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What is the difference between Circle knitting and Flat knitting?
What is the difference between Circle knitting and Flat knitting?
Although most people think that Circular and flat are the same knitting, there is a lot of difference between them. So, what is the difference between Circle knitting and Flat knitting? The first and foremost thing is that they are knitted with different machines. Manufacturing process, Product properties, and Usability set them apart from each other. Continue reading this article to know more about the difference between Circle knitting and Flat knitting.
What is Circle knitting?
Circle knitting, also known as knitting in the round, is a kind of knitting that produces a continuous tube. This knitting technology is one of the famous, productive ways in the knitting platform. Traditionally, you can do this kind of knitting with 4 or 5 needles with double-pointed. These needles come in a range of lengths, so you may choose one that suits your project’s measurements.
Machines can also do circular knitting by employing separate latch-hook needles to produce each thread around the framework. This machine generates a continuous tube of cloth by weaving thread through 360-degree cartridges of needles. The gauge of circular knitting fabric ranges from 12 to 22. With thinner fabric, the indicator will be higher.
What is Flat knitting?
Flat knitting, often known as back and also forth knitting, is a technique that involves knitting from both sides of a fabric. It is a process of manufacturing knitted textiles wherein the work is rotated regularly instead of knitting. Knitting from left to right as well as the right to left without turning is another way to get the same outcome.
Flat knitting is sometimes compared to circular knitting, wherein the cloth is constantly knitted from one side to the other; however, this is not always the case. A flat knitting machine typically produces a layer of fabric that should be cut and sewed by a seamstress to construct the completed garment. As the edges are connected, this technique inevitably generates seams in the fabric.
Difference between circle knitting and flat knitting
There is flat knitting, and circular knitting, lots of customers think they are the same. But they are different processes. Let’s take a look at how they are different from each other.
a) Produce with different machine:
It is impossible to produce a circle and flat knitting in the same machine. The knitting machine for knit circle knit and flat knit is totally different. During the fabric knitting procedure, the circular knitting machine moves circularly. This machine has a needle pitching as well as a cylinder warp.
The flat knitting machine is used to knit flat knits. It is a type of knitting machine that knits using a flat knitting needle surface. The knitted cloth width may be altered by adding or deleting needles because this machine is split into length and length.
b) Manufacturing Process:
In terms of the manufacturing process, there is also a bit of difference that exists. You have to cut the fabric and then swing it to swing the circle knitting fabric. On the other hand, a flat knit does not need cutting; it may be sewn together immediately after knitting. As a result, the flat is knitted into shape.
c) Properties:
Circular knit garments are constructed from graded material in the form of a tube-like ‘stocking.’ They have a more supple texture and are less thick towards the contact. While they may seem like fashion pantyhose, they are medical prescription garments that compress the bottom more than the top.
Flat knitting garments, which do not have a seam, have good therapeutic outcomes. They’re knitted as a flattened yet shaped sheet of compressive fabric that’s then seamed into form. In graduated compression clothing, flat knitting clothes provide the most confinement.
d) Useability:
The squeeze of circular knitting is highly dynamic, and it’s ideal throughout the day when you’re moving and pushing against the tension with your legs and arms. Because they may exert too much-resting stress, they are not recommended for usage at night while muscles are at repose.
The flat knitting is compressed without the broad bands of round elastic. This knitting is good for reducing lobules, irregularly proportioned extremities, and folds without causing discomfort or restriction. They are long-lasting and, for certain patients, preferable to use at nighttime due to the relatively low resting tension.
