Knitted fabric is made from yarn by means of a series of interlinked loops. The size of the knitted stitch is dependent on the size of the knitting needles used and the thickness of the yarns. The term gauge reflects the size of the needles. The higher the gauge, the smaller the needles.

There is a lot of variety in knitted fabrics because there are many types of yarns that can be used. There are two methods of producing knits, one is weft knitting and the other is warp knitting.

For Weft Knitting, the looping stitches are in the weft direction across the fabric. This technique is used for sweater production, casual and dressy knits, as well as hand-knitting. The arrangement of knit and purl stitches will determine the name and properties of the fabric.

Single knit examples: Jersey, sweater knits

Double knit examples: Interlock, ribbed, bottom-weight double knits

For Warp Knitting, the looping stitches are in the warp direction. This technique is used for lingerie and athletic apparel. Knit and purl stitches are not used in warp knitting and the fabric is very rigid in the straight grain direction.

With Tricot Knit, the face stitches are 90 degrees to the back stitches. For Raschel knit the fabric is openwork being lacy, mesh-like or waffle textured.

Raschel knit examples: netting, mesh, Powernet, thermal knit.

As in the woven pile weave, knits can be looped resulting in terry. You can cut the loops and create velour and faux fur.

Jacquard can be knitted as well as woven.