Development progress with knitting machine needles and elements

摘要

Despite historical emphasis having recently been laid on the bearded needle and also its surprise application in Karl Mayer's revolutionary Fashiontronik warp knitting machine, it is very much the latch needle and the compound needle that continue to attract the development attention of inventors and needle makers. The most important single element in any type of knitting machine is the needle working in harmonious partnership with the sinker and other knitting elements. The bearded needle is the oldest of these elements dating back 413 years to its application in William Lee's trend-setting first automatic hosiery knitting frame. Last year Hinckley Framework Knitting Museum restored to working order a William Lee type machine with bearded needles dating aback to around 1750. This is reported to be the world's oldest knitting machine. Today's application is largely confined to Cotton's Patent fully-fashioned machines that are direct descendants of William Lee's original frame. With their accompanying elements they have a gentle, harmonious motion that benefits stitch regularity when using delicate yarns such as cashmere.