Technical Difference Between Circular and Flat Knitting:
| Circular Knitting | Flat Knitting |
| Circular knitting is done by a circular knitting machine with a gauge of 12 to 22 | Flat knitting is done by a flat knitting machine with a gauge is 2 to 10. |
| Circular knitting m/c has rotating clockwise on a cylindrical needle bed. | Flat knitting m/c has 2 stationary needle beds. |
| Latch needle cylinder & sinker ring (for single-jersey m/c). Dial (for double jersey rib & interlock m/c) revolve through the stationary knitting cam system. | Latch needles are used. |
| Stationary angular cam systems are used for needle and sinker | Angular cams of a bi-directional cam system are used. |
| Always working on the right side | Alternating between working on the right side and the wrong side. |
| Has a definite radius. | Doesn’t have any radius. |
| Cylindrical Rotate. | Bed Fixed, Head Fixed. |
| Garter Stitch Round 1: Knit all stitches 2: Knit all stitches Repeat rounds 1 & 2 | Garter Stitch Row 1: Knit all stitches row 2: Knit all stitches Repeat rounds 1 & 2 |
| Stockinette Stitch Round 1: knit all stitches around 2: Purl all stitches Repeat rounds 1 & 2 | Stockinette Stitch Row 1: knit all stitches row 2: Purl all stitches Repeat Round 1 & 2 |
| Circular knit needs cut then sewing. | Flat knit does not need cut, it can be sewed directly after knitting. |
Which knitting process is more suitable for which clothing?
The process of knitting is depending on the apparel or final garments. But in the case of maximum innerwear, the fabric is knitted by circular knitting.
Products Produced by Circular knitting Machine:
| Fabric machines: | rolls of fabric with the following end-uses: T-shirts, casual wear, jackets, ladies’ tops, sports and suits, swimwear, bathrobes, dressing gowns, tracking suits, jogging suits, upholstery, automotive and technical textile fabrics, household fabrics. |
| Hose machines: | seam-free hose, industrial use dye bags, industrial fabrics. |
| Half-hose machines: | Men’s and boy’s half-hose, ladies’ stockings, children’s tight sports socks. |
| Garment blank machines: | T-shirts, jumpers, Underwear, pullovers, cardigans, dresses, suits, trouser suits, vests, briefs, thermal wear, cleaning cloths, technical textiles fabrics. |
Products Produced by Flat knitting machine:
Jumpers, Dresses, suits, Cardigans, Pullovers, trouser suits, hats, scarves, accessories, ribs for straight-bar machines. Cleaning clothes, 3-dimensional and fashioned products for technical applications.
The FAQs
A. What are circle knitting needles for?
Circular needles are ideal for both knitting circles as well as flat knitting tasks. They have a needlepoint on either end and a cable that connects them. Hats, socks, sweaters, sleeves, and other items are made with them.
B. Can I use flat knitting needles instead of circular ones?
It is a frequently asked question: Can I use flat knitting needles instead of circular ones? And the short answer is Yes! You can use flat knitting needles instead of circular ones.
C. What is the advantage of knitting in the round?
Circular knitting’s key benefit is that it creates consistent lengths of fabric with speedy rates. This feature gives it a cost-effective manufacturing technique for bulk items.
Conclusion
Circular knit is knitted using a variety of needles and feeds to achieve a high level of production capacity. It is possible to crochet flat knit using the same techniques as circular knit; however, the fabric is not round and has a lower production rate than circular knit. In this article, we discussed the difference between Circle knitting and Flat knitting. It may help you to define the key differences between these two knitting.
References:
- KNITTING TECHNOLOGY BY David J Spencer (3rd edition)
- Understanding Textile for Merchandiser by Dr. Belal
- https://www.coursehero.com/file/p1jjj99/Needle-retaining-spring-is-also-used-in-this-type-of-machine-In-these-types-of/
- http://www.bharatmachineryworks.in/flat-knitting-machine-advantages/
- https://elearn.daffodilvarsity.edu.bd/mod/resource/view.php?id=595898/
- https://www.scribd.com/presentation/402744875/Flat-Bed-Kniting/
- https://documents.pub/document/flat-knitting-machine.html
- https://elearn.daffodilvarsity.edu.bd/mod/resource/view.php?id=595898/
