Different Types of Knitting Machines

A knitting machine is a device used to create knitted fabrics in a semi and fully automated form. (wikipedia.org)

Various types of knitting machines are available for making knits fabric or knitting various parts of knitted garments. Knitting machines are broadly classified as weft knitting and warp knitting machines. In each of these machine classes – knitting machines are further classified depending on the machines shape and knitting technology.

Different types of knitting machines used for making different types of knitted fabrics are listed here.

#1.Circular knitting machine (Single Jersey)
This machine is to make single jersey fabrics. Single jersey circular knitting machines are sometimes known as just single jersey machines and single-knit machine.

Image credit – Terrot

#2. Circular knitting machine (Double Jersey)
This machine is used to make double jersey fabrics (rib fabric). These circular knitting machines are sometimes known as just double jersey machines, rib machines, and interlock machines.

Image credit: Terrot

#3. Garment-length Circular knitting machine

Instead of continuous fabric, this type of machine knits garment panels as per the garment patterns.

Also see: How to Measure Loop Length of Knits Fabric?

#4. Flat knitting machine (computer driven) For an example, the polo shirt collars are made on a flat knitting machine. The flat knitting machine can be used both for the single jersey and rib fabrics but fabrics come in open width.

#5. Hand knitting machine (Flat knitting – V-bed)
The manual flat knitting machines are widely used for knitting sweater parts.