The Classification of Circular Knitted Fabric and The Structure of Circular Knitted Fabric

Circular knitted fabrics can be classified based on various factors, including the knitting technique, yarn type, fabric structure, and specific applications. Here are some common classifications of circular knitted fabrics:

    Single Jersey: Single jersey is one of the most basic and widely used types of circular knitted fabric. It is characterized by a smooth face and a looped back. Single jersey fabrics have good stretch and recovery properties, making them suitable for a wide range of applications such as T-shirts, underwear, sportswear, and casual apparel.

    Interlock: Interlock fabrics are double-knit structures created by interlocking the loops of two single jersey fabrics. They have a smooth and stable surface on both sides, making them reversible. Interlock fabrics are thicker, denser, and more stable than single jersey fabrics, offering enhanced strength and durability. They are commonly used in sportswear, baby clothing, bedding, and home textiles.

    Rib: Rib fabrics have distinct vertical ribs or columns of stitches on both sides of the fabric. They are created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a vertical pattern. Rib fabrics are known for their stretch, recovery, and excellent elasticity, making them suitable for cuffs, collars, waistbands, and other applications where shape retention is important.

    Pique: Pique fabrics are characterized by a raised or textured surface created by additional yarns or stitch patterns. They often have a honeycomb-like appearance. Pique fabrics are commonly used in polo shirts, sportswear, and casual garments, as they offer breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and a textured aesthetic.

    French Terry: French terry fabrics feature loops or piles on the backside of the fabric, with a smooth face. This construction provides moisture absorption, softness, and thermal insulation. French terry fabrics are popular for sweatshirts, hoodies, loungewear, and activewear.

    Jacquard: Jacquard fabrics are intricate circular knitted fabrics that feature intricate patterns or designs. These designs are created using special Jacquard knitting machines that allow for the manipulation of individual stitches to form patterns. Jacquard fabrics are used for various applications, including apparel, home textiles, and upholstery.

    Velour: Velour fabrics have a soft and plush texture created by cutting the loops on one side of the fabric. They are known for their luxurious feel and are commonly used in loungewear, robes, upholstery, and high-end apparel.

Besides,The structure of circular knitted fabric is determined by the arrangement of these loops and the specific knitting technique employed. Here are the key elements of the structure of circular knitted fabric:

    Courses: Courses refer to the horizontal rows of loops in a circular knitted fabric. Each course is formed by a complete rotation of the knitting needles or hooks. The number of courses determines the fabric's height or length in the vertical direction.

    Wales: Wales are the vertical columns of loops in a circular knitted fabric. Each wale represents one loop in a specific vertical position. The number of wales determines the fabric's width or circumference in the horizontal direction.

    Stitch: A stitch is a basic unit of the fabric's structure. It is formed by interlocking or intermeshing loops. Different stitch types can be used, such as knit stitches (formed by pulling a loop through another loop) or purl stitches (formed by pushing a loop through another loop). The arrangement and combination of these stitches create different textures, patterns, and characteristics in the fabric.

    Loop Length: The length of the loops in a circular knitted fabric can vary, depending on the desired fabric properties. Longer loops can provide greater stretch and elasticity, while shorter loops can contribute to a denser and more stable fabric structure.

    Gauge: Gauge refers to the number of needles or hooks per inch in a circular knitting machine. It determines the fineness or coarseness of the fabric's structure. A higher gauge produces a finer fabric with smaller stitches, while a lower gauge results in a coarser fabric with larger stitches.

    Stitch Density: Stitch density refers to the number of stitches per inch in a circular knitted fabric. It affects the fabric's thickness, weight, and overall appearance. Higher stitch density creates a denser and more compact fabric, while lower stitch density produces a more open and breathable fabric.

    Fabric Variations: Circular knitted fabrics can have variations in their structures to achieve specific design effects or functional properties. For example, rib structures have alternating knit and purl stitches to create raised ribs, while tuck stitches involve holding a loop in place temporarily without forming a new stitch. These variations can result in different textures, patterns, stretch properties, and visual effects in the fabric.

The structure of circular knitted fabric can be manipulated by adjusting the knitting technique, stitch type, yarn type, tension, and machine settings. These factors allow for a wide range of fabric structures, textures, and characteristics, making circular knitting a versatile method for creating various types of fabrics for different applications.