Not all knitters will know what warp knitting is at first glance, but you can probably bet that you have worn a garment that has been created using warp knitting at some point. This is because warp knitting is one of the fastest methods for creating fabric from yarns.
How does warp knitting work?
Warp knitting works largely by having multiple yarns running in a vertical direction, which are woven to produce row upon row of parallel loops to form a fabric. The needles are arranged laterally, with one thread supplied to each needle and the loops joined together row by row, hence the quick production of large areas of fabric. The fabric is produced in large, flat sheets that can be turned into items such as garments and home furnishings.
The bigger the space between the needles – known as the underlap – the more thread will need to be supplied to each needle, with the result being that the fabric will become more and more dense and heavy. This can be ideal for heavyweight blankets or warm-weather garments. The strong, heavyweight nature of warp-knitted projects can make products suitable for heavy use, including car interiors, sports and outdoor wear, and furniture.
DK yarn is a brilliant choice for both warp knitting and other types of knitting; for example, it is perfect for making all manner of gorgeous clothes and home furnishings. DK yarns, which are available from retailers such as https://www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/dk-yarn, come in a huge variety of colours and textures, so there is always one suitable for your knitting project.
What equipment is used?
Warp knitting machines are essential for this process. The Tricot and Raschel machines are the most well-known machines for warp knitting, but not many of us have these in our homes. These types of machines are more likely to be found in a factory, as warp knitting is a great method for producing fabric on an industrial scale.
