What is Knitted Fabric? Its Processes and Applications

Knitted fabric is one of the key categories of textiles, characterized by forming loops from yarn using knitting needles, then interlocking and connecting these loops to create the fabric. It differs significantly from woven fabric (formed by vertically interlacing warp and weft yarns) in terms of structure and properties.

I. Core Processes of Knitted Fabric: Weft Knitting and Warp Knitting

Knitting processes are mainly divided into weft knitting and warp knitting. The two differ significantly in yarn direction, loop-forming method, fabric structure, and equipment, which directly determine the fabric’s performance and applications.

1. Weft Knitting

Weft knitting is the most common knitting method, where the core principle is forming loops cyclically with yarn along the transverse (weft) direction of the fabric. In other words, one or more yarns start from one end of the fabric, form loops around knitting needles in sequence, and extend transversely to create the fabric.

• Equipment: Primarily circular knitting machines (e.g., single-jersey circular machines, double-jersey circular machines) and flat knitting machines. Circular machines are suitable for mass-producing roll-shaped fabrics (e.g., T-shirt fabrics), while flat knitting machines are mostly used for shaping products (e.g., sweaters, scarves).
• Structural Features: The interlocked loop structure is loose, giving the fabric excellent elasticity (transverse elongation can reach 100%-200%). However, it has strong run-in properties (if one loop breaks, it will run continuously along the transverse direction).
• Common Fabric Types:
  • Jersey: A single-faced weft-knitted fabric with a smooth surface and lightweight texture, serving as the core fabric for T-shirts and underwear.
  • Rib: A double-faced weft-knitted fabric with concave-convex stripes and superior elasticity, commonly used in collars, cuffs, and hems that require contraction.
  • Interlock (Cotton Fleece): A double-faced fabric with a dense structure, thick handfeel, and good warmth retention, suitable for thermal underwear and loungewear.
  • Terry: A single-faced or double-faced fabric with looped piles, featuring strong moisture absorption, and widely used for towels and sweatshirt fabrics.

2. Warp Knitting

Warp knitting involves forming loops simultaneously with multiple yarns along the longitudinal (warp) direction of the fabric. Each yarn extends independently along the longitudinal direction and forms interlaced loops through the coordination of different knitting needles.

• Equipment: Mainly warp knitting machines (e.g., tricot warp knitting machines, raschel warp knitting machines), which offer high production efficiency and produce fabrics with stable structures.
• Structural Features: Loops are densely arranged longitudinally, with weak transverse elasticity (far lower than weft-knitted fabrics). However, they have good dimensional stability, are not easily deformed, and have low run-in properties (a single broken loop does not affect the whole fabric).
• Common Fabric Types:
  • Tricot: A lightweight fabric with a smooth handfeel and good breathability, used for underwear, sportswear linings, and wedding dress linings.
  • Raschel: A versatile fabric available in thick, mesh, or jacquard styles, commonly used for blankets, curtains, lace, and industrial filter cloths.
  • Warp-knitted Spandex Fabric: Blended with spandex yarns, it combines elasticity and stability, suitable for yoga clothes, swimwear, and other garments requiring "fit but not tight" properties.

II. Main Applications of Knitted Fabric

With flexible raw materials (single or blended yarns such as cotton, wool, silk, polyester, and spandex) and diverse properties (adjustable elasticity, softness, and breathability), knitted fabrics are widely used in multiple fields, focusing on three core scenarios: apparel, home textiles, and industry.

1. Apparel Industry (Primary Application)

This is the core application scenario of knitted fabrics, accounting for over 70% of their use, especially suitable for garments that require "close-fitting comfort and freedom of movement":

• Intimate Underwear: Such as thermal underwear (interlock, modal weft-knitted fabric), bra linings (warp-knitted mesh fabric), and underwear (spandex-blended weft-knitted fabric), leveraging their softness, breathability, and elastic fit.
• Casual Wear: T-shirts (jersey), sweatshirts (terry), knit sweaters (wool/cotton weft-knitted fabric from flat knitting machines), and dresses (lightweight weft-knitted chiffon-like fabric), balancing comfort and styling.
• Sports Functional Wear: Yoga clothes, fitness leggings (warp-knitted spandex fabric, stable elasticity without rolling edges), swimwear (warp-knitted nylon-spandex fabric, waterproof with good resilience), and running T-shirts (polyester weft-knitted quick-drying fabric, breathable and moisture-wicking).
• Specialized Garments: Sweaters (wool/cashmere weft-knitted fabric from flat knitting machines, warm), socks (weft-knitted rib fabric, fit ankles without slipping), and children’s clothing (soft cotton weft-knitted fabric, skin-friendly and non-irritating).

