Strickherstellungsprozess

Strickherstellung, or knitting production, refers to the process of creating knitted textiles and garments by forming interlocking loops of yarn. In modern contexts it encompasses design, yarn preparation, knitting, and finishing, and applies to both large-scale manufacturing and artisanal work.

Yarn preparation includes selecting fibers, processing them into yarn, and controlling properties such as twist, thickness, and strength. The yarn choice affects fabric characteristics like elasticity, warmth, and drape.

Knitting methods are broadly categorized as weft knitting and warp knitting. Weft knitting builds fabric widthwise with a single yarn path and yields fabrics such as jersey and rib, typically produced on circular or flat knitting machines. Warp knitting uses multiple yarn paths to produce finer, more stable fabrics, such as tricot and raschel textiles.

Finishing and quality control cover washing, heat-setting, dyeing, printing, and mechanical finishing, as well as inspection for defects like dropped stitches or mispatterns.

History and industry context: Knitting production evolved from hand techniques to mechanized processes during the 18th–19th centuries with the advent of knitting machines and later became highly automated in the 20th century. Today it is a global industry with major production centers in Europe and Asia, supplying apparel, home textiles, and technical fabrics. Sustainability concerns include water and energy use, dye effluents, and waste, prompting moves toward recycled fibers, responsible sourcing, and more efficient processes.