Fig. 1.
Sinker Loop, Needle
Loop and Stitch.
A course is any number of loops lying side by side in a line crosswise of the fabric, as indicated along dotted lines a, a, Figs. 2 and 3.
A wale is any number of loops in a line succeeding one another lengthwise of the fabric, as indicated along dotted lines b, b, Figs. 2 and 3.
Crosswise of the fabric is the direction in which the yarn feeds while the fabric is in the process of construction, forming loops adjoining one another, or the same direction as the course. Lengthwise of the fabric is the direction in which the fabric is built up by drawing one loop through another, or the same direction as the wale. Therefore the width of the fabric is restricted by the number of loops or needles used as a base, while the length of the fabric has no restrictions other than the supply of material or the will of the knitter. Rib is an alternative expression for wale, but is applicable more particularly where the fabric has a wale on both sides, in which case it is shown as a rib fabric. Where a cloth has a wale on one side only it is known as a jersey fabric, and is also sometimes called flat goods. Rib fabrics will be taken up later for it is my purpose to deal only with jersey or flat fabrics until the theory of knitting is thoroughly explained.
Fig. 2.
Wale and Course, Face.
Fig. 3.
Wale and Course, Back.