2. Home Textile Industry

Utilizing their softness, warmth retention, or decorative properties, knitted fabrics are commonly used in:

• Bedding: Knitted bed sheets, pillowcases (cotton weft-knitted fabric, warm handfeel), blankets (thick raschel warp-knitted fabric, warm and fluffy), and toweling covers (terry weft-knitted fabric, strong moisture absorption).
• Home Decoration: Curtains (warp-knitted jacquard fabric, good drapability and dimensional stability), sofa covers (wear-resistant polyester weft-knitted fabric), and carpets (raschel warp-knitted loop pile fabric).
• Cleaning Products: Towels and rags (terry weft-knitted fabric, high water absorption).

3. Industrial and Other Fields

Warp-knitted fabrics, with their stable structure and adjustable strength, are increasingly used in industrial scenarios:

• Industrial Filtration: Raschel warp-knitted mesh fabric, used for liquid/gas filtration in metallurgy and chemical industries, featuring uniform pore size and wear resistance.
• Medical Protection: Medical elastic bandages (spandex weft-knitted fabric, fit limbs) and inner layers of disposable surgical gowns (lightweight warp-knitted non-woven fabric, breathable and impermeable).
• Automotive Interiors: Car seat fabrics (wear-resistant polyester weft-knitted jacquard fabric) and door trim fabrics (warp-knitted mesh fabric, breathable and aesthetic).
• Others: Lace trims (warp-knitted jacquard fabric), fishing nets (thick-yarn warp-knitted mesh fabric), and thermal covers for agricultural greenhouses (thick raschel warp-knitted fabric).

Summary

The core of knitted fabric lies in its "interlocked loop structure". Through two major processes—weft knitting (high elasticity, suitable for close-fitting garments) and warp knitting (stable, suitable for functional products)—it develops into diverse varieties. Ultimately, relying on its advantages of "elasticity, softness, and customizability", knitted fabric is widely applied across scenarios ranging from daily clothing to industrial supplies.

The company is headquartered in Dongguan City. The production base is located in Doumen District, Zhuhai City, covering an area of ​​50,000 square meters.

The company has introduced a number of advanced fabric production lines with a monthly output of 1,000 tons. It is widely used in medical and health supplies, product packaging, clothing, handbags, accessories, backpacks, shoes, home furnishings and other fields.

The company continues to be committed to the research and development of environmentally friendly materials. The company's products have strictly passed ISO9001 quality certification and GRS certification, EU EN-71, SGS, ROHS, REACH, California 65, 7P/17P, PRT, ATC, CFR-1633 and other latest environmental standards.

The products are sold at home and abroad, and have established long-term and stable cooperative relations with many well-known domestic and foreign handbag brands, and have established branches in Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia and other countries.

The company is headquartered in Dongguan City. The production base is located in Doumen District, Zhuhai City, covering an area of ​​50,000 square meters.

The company has introduced a number of advanced fabric production lines with a monthly output of 1,000 tons. It is widely used in medical and health supplies, product packaging, clothing, handbags, accessories, backpacks, shoes, home furnishings and other fields.

The company continues to be committed to the research and development of environmentally friendly materials. The company's products have strictly passed ISO9001 quality certification and GRS certification, EU EN-71, SGS, ROHS, REACH, California 65, 7P/17P, PRT, ATC, CFR-1633 and other latest environmental standards.

The products are sold at home and abroad, and have established long-term and stable cooperative relations with many well-known domestic and foreign handbag brands, and have established branches in Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia and other countries.

Mingyu Group has always been adhering to the social responsibility of "dedicating with heart and embracing all rivers", and is willing to build an environmentally friendly future with friends from all walks of life!