machineknitting

Machine knitting is a method of producing knitted fabrics using knitting machines rather than hand knitting. It relies on automated needles and yarn feeds to create loops in a controlled sequence, enabling faster production and repeatable results. Compared with hand knitting, machine knitting can achieve higher gauge accuracy and greater output, though it requires specialized equipment and programming for complex patterns.

The development of machine knitting began in Europe in the late 16th to 18th centuries, with the stocking frame attributed to William Lee in 1589. Industrial advances in the 19th and 20th centuries led to mass production of hosiery, jerseys, and other fabrics. Modern machine knitting has expanded from traditional industrial hosiery to a wide range of apparel and technical textiles, supported by computerized controls and CAD/CAM workflows.

Common machine configurations are circular and flat-bed systems. Circular knitting machines produce seamless tubular fabrics suitable for hosiery, seamless garments, and tubular textiles. Flat-bed machines, often larger and computer-controlled, produce rectangular fabric panels that can be cut and sewn into garments or used as fabric for upholstery and other applications. Domestic knitting machines offer hobbyist and small-scale production capabilities, while industrial machines provide high-volume output and advanced patterning through electronic controls and multiple feeding stations.

Fabrics created by machine knitting include jerseys, rib knits, interlocks, and a variety of textured or patterned surfaces. Applications span clothing, hosiery, upholstery, and technical textiles. Advantages of machine knitting include faster production, consistent quality, the ability to produce complex colorwork and patterns, and seamless constructions in some cases. Limitations include high equipment and maintenance costs, the need for skilled setup, and the complexity of fully leveraging advanced computerized systems. The field continues to evolve with automation, software-driven design, and precision manufacturing.