Single jersey

This is the simplest of all knitted structures and is formed by the inter-meshing of a number of loops from side to side and top to bottom. Sometimes referred to as “plain knit” or “stocking stitch”, the construction is extensively used in the wool knitting industry.

Single jersey fabrics characteristics:

• single sided
• thin/light-weight
• fast and efficient production
• edges curl, difficult to handle
• partially unstable, stitch distortion

Rib fabric

The term “rib” covers a broad range of knitted structures from: 1x1, 2x1, 2x2,. The simplest rib fabric is a 1x1 and this is formed using 2 individual beds of needles whereby yarn passes from one bed to the other alternatively.

1x1 rib fabric characteristics:

• double sided fabric
• thick/medium weight
• high width stretch/recovery
• balanced structure/fairly stable.

Interlock fabric

This is quite similar in construction to the rib fabric as 1x1 rib is knitted alternately on opposite needles and it requires two knitted courses or traverses to complete one entire knitted row. Interlock is very popular on circular machines.

Interlock fabric characteristics:

• double side fabric (same face and reverse)
• thick/heavy weight
• good width stretch/recovery
• balanced structure/very stable

Milano fabric

Milano rib, milano jacquard, ½ milano and full milano, are quite similar in construction. The Milano structure combines the 1x1 rib with an additional single-bed-only row which helps to control and minimise width stretch and hence stability.

Milano fabric characteristics:

• single sided fabric
• thick/medium weight
• limited stretch recovery
• reasonably balanced structure
• fairly stable
• suitable for jacquards.