Knitted fabrics are the third major class of fabrics, after woven and nonwoven fabrics. Compared to the other two classes, knitted fabrics are much more elastic, which accounts for their historical use in stockings and other clothing that requires changes in shape. Hence, dresses and lingerie made from knitted fabrics can be more form-fitting than counterparts made from a woven fabric.

Knitted fabrics can stretch, depending on their material and knitting pattern, up to 500 percent of their original size. Lace knitting generally produces the most flexible fabric, since it has large holes that can deform in shape; by contrast, cable knitting generally produces the least flexible fabric, since the stitches are crossed under tension, which inhibits deformation. Knitted fabric that do not deform much are called stable knits.

For comparison, woven fabrics typically deform only along their bias direction–i.e., at 45° to the warp and weft directions–and only by a small amount; however, a woven fabric made with an elastane fibre may deform more than a stable knit. The elasticity of knitted fabrics gives them an excellent drape, but this is opposed somewhat by their generally greater thickness compared to wovens. Over the long history of knitting across the world, hundreds of different knitting stitches have been created.

Knitting is the construction of an elastic, porous fabric, created by interlocking yarns by means of needles. Knitted fabrics can be made much more quickly and easily than woven fabrics at comparatively less cost. Knitted fabrics are generally light in weight, comfortable in wear even during travel, but yet require little care to keep their neat appearance.

The tendency of knits to resist wrinkling is another factor to boost up their popularity. Knitted fabrics are used for designing active clothing such as sports clothing. Their elastic nature permits for abundant physical activity. Knitted fabrics are produced by two general methods. Warp knitting and weft knitting. They are made as flat or tubular fabrics depending on the end use. Tubular fabrics may not have any seams at the sides where as flat fabrics are treated just like woven fabrics.

The basic building blocks of all hand knitting are the following stitches: knit, purl, cast on, cast off, increase and decrease stitches. Use of a combination of these methods can provide a vast number of different textures to knitted fabrics.

T.T. Limited is one of the most celebrated names when it comes to knitted fabrics and cotton manufacturing in India. Its product range includes:

* Raw cotton of Indian origin
* 100% cotton yarn in all counts( combed and carded ) for both knitting and weaving
* Knitted fabrics of all varieties
* Knitted inner wear( under garments)
* Garments of all varieties for Men, Women and kids
* Cotton and polyester sewing thread
* Agro-commodities

Author's Bio: 

The company has all in house single roof infrastructure for manufacturing all kinds of knitted fabric or Oko Tex Certified Yarn garments for ladies, men and children. The garments are produced with modern & latest machines.