Weft knitting is a popular hand knitting technique used to create fabric. In this process, the yarn is first formed into a fabric in a ring along the width direction of the fabric. This is done by feeding each yarn about 90 degrees (in the weft direction) along the direction of fabric formation (in the warp direction).
To begin, the yarn is threaded through the needles in a circular manner, creating a ring of yarn. The yarn is then fed through the needles in a zigzag pattern, with each stitch being about 90 degrees from the previous one. This creates a fabric that is wide in the weft direction and narrow in the warp direction.
Weft knitting is commonly used for creating fabrics such as scarves, hats, and other accessories. It is also used for creating garments such as sweaters and dresses. The technique is known for its versatility and can be used to create a variety of textures and patterns.
One of the benefits of weft knitting is that it allows for a lot of flexibility in terms of yarn choice. A variety of yarns can be used, including wool, cotton, and acrylic. Additionally, the technique allows for a range of needle sizes, which can be adjusted to achieve the desired fabric thickness and texture.
Weft knitting is also known for its speed and efficiency. Once the initial ring of yarn is created, the fabric can be knit quickly and easily, with each stitch building upon the previous one. This makes it a great technique for beginners who want to create a fabric quickly and easily.
In summary, weft knitting is a versatile and efficient hand knitting technique that is commonly used for creating a variety of fabrics and garments. It allows for a range of yarn choices and needle sizes, and is known for its speed and ease of use.
Weft knitted fabrics can be hand knitted, but warp knitted fabrics cannot.
Weft knitting is a type of knitting technique that creates a fabric by forming loops with one or more yarns along the transverse direction of the fabric, and linking them together in the longitudinal direction. The loops are created by using knitting needles to draw the yarn through a series of guide bars, which determine the width of the fabric.
Weft knitting can be divided into two main categories: single side and double side. In single side weft knitting, the yarn is looped through the guide bars on one side of the fabric only, creating a single layer of loops. In double side weft knitting, the yarn is looped through the guide bars on both sides of the fabric, creating a double layer of loops.
Weft knitting is commonly used for creating fabrics such as hosiery, tulle, and lace. It is also used for creating garments such as sweaters, hats, and scarves. Weft knitting machines, such as common hosiery machines, trolleys, cotton and wool machines, are designed to efficiently produce weft knitted fabrics.
The advantages of weft knitting include its versatility, as it can be used to create a wide range of fabrics with different textures and patterns. It also allows for the use of a variety of yarns, including natural fibers such as cotton and wool, and synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester. Additionally, weft knitting is relatively fast and efficient compared to other knitting techniques, making it a popular choice for mass production.
However, weft knitting also has some limitations. It can be less flexible than other knitting techniques, such as warp knitting, as the loops are formed in a fixed direction. Additionally, the fabric produced by weft knitting can be less dense and less elastic than fabrics produced by other techniques.
Overall, weft knitting is a widely used and versatile knitting technique that is well-suited for creating a variety of fabrics and garments. Its advantages include its versatility, efficiency, and the ability to use a range of yarns. However, it also has some limitations, such as less flexibility and density compared to other techniques.