We will refer back to Fig. 25, which shows both sides of a piece of fabric with the three stitches we have just discussed in one piece. This shows quite plainly the individual characteristics of each. All have the same number of needles or wales, the same yarn was used, on the same machine; yet how different the results!
The most marked difference is in the width. There is proportionately the same difference in the thickness, but this cannot very well be shown. It should be observed that the stitch or loops of the plain rib a, a, and the full cardigan d, d, are the same on both sides of the fabric, while the stitches in the half cardigan, b and c, are not. It will be noted also that the stitch of the plain rib is much smaller than that of the two cardigans, also that the wales or ribs hug very close together in the plain rib, while they are separated more or less in the cardigans.
CHAPTER IV
The Rack Stitch—Making Shaped Collars—Opportunities in Designing Fabrics
The rack stitch is used on many sweaters for a border on the bottom, also for a narrow strip on both sides of the shoulder seam, and a strip at the place the stitch changes from half cardigan to plain for the cuff. Many sweaters have the collar and the border down the front made separately in the rack stitch and sewed on. Most of the designs in the knitted neckties made on flat machines are based on the rack stitch. Another very important use for this stitch is in making a smooth sightly edge on the bottom of sweaters, the ends of cuffs, etc.
The rack stitch is always made on one of the cardigans. From this statement the reader will realize that this stitch is not made in place of the half or full cardigan, or any other stitch but is an addition to, or a further development of these stitches.
Fig. 30.
Half Cardigan Stitch Ready to Rack.
Fig. 31.
Stitch After Plate Has Been Racked Over One Needle.