Plain Knit Fabric:
The simplest and most basic structure is the ”plain knit” which is also called ”single knit”. Plain is a knit structure family, which is produced by the needles of only one set off needle with all the loops intermeshed in the same direction. Plain knitting is still a very popular technique with many knitted fabrics. Although the plain knit family encompasses a great number of structures all produced on a single needle bed.
End Uses of Plain Knit Fabric:
Rib Fabric:
Rib, also called ‘Double-knit’ is the second family of knit structures. Rib requires two sets of needles operating in between each other so that wales of face stitches and wales of back stitches are knitted on each side of the fabric. Rib fabrics are knitted on machines with two sets of needles. Rib knits have a very high degree of elasticity in the crosswise direction.
End Uses of Rib Fabric:
Rib fabric is suitable for collars, handcuffs, waistbands, warm outerwear, underwear, socks, swimwear and special types of trims for use with other knit or woven fabrics.
Difference Between Plain Knit Fabric and Rib Fabric:
| Plain Fabric & Machine | Rib Fabric & M/C |
| 1. Face side and Back side of fabric are different | 1. Face side and Backside of fabric are same. |
| 2. Less expensive | 2. Expensive |
| 3. Lighter fabric | 3. Heavier fabric. |
| 4. Produce by S/J m/c. | 4. Produce by Double Jersey m/c. |
| 5. The m/c. contains no Dial. | 5. The m/c. contains Dial. |
| 6. The m/c. contains Sinker | 6. The m/c. contains no Sinker |
| 7. The m/c. contains one set of needles | 7. The m/c. contains two set of needles |
| 8. Extensibility: a) Length wise – 10 to 20% | 8. Extensibility: c) Length wise – 50 to 80% (for 1´1 rib) |
| 9. Thickness & Warmth: Thicker and wormier than plain woven made from same yarn. | 9. Thickness & Warmth: Much thicker and wormier than plain woven made from same yarn. |
| 10. Curling: Tendency to curl | 10. Curling: No tendency to curl |
| 11. End use: Ladies stocking, fine cardigan, men and ladies’ dresses, sweater etc. | 11. End use: Socks, cuffs, warm outerwear, under wear etc. |
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Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. He is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
