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Grades K–2 · Materials & Matter

How do yarn loops make knitted fabric?

A knitted sweater begins with yarn. Yarn is a long strand that can bend into loops. In knitting, new loops pass through earlier loops. Each new loop holds on to another one.

P59 visual explanation3 rows with three loops each give 9 loops. Neighboring rows have 6 loop-through-loop connections. The drawing shows a simplified weft-knit structure, not a knitting instruction.Knitted fabric is made from connected yarn loopsA new loop passes through an earlier loopRows of loopsConnected loops form fabricClose viewLoop through loopBending and widening the loops lets many knits stretch.

In the diagramKnitted fabric is made from connected yarn loopsA new loop passes through an earlier loopRows of loopsConnected loops form fabricClose viewLoop through loopBending and widening the loops lets many knits stretch.

The enlarged connection shows a new yarn loop passing through an earlier loop.

Many connected loops make a piece of fabric. Across the fabric, they form rows. Looking up and down, we can also see columns of loops. The close view shows how one loop reaches through a loop in an earlier row of the growing fabric.

Loops leave room for movement. When knitted fabric is pulled gently, the loops can bend and become wider or longer. That changing shape helps many knits stretch around a body. The yarn stays connected while its loops move together.

About this explanation

Starting knowledge: Recognize yarn and a loop and understand one shape passing through another.

Sources

  • Cotton Incorporated · CottonWorks — Knit Basics
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