The Difference Between Weft Knitting Machine and Warp Knitting Machine

1. What does a warp knitting machine do?

A knitted fabric is formed by using one or several groups of parallel yarns to be fed into all the working needles of the machine in the warp direction at the same time. This method is called warp knitting, and the fabric is called warp knitted fabric. A machine that completes this warp knitting is called a warp knitting machine. The warp knitting machine is mainly composed of a knitting mechanism, a bar traverse mechanism, a let-off mechanism, a pulling and winding mechanism and a transmission mechanism. The main loop-forming parts of a warp knitting machine are knitting needles, guide needles, sinkers and pressure plates (for crochet machines). The warp knitting machine has wide adaptability to raw materials and fabric varieties, and the machine productivity is high, so it develops rapidly. Warp knitting machines are often used to weave curtains, tablecloths, bedspreads, lace ribbons, inner and outer garments, fishing nets, packaging bags and other warp knitted fabrics with complex organizational structures.

2. What are the differences between weft knitting machines and warp knitting machines?

Weft knitting and warp knitting are completely different weaving techniques, thus resulting in two techniques producing different fabrics. The difference between the two techniques is the movement of the yarn, weft knitting produces yarn by moving back and forth, while warp knitting produces yarn by moving up and down. Because of these different techniques, the finished product is also completely different. For example, weft knitting machines can produce shaped garments and high-drape fabrics, while warp knitting machines can only produce semi-finished products.

Weft knitting machines can be used for hand or machine weaving, using one continuous thread to form a layer and a loop on the fabric. This technology can produce both semi-finished fabrics and shaped garments such as circular fabrics. Since it relies on a continuous thread to create the finished product, it is difficult to unravel and to create a very stretchy and thin fabric. However, this fabric shrinks more easily than warp knit and can be washed and dried by hand instead of by machine.

A warp knitting machine is much simpler and faster than a weft knitting machine, which makes it ideal for commercial knitted fabrics. Another advantage of warp knitting machines is that the finished fabric can be washed in one machine with much less risk of shrinkage. Unlike weft knitting machines, each needle on a warp knitting machine can use its own loop of yarn to form parallel threads. The rows and loops are connected to each other so that they can form a knitted fabric similar to those found in stores. Due to technical limitations, the warp knitting machine is only used for semi-finished fabrics, not for the setting and fitting of garments; warp knitting can knit fabrics with a large width; in addition, the fabrics are generally thicker and thicker than those of weft knitting machines.