Knitted

Knitted refers to fabric or garments produced by knitting, a method that interlocks loops of yarn to create flexible material. Knitting can be performed by hand with needles or by machine, and the resulting fabric is used for clothing, accessories, and home textiles. Knitted fabrics are known for their elasticity.

Two main families of knitting are weft knitting and warp knitting. Weft knitting forms horizontal loops and is the basis for most hand knitting and many machine-knit fabrics; common stitches include knit and purl, which create patterns such as stockinette, garter, and rib. Warp knitting produces lengthwise stitches and is typically done on industrial machines, yielding more stable fabrics such as tricot.

Materials influence the performance of knitted fabric. Yarns may be natural, such as wool or cotton, or synthetic, such as acrylic or nylon, or blends. The yarn weight and stitch pattern determine thickness, warmth, drape, and elasticity. Knitted fabrics are generally stretchier than woven fabrics, enabling close-fitting garments and comfort.

Applications include sweaters, scarves, hats, socks, blankets, and sportswear. Colorwork and texture are achieved with techniques like intarsia, Fair Isle, seed stitch, and cables. Machine knitting enables mass production, while hand knitting remains popular as a craft and hobby.

History and development: Knitting has a long history in Europe and Asia, with evidence of knitted stockings dating to the late medieval period. The craft expanded with industrial machines in the 18th–19th centuries and remains widespread in fashion and textiles today.

Care and maintenance: knitted garments may shrink or stretch if laundered improperly. Care labels recommend appropriate washing temperatures, drying methods, and whether to lay flat or hang to finish shaping, often with blocking to set the final size and fit.