Accessories (general)
Additional ornamentation to accompany the garment in order to create a certain look (rings, shoes, jewellery etc.)
Accordion
1x1 knit alternating with a 2x2 rib
Acryani (fiber) (generic name)
The term used to describe fibers of cellulose ethanoate (acetate) wherein between 74% and 92% of the hydroxyl groups of the original cellulose are ethanoated (acetylated). Purified cellulose (wood pulp).
Acrylic (fiber) (generic name)
A term used to describe fibers composed of synthetic linear macromolecules having in the chain at least 85% by mass of recurring cyanoethylene (acrylonitrile) groups.
Alginate (fiber) (generic name)
A term used to describe fibers composed of metallic salts of alginic acid.
Angora
The hair of the angora rabbit or angora goat. It is believed to come from France, developed from a mutation in a rabid rabbit, in the 18th century. Note: the hair of the angora goat is referred to as mohair.
Anorak (fiber)
A term used to describe those made from a synthetic linear polymer that consists of at least 50% by mass of one or more esters of a monohydric alcohol and propenoic acid (acrylic acid).
Anti-bacterial
Finish that makes a fabric resistant to the growth of bacteria.
Anti-pill
A finish applied to fleece which involves shaving the surface so that the fabric is less likely to pill.
Atlas
A warp knit fabric in which a set of yarns shifts diagonally one wale per course for several courses, then reverses its direction. After returning to the original position for several courses, it returns to its original position.
Azlon (fiber) (used)
A term used to describe manufactured fibers in which the fiber-forming substance is composed of any regenerated naturally occurring protein. The generic name is protein.
Back Stitch
A knitting technique where stitches are worked through the back loop rather than the front, creating a twisted stitch that can affect fabric texture.
Balanced Fabric
A fabric that has equal or near-equal yarn count in both the warp and filling directions, ensuring uniform properties in all directions.
Bearding
The phenomenon where individual fibers work loose from the yarn or fabric and protrude above the surface, commonly seen in knitted fabrics.
Birdseye
A double-knit fabric with small diamond-shaped patterns, created by tuck stitches arranged in a pattern that resembles the eye of a bird.
Bobbin
A cylindrical or conical holder around which yarn or thread is wound for use in knitting machines, sewing machines, or textile processing.
Brushing
A finishing process where the fabric surface is rubbed with wire brushes or teasels to raise fibers, creating a soft, fuzzy nap.
Cam
A shaped piece of metal in a knitting machine that controls the movement of needles. The cam system determines the knitting pattern and stitch formation.
Cast Off
The process of binding off stitches to prevent them from unravelling, used to finish the edge of a knitted piece.
Circular Knitting
A form of knitting that creates a seamless tube of fabric. Uses circular knitting machines with needles arranged in a circle.
Course
A horizontal row of loops or stitches running across a knitted fabric. The equivalent of a pick or filling in weaving.
Cut
A term used to describe the number of needles per unit of measurement in a knitting machine. Also known as gauge.
Denier
A unit of weight used to express the fineness of silk, nylon, and other manufactured fiber filaments. Based on a standard of 50 mg per 450 m of yarn.
Dial
The horizontal needle bed on a circular knitting machine. Works in conjunction with the cylinder to create double-knit fabrics.
Double Knit
A fabric knitted on a machine with two sets of needles, producing a fabric with two faces. Generally thicker and more stable than single knit.
Elastane
A synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity, also known as spandex or Lycra. Used to provide stretch and recovery in knitted fabrics.
End
An individual warp yarn or thread. Also used to refer to a single strand of yarn in a multi-ply construction.
Flat Knitting
A method of knitting on a flat-bed machine where the carriage moves back and forth across the needle bed, producing flat fabric panels.
Float
A portion of yarn in a knitted fabric that extends across the back of adjacent wales without being knitted in. Common in patterned knit fabrics.
Full Fashioned
A knitting method where the fabric is shaped by adding or reducing stitches, creating a garment piece that matches the body contour.
Gauge
The number of needles per inch (or per specified unit) on a knitting machine. Higher gauge numbers indicate finer fabric construction.
Greige
Fabric that has not been finished, bleached, dyed, or processed in any way after knitting or weaving. Also spelled grey or gray goods.
Hook
The curved end of a knitting needle that catches and holds the yarn during the knitting process. The shape and finish of the hook are critical for stitch quality.
Hosiery
Knitted goods such as socks, stockings, and tights. Originally referred to all knitted items but now primarily used for leg and foot coverings.
Interlock
A double-knit fabric made with two sets of needles that interlock, creating a smooth fabric on both sides. More stable and heavier than single jersey.
Jacquard
A knitting technique that allows individual needle selection to create complex multi-color patterns. Named after Joseph Marie Jacquard.
Jersey
A single-knit fabric with a flat face and a looped back. The most basic weft knit structure, widely used in T-shirts and underwear.
Knit Stitch
The basic stitch in knitting where a new loop is pulled through an existing loop from back to front, creating the characteristic V-pattern on the face of the fabric.
Latch Needle
A machine knitting needle with a pivoting latch that opens and closes during the knitting cycle to catch and release yarn loops. The most common type in modern knitting machines.
Loop
The fundamental unit of knitted fabric, formed when yarn is pulled through an existing loop. The size and shape of loops determine fabric properties.
Milano Rib
A double-knit fabric construction that alternates between one course of rib and one or two courses of plain jersey, creating a fabric with good dimensional stability.
Needle Bed
The grooved metal plate in a knitting machine that holds the needles in position. Can be flat (V-bed) or circular (cylinder).
Pilling
The formation of small balls of fiber on the surface of a fabric, caused by abrasion during wear and laundering. A common issue in knitted garments.
Plating
A knitting technique where two yarns are fed simultaneously, with one yarn appearing on the face and the other on the back of the fabric.
Rib Knit
A knit fabric with alternating columns of knit and purl stitches. Provides elasticity and is commonly used for cuffs, collars, and waistbands.
Sinker
A thin metal plate between the needles in a knitting machine that helps hold down the fabric, form loops, and knock over stitches during the knitting process.
Stitch
A single loop of yarn in a knitted fabric. The stitch is the basic building block of all knitted structures.
Tuck Stitch
A stitch formed when a needle holds its old loop and receives a new yarn without knocking over. Creates texture and openwork effects in knitted fabrics.
Wale
A vertical column of loops in a knitted fabric. The number of wales per unit width is one measure of fabric fineness.
Warp Knitting
A type of knitting where each needle is supplied with its own yarn. The yarns zigzag along the length of the fabric, creating a more stable structure than weft knitting.
Yarn Count
A numerical expression indicating the fineness or coarseness of a yarn. Different systems are used depending on the fiber type (e.g., Ne for cotton, Nm for wool).
No glossary terms found for this letter.
