricot
Needles
Bearded or compound
Latch or compound
Fabric
Fine, smooth, light
Coarser, open, lacy
Uses
Lingerie, linings
Lace, nets, curtains, power nets
Study guide
You study warp knits: loop structure, identification, tricot and Raschel fabrics and machines and how to tell them apart. Understand how warp knitting differs from weft knitting.
Key differences between woven and knitted fabric, effect of fabric construction on knitted fabric properties
Made by
Interlacing warp and weft
Interlooping yarn
Stretch
Little, except on the bias
High stretch and recovery
Wrinkles
More
Less
Unravels
Frays at edges
Can ladder or run
Study guide
You compare woven and knitted construction and how construction affects knit properties. Knits stretch and recover, which is why they dominate sportswear and hosiery.
Why Introduction to Knitting Matters
Ludhiana is India's knitwear capital, so knitting knowledge connects directly to local industry employment in hosiery, sportswear and winterwear.
How to Prepare for Introduction to Knitting
- Collect knit swatches and identify the structure of each.
- Learn the properties and uses of each knit type.
- Visit a local knitwear unit to see machines in operation.
Introduction to Knitting: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between weft and warp knitting?
In weft knitting loops are formed along a row from a single yarn, while in warp knitting loops are formed vertically from many yarns at once.
Why is knitting important in Ludhiana?
Ludhiana is a major hub of India's hosiery and knitwear industry, so knitting skills are in local demand.