Knitted fabric
Knitted fabrics is the third major class of fabric, after woven and nonwoven fabrics.
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Structure of knitted fabrics [edit]
Knitted fabrics are divided into two basic types: warp-knit fabrics such as tricot and weft-knit fabrics such as a hand-knit sweater. Weft-knit items have the drawback that they run when cut. Warp-knit fabrics are often used in lingerie.
- knits can shrink but can also extend if a rib construction
- knits have nap
- ribs/wales versus courses
- generally more elasticity along the course than along the wale
Knitting stitches [edit]
Over the long history of knitting across the world, hundreds of different knitting stitches have been created.
The basic building blocks of all hand knitting are the following stitches: knit, purl, cast on, cast off (also known as bind off), increase and decrease stitches. Use of a combination of these methods can provide a vast number of different textures to knitted fabrics.
In order to save space in knitting patterns, the names of stitches are normally abbreviated.
Composition of knitted fabrics [edit]
The most common fibres used for knitted fabrics are cotton & viscose with or without elastane, these tend to be single jersey construction and are used for most t-shirt style tops.
History of knitwear [edit]
Coco Chanel's 1916 use of jersey in her hugely influential suits was a turning point for knitwear, which became associated with the liberated woman.[1] Shortly afterwards, Jean Patou's cubist-inspired, color-blocked knits were the sportswear of choice.[1]
In the 1940s came the iconic wearing of body-skimming sweaters by sex symbols like Lana Turner and Jane Russell, though the 1950s were dominated by conservative popcorn knits.[1] The swinging 1960s were famously manifested in Missoni's colorful zigzag knitwear.[1] This era also saw the rise both of Sonia Rykiel, dubbed the "Queen of Knitwear" for her vibrant striped sweaters and her clingy dresses, and of Kennedy-inspired preppy sweaters.[1]
In the 1980s, knitwear emerged from the realm of sportswear to dominate high fashion; notable designs included Romeo Gigli's "haute-bohemian cocoon coats" and Ralph Lauren's floor-length cashmere turtlenecks.[1]
Contemporary knitwear designers include Diane von Furstenberg,[2] James Perse or Irakli Nasidze.
See also [edit]
External links [edit]
References [edit]
- Shaeffer, Claire. Claire Shaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guide. Radnor, PA: Chilton Book Company. ISBN 0-8019-7802-5.
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