Types of Knitted Fabrics

The threads in knitted fabrics are twisted, which gives them more elasticity than woven fabrics. Different combinations of knit and purl stitches create a wide variety of fabrics.

Knit fabrics can be flat or tubular. They have a smooth surface on one side and dominant horizontal ribs on the other.

Pointelle

A lightweight knit fabric with subtle openwork in a geometric pattern, pointelle adds a delicate texture to T-shirts, pyjamas and children’s clothing, as well as cardigans and sweaters. It is often made from cotton, and it is soft and comfortable to wear. However, it is important to check the care label for specific instructions as some may require more delicate washing and drying cycles.

While pointelle and lace fabrics are both knitted, they differ in that pointelle is made with a pattern of holes or eyelets, while lace is made by weaving threads together to create a decorative design. Both are lightweight and breathable, but pointelle is more prone to snagging or tearing than other types of knit fabrics, so it needs to be handled with care.

Intarsia

Often called picture knitting, intarsia is the method used to knit single-thickness fabric with a motif or pattern. In contrast to stranded color work and fair isle, yarns are not carried across the back of the work (and left dormant). This allows for clearer, more defined patterns to be knitted.

The pattern for an intarsia project is often a chart that, unlike regular graph paper, has squares that are wider than the stitches themselves and that is read from bottom to top (like your knitting grows). Most intarsia charts look like highly pixelated cartoon drawings resembling needlepoint or dot-matrix computer graphics.

Whenever you change colors in an intarsia project, always start a new bobbin/length of yarn. This is to prevent gaps from appearing at the edges of the color change in the work. It also helps to keep the yarns from tangling together. Make sure that you twist the yarns every time you change from one bobbin to another, even if you are going from right to left (for vertical color changes). This will help them to align correctly when you knit them up.

Rib Knit

Rib knit fabrics are thicker and more insulating than other varieties of knitted fabric. They are also more durable and stretchy, and can be used to construct complete garments or for specialized types of fabric trim such as cuffs, neckbands, sweater waistbands, and so on.

To construct rib knit cloth, a pattern of alternating knit stitches and purl stitches is repeated a certain number of times across the width of the fabric. This pattern is known as a ribbing pattern and is what distinguishes this type of knitted fabric from other styles.

Rib knitted fabrics are double-sided, meaning that they appear the same on both sides. This quality makes them suitable for projects where the front and back of the cloth must match. They are typically machine- and hand-washable, but should be handled gently to avoid overstretching. They may be dried in a dryer, but this should be done at low temperatures as to not destroy the integrity of the textile.

Cardigans

A cardigan is a type of Knitted Fabrics. It’s usually worn over a dress shirt or a suit jacket to prevent the wearer from getting cold. It can be made in many colors and textures. Its versatility allows it to be worn in either casual or formal settings. The fabric is also comfortable to wear because it allows the body to breathe.

Knit fabrics are highly elastic. They can stretch vertically and horizontally, which makes them great for creating form-fitting clothing. They’re also very soft, which makes them a popular choice for garments that need to be comfortable to wear.

Knitted fabrics are also easy to maintain. They can be machine-washed and don’t require ironing. They’re also typically wrinkle-resistant, which makes them a great choice for travel. They’re also lightweight, which means they won’t weigh you down. They’re also breathable, which keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.