Knitting (KNIT)

The understanding of both weft- and warp-knit fabrics through an investigation of knit construction, machinery, principles and knit fabric analysis. Lectures are complemented with a series of lab exercises on hand-flat equipment and fabric-analysis projects designed to fully acquaint the student with the principles of knit-fabric design and production.

Students will learn through individual development how to create a range of texture and color effects within knit design. Independent needle selection and the use of the presser foot will be explored within design areas involving Jacquard, held-stitch and tuck-stitch structures. Design ideas will be developed through to swatch/sketch proposals suitable for sweater production.

A further investigation into the construction, design and production of both weft- and warp-knit fabrics. Lectures will be complemented with lab work involving the design, production and analysis of knit fabrics upon power-knitting equipment.

A knit design studio elective for Textile or Fashion majors specializing in the knit-design area. Original design ideas will be developed through swatch/sketch presentations. Garment ideas will be developed through technical sketches and specifications into completed sweaters.

Covers all facets of warp-knitting technology with particular emphasis on the variety of machines and fabric construction in relation to end-use applications and markets. Tricot and raschel warp-knit fabric constructions are made in the knitting laboratory to illustrate the basic warp-knit stitches and lapping motions. A variety of warp-knit fabric samples are analyzed to illustrate basic fabric geometric parameters used in the design and production of warp-knit constructions. Also, students are required to research a unique warpknit process/product.

An exploration of the principles involved in knit design using CAD systems and electronic-knitting equipment. Students will design, write computer programs and knit their own fabrics on sweater- and jersey-knitting equipment. Fabric constructions such as Jacquard, links-links, cables, pointelle and presser-foot designs will be developed.