🧵 How to manage knots on industrial knitting machines (practical factory method)
In the world of industrial knitting, knots in the yarn are inevitable.
There is no yarn completely free of joins.
The difference is not in eliminating them, but in managing them correctly, without compromising the garment and without unnecessarily stopping production.
In this article, I will explain a practical method used in knitting mills:
👉 managing the knot by passing it behind the needle, keeping it out of the knitting process
⚙️ The role of the knot detector: the first check
On all knitting machines, there is a knot detector, which:
- intercepts the knot
- automatically stops the machine
👉 This is the key moment:
the operator can intervene before the knot enters the working area
When seeking efficiency without sacrificing quality, this technique is often used:
✔️ Procedure
1️⃣ The knot detector stops the machine
2️⃣ The knot is located
3️⃣ The knot is positioned behind the needle
4️⃣ The knot is ensured to:
- not be worked
- remain outside the fabric
5️⃣ The machine restarts
6️⃣ The fabric is completed
7️⃣ The knot is cut at the end of processing
🎯 Why this technique works
This solution has a great advantage:
✔️ It does not introduce thickening in the fabric
✔️ It does not create visual defects
✔️ It does not require immediate joining
✔️ Reduces machine downtime
👉 In practice: quality + speed
✂️ The final step: fabric cleaning
Once the fabric is finished:
➡️ the knots left out are identified
➡️ they are cut
➡️ the spot is finished
👉 This step is crucial to ensure a clean and professional result.
🧵 Cashmere and fine yarns: even more attention
When working with:
- cashmere
- recycled cashmere
- noble yarns
this technique is even more useful, because:
✔️ avoids visible marks
✔️ maintains the feel of the garment
✔️ preserves perceived quality
🧠 Knitting mill mindset
The truth is this:
There is no single absolute right way.
There is the smartest way based on the situation.
👉 Always stop and re-join
👉 or manage the knot outside the working area
The difference is made by:
- experience
- sensitivity
- material knowledge
Managing knots is not just technique. It's knowing how to read the machine, the yarn, and the final product.
The knot-out-of-work method is one of those details that:
- are not seen
- but make a difference
👉 And that's exactly what distinguishes an experienced knitting mill from any other.
💬 Want to learn more?
If you work in knitting or want to truly understand how production works:
👉 follow me for more practical content on yarns, cashmere, and industrial knitting
