Different Parts and Types of Needles in Knitting Machine

 Different Parts and Types of Needles

In machine knitting a series of needles is used to form the stitches. They perform different functions depending on the knitting process and the type of needle. Different types of needles used in knitting machine are:

1) Latch Needle

2) Compound Needle

3) Spring Bearded Needle

Let’s see various parts of needle and it’s functions:

1) Hook –

A knitting needle has a hook at one end to hold the yarn passed to the knitting zone. It performs opening and closing function for releasing and catching loop respectively.

2) Shaft –

A stem (or shaft) to carry the knitted loop during the initial stage of the loop formation process. Thus old loops can rest on shaft.

3) Butt –

A butt is at the other end of the needle. The butt is used either to position the needle on a needle bar or to move the needle during the stitch formation process through the cam.

4) Latch –

Before the new yarn loop can be drawn through the knitted loop, the previous loop must be closed for the knitted loop to slide over the closed hook. Thus all needles must have a means of closing and opening the needle hook – there are three ways in which this may be achieved:

1. applying an external force, as in the bearded needle;

2. using movement of knitted loop relative to knitting needle, as in the latch needle;

3. using an additional closing element, as in the compound needle