flatknit

Flatknit refers to the technique of constructing fabric in flat panels that are later assembled into a final garment or item, rather than knitting a continuous tubular piece. This approach is commonly used with flat knitting machines or by hand knitting and often results in fabric that is cut and sewn into the desired shapes.

Compared with circular knitting, which produces seamless tubes, flatknit allows shaping and intricate patterning across individual panels. It supports a wide range of textures and colorwork, including intarsia, jacquard, and varied stitch patterns. Because panels can be created with different gauges and directions, designers can tailor fit, drape, and visual effects more flexibly. Edges of panels are typically finished during construction, and shaping is achieved through seams, darts, or defined panel boundaries.

Equipment and methods vary from manual to highly automated. Flat knitting machines, including computerized models, control stitch type, color changes, and fabric thickness to produce flat panels. Hand flat knitting uses straight needles or frames and is slower, but can offer greater customizability for individual projects or small runs.

Materials used in flatknit span natural and synthetic fibers, including wool, cotton, silk, nylon blends, and acrylics. The resulting fabrics can range from lightweight and drapey to dense and structured, depending on yarn weight and stitch choice.

Applications include sweaters, cardigans, vests, scarves, and other garments, as well as panels used in upholstery or technical textiles. The method affords design flexibility and precise seam placement but may require extra labor for cutting and assembling compared with tubular knitting.