ABSTRACT
The concept of knitting from converting yarn into fabric using loops dates back to some 3000 years ago. Weft knitting is the first ever used technique to knit a fabric by means of two handheld pins. Weft knitting machines may be flat or in a circular form. Mostly latch needle are used in weft knitting. Both natural and synthetic yarn can be used in weft knitting. The basic element for the knitting machine classification is the needle bed. The needle bed is the main part of a knitting machine and provides the platform for the movement of needles. The diameter of the knitting machine determines the linear width of knitted fabrics. So, the machine diameter has direct relation with the fabric linear width. The driving mechanism is also a base for the classification of knitting machines. On the basis of the nature of driving mechanism, knitting machines can be divided into two categories: hand-driven knitting machine and power-driven knitting machine.
