Directions
1. Examine a piece of knitted fabric under the pick glass and notice the construction. How does it differ from weaving? The single thread is formed into rows of loops which hang upon each other, thus giving the knitted fabric its characteristic springiness. Why is hosiery suitable for underwear? Try to obtain the thread of the knitted fabric and reduce the whole to a heap of yarn by cutting it. Is the yarn intact?
2. A knitted fabric may be told from a woven fabric by studying the following sketch. (See page [310].)
Note that the element of stretch or elasticity is wholly lacking in the woven cloth except what lengthwise elasticity may be in the threads themselves. On the other hand, referring to the printed diagram of the knitted fabric it will just as readily be seen that its very structure implies such a corrugation of its individual loops that if distended by force in any direction its tendency is to return to the normal.
The essential characteristics of good hose are:
1. That they should be without seams.
2. That they should be so knit as to conform to the foot of the wearer.
3. That they should be thickened or reinforced where the greatest wear comes.
ORDINARY WEAVING
a. Weft. b. Warp.