In Fig. 4 it will be recognized that this idea is further developed by having two vertical rows of tuck stitches showing on the face of the tube, and these are supplemented by two others placed directly under them on the other side of the fabric, thus giving a total of four long latch needles in the circumference of the machine. To give the proper effect, the tube as obtained from the machine has to be carefully pressed so as to show the fancy effect at the correct place, for if the tube gets out of alignment at any point, this will affect the form of the pattern.
Use for Trimmings
In the knitting industry such pieces of tubing folded double are found extremely useful in trimming garments, particularly in the circular or cut trade, where so much depends on having articles tastefully ornamented at a moderate cost. At present the manufacturer has often to buy these touches of trimmings from the outside. The great advantage of doing the work on his own premises and on his own machines is that he can install such a machine at a very moderate cost and place among his ordinary knitting machines at little or no extra cost for mechanics.
Patterns With Colored Yarns
Several other examples are given herewith of the application of this principle of the latch needle knitting machine for tubular fabrics suitable for narrow tapes or ribbons. Fig. 5 illustrates a fabric produced on a machine of still narrower dimensions, having only 12 needles in the circumference of the machine. In this case the pattern effect is introduced by having several feeds of thread in the circumference; three different colors are employed and introduced in the order of one white, one black, and one tan all the way down the fabric, thus giving rise to a style of pattern which is very suitable for many purposes of the knitting manufacturer, particularly of outer garments. There are three yarn feeds round the circumference of this machine and every revolution of the machine creates three courses in the three colors named.
It will be noted that this gives rise to a color effect showing at a decided angle to the right, in place of being exactly horizontal, as would be approximately the case in a machine of larger diameter. This is one of the defects of all machines of this character where several feeds are used. They create a decidedly spiral tendency and the color effects appear at an angle. In many cases this is no disadvantage, but rather the reverse, as it takes away the stiffness of the color scheme and produces attractive effects in twill fashion similar to what can only be created in woven goods by the aid of the corkscrew weave and an elaborate setting of the cloth.
Fabrics of the character shown in Fig. 5 are very useful for edging parts of knitting coats, jumpers or vestings, these edgings giving a suitable finish for the edges of the garment. In addition to the color feature, these bands are often made in a tight tension so as to give a rigid cloth which will strengthen certain parts at which extra pull is applied, enabling the garment to retain its shape.
Knitted Cords
Fig. 6 gives a view of a narrow fabric made on a circular latch needle knitting machine with only six needles in the cylinder. There are two feeds, one supplying blue yarn to the needles and the other supplying green, the pattern being alternate courses of green and blue. The material is artificial silk and the cord, for it is nothing more, is employed for threading through certain garments which have a kind of open trimming through the spaces of which this cord is passed to complete the drawing together of the part. Very often these drawing together cords are provided with tassels at their extreme ends to afford a further ornamental feature.