Knitting

Knitting refers to a fabric structure created by interlocking yarns in a series of loops. In textiles, fabrics are broadly categorized into woven and knitted types. Unlike woven fabrics, knitted ones consist of continuous loops that interconnect, giving the material natural elasticity and allowing it to move easily with the body. This flexibility reduces strain when worn. The looped structure also traps air, providing both lightness and moderate insulation.

Knitted fabrics are generally classified into weft knitting and warp knitting. Weft knitting is made by looping a single yarn horizontally back and forth, commonly used for sweaters and cut-and-sewn garments. It has high horizontal stretch and a soft drape that conforms naturally to the body. Warp knitting, on the other hand, is formed by interlacing multiple yarns vertically in sequence. The structure is more stable and is often used for swimwear, sportswear, and functional fabrics where both elasticity and strength are required.

The texture and function of knitted fabrics also vary depending on the knitting structure. Differences in the number of needles or the type of stitch can produce fabrics with enhanced stretch, surface texture, or transparency, resulting in a wide range of expressions.

Yarn thickness and material further influence the appearance and feel. Fine yarns knitted densely create a delicate and smooth surface, while thick yarns knitted loosely give a voluminous and three-dimensional texture. Modern knitting machines can produce highly uniform fabrics, yet in hand knitting, subtle differences in the knitter’s tension are directly reflected in the fabric, leaving slight variations that form its unique character.

In this way, knitting is an essential technique in clothing design—one that draws out diverse functional and aesthetic qualities through the interplay of material, structure, and craftsmanship.