Publish Time: 2025-09-22 Origin: Site
A Circular Knitting Machine is a vital piece of equipment in the modern textile industry. As the name suggests, it operates in a circular motion to knit fabrics in tubular form. These machines have revolutionized fabric production by enabling high-speed, continuous, and efficient manufacturing of various knitted materials. From T-shirts to high-performance sportswear, the Circular Knitting Machine plays a central role in everyday clothing production and industrial applications.
In the current era of mass production and textile innovation, understanding how circular knitting machines work—and what they can produce—offers valuable insights to textile manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and engineers.
The core function of a Circular Knitting Machine is to form fabric by interlooping yarns through a series of specialized needles arranged in a circular configuration. This highly efficient process is the foundation of many textile manufacturing operations around the world, and it combines mechanical precision with the flexibility to handle various types of yarn and fabric structures.
At the heart of every knitted textile lies the loop structure. Unlike weaving, where yarns are interlaced at right angles, knitting relies on a single continuous thread of yarn that is manipulated to create interconnecting loops. In a Circular Knitting Machine, this yarn is fed into a rotating cylinder containing an array of precisely spaced needles. Each needle catches the yarn and pulls it through an existing loop to form a new one, building the fabric row by row in a spiral sequence.
This circular loop formation process enables the machine to knit continuously, which is especially beneficial for large-scale textile production. Because the yarn moves in a single direction and is manipulated by multiple needles at once, the result is a highly uniform fabric with minimal waste and superior efficiency.
Needles are among the most critical components in a Circular Knitting Machine. The two most common types used are latch needles and spring beard needles, each offering specific advantages depending on the type of fabric and yarn being processed. Latch needles, for instance, are well-suited for high-speed operations and are commonly used in machines that produce single jersey fabrics.
Alongside the needles are the sinkers, which play a supporting role in the knitting process. Sinkers help guide the yarn into the correct position and maintain appropriate tension as the needles form loops. They assist in holding the fabric down and pulling it away from the needle area, ensuring the fabric remains smooth and even. The precise coordination between needles and sinkers, controlled by cam-driven mechanisms, is what enables the machine to produce consistent, high-quality textiles.
One of the defining features of a Circular Knitting Machine is its rotary knitting action. The needles are mounted in a cylindrical bed that rotates as the machine operates. This continuous circular movement allows for uninterrupted knitting, which is ideal for producing seamless tubular fabrics. The resulting fabric emerges in a tube form directly from the cylinder and can either be used in its tubular shape—common in products like socks, seamless t-shirts, or underwear—or slit open to form flat fabric rolls for further processing.
The seamless construction offered by the tubular output is not only aesthetically pleasing but also eliminates the need for additional sewing or joining, thereby reducing labor and increasing product comfort. This makes Circular Knitting Machines indispensable in the production of garments that require stretch, comfort, and a smooth finish.
Understanding the internal structure of a circular knitting machine helps appreciate its efficiency and versatility.
The cylinder houses the vertical needles and is the main component rotating during the knitting process. For double-knit or rib fabrics, there is also a dial on top, where horizontal needles operate in conjunction with the cylinder needles to form complex stitch patterns.
Cams are metallic tracks that guide the needles in and out to create different loop heights and stitch types. Depending on the desired fabric, the machine might use:
Latch needles: The most common type, featuring a small latch that opens to catch the yarn and closes to form the loop.
Spring beard needles: Mostly used in older or fine-gauge machines, they rely on a spring mechanism to close the loop.
Compound needles: Used in advanced machines for high-speed operation and fine fabrics
Multiple yarn feeders evenly distribute yarn across the machine, ensuring uniform loop formation. The take-down system pulls the finished fabric downward and rolls it for storage. Consistent tension in this system is crucial for fabric quality.
The diversity of circular knitting machines allows them to meet a wide range of production needs.
Single jersey machines produce lightweight, stretchy fabrics with a smooth face and a textured back. Commonly used for T-shirts and casual wear.
Double jersey machines have both cylinder and dial needles, creating thicker, more stable fabrics like interlock and rib.
Rib machines alternate knit and purl stitches to make stretchy, elastic fabrics used in collars and cuffs.
Interlock machines form two layers of fabric simultaneously, creating durable and soft textiles ideal for sportswear and baby clothes.
Jacquard circular knitting machines allow individual needle selection, enabling complex patterns, logos, and textured designs.
High-speed machines are optimized for mass production, with advanced yarn management systems, electronic controls, and minimal downtime.
The circular knitting machine is compatible with a broad spectrum of yarn types, making it highly versatile for different applications.
Cotton: Breathable and soft, ideal for everyday garments.
Polyester: Durable and moisture-wicking, commonly used in activewear.
Spandex (elastane): Adds stretch and recovery, important in sports and intimate apparel.
Blended yarns: Combining natural and synthetic fibers for enhanced performance and comfort.
Fine gauge machines (28G and above) are used for smooth, light fabrics like hosiery.
Coarse gauge machines (14G or lower) produce thicker fabrics for sweaters or industrial use.
The gauge (G) refers to the number of needles per inch of cylinder circumference, directly impacting the fabric's texture and application.
The output of a circular knitting machine is as diverse as its design.
T-shirts: Produced using single jersey machines for comfort and breathability.
Sportswear: Requires moisture-wicking and stretch, achievable through polyester-spandex blends on double jersey machines.
Underwear: Demands softness and flexibility, often made with fine gauge machines using cotton-spandex blends.
Seamless garments: Advanced circular machines can knit entire pieces without side seams, enhancing comfort and fit.
Circular knitting machines also cater to technical textiles:
Industrial fabrics: Used in filters, insulation, and composites.
Medical textiles: Compression bandages, orthopedic supports, and wound dressings.
These applications require specialized yarns and strict quality control, which modern circular knitting machines can deliver.
The Circular Knitting Machine stands as a pillar of modern textile manufacturing, offering unmatched speed, precision, and adaptability. From basic single jersey fabrics to intricate jacquard designs, these machines support high-volume production across fashion, sportswear, medical, and industrial sectors. Their ability to work with diverse yarns and gauges makes them indispensable for businesses seeking quality and efficiency.
To explore advanced circular knitting solutions and stay ahead in textile innovation, we recommend visiting Wellknit Textile Technology Co., Ltd. As a trusted industry leader, Wellknit offers cutting-edge machines, expert guidance, and customized support. Contact Wellknit today to discover how their technology can elevate your production.
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WELLKNIT was founded in Taiwan since 1987, and in 1995, we set up the production base in Quanzhou, Fujian, is the first Taiwan-funded weft knitting machine manufacturer to take root in Quanzhou.