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Knitwear Glossary
Welcome to the Knitwear Glossary. Below, you will find clear definitions of the materials, styles, techniques, and certifications we use in our collections. This Knitwear Glossary will help you better understand the terminology behind our premium knitwear.
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- 1-Ply Yarn
- 1-Ply Yarn – A single strand of fiber, making it lightweight, delicate, and extremely soft. It is often used for fine knits but can be more prone to pilling and breakage. In this Knitwear Glossary, you can explore other ply yarn options for comparison, offering different qualities and characteristics.
- 100% Natural Fibers
- 100% Natural Fibers – A label indicating that a garment is made entirely from natural fibers like wool, cotton, or linen, ensuring breathability and sustainability. Discover more natural fiber definitions in the Knitwear Glossary to better understand their properties and benefits.
- 2-Ply Yarn
- 2-Ply Yarn – Two strands twisted together, offering a balance of durability and softness, often used in lightweight garments. Check out 1-Ply Yarn and 8-Ply Yarn for more options in our Knitwear Glossary.
- 3D Knitting
- 3D Knitting – A modern knitting technique that utilizes digital programming to create seamless garments with minimal waste, enhancing sustainability and precision in production.
- 8-Ply Yarn
- 8-Ply Yarn (DK or Double Knit Yarn) – A thicker yarn that offers a balance between warmth, structure, and flexibility, commonly used in mid-weight knitwear and layering pieces.
A
- Alpaca Wool
- Alpaca Wool – A luxurious, soft, and lightweight fiber sourced from alpacas, primarily in South America. Known for its warmth, moisture resistance, and hypoallergenic properties. Learn more about different types of wool and fibers in our Knitwear Glossary.
- Aran Knit
- Aran Knit – A traditional knitting style originating from the Aran Islands of Ireland, characterized by intricate cable and textured patterns that provide extra insulation and visual appeal. Explore more traditional techniques like Aran knit in the Knitwear Glossary for a deeper dive.
B
- Baby Alpaca
- Baby Alpaca – A premium grade of alpaca wool obtained from the first shearing of young alpacas, offering an exceptionally soft, fine, and insulating texture. You’ll find similar high-quality fibers such as Cashmere and Lambswool in our Knitwear Glossary.
- Blocking
- Blocking – A finishing technique where knitted garments are washed, shaped, and dried to set their final dimensions, ensuring even stitches and a polished appearance.
- Breathability
- Breathability – The ability of a fabric to allow moisture and air to pass through, helping regulate body temperature and prevent overheating.
C
- Care Instructions
- Care Instructions – Proper maintenance of knitwear to extend its lifespan. This includes hand washing or using a gentle machine cycle, avoiding high heat when drying, never hanging knitwear to dry as it may stretch out of shape, and storing garments properly to prevent stretching and pilling.
- Cashmere
- Cashmere – An ultra-soft wool obtained from the undercoat of cashmere goats, primarily found in Mongolia, China, and Iran. It is prized for its lightweight warmth, insulation, and luxurious feel.
- Combed Cotton
- Combed Cotton – Combed cotton is a premium type of cotton that undergoes an intricate and careful process to enhance its qualities. After the cotton is harvested, it is passed through a combing machine that removes shorter, uneven fibers, as well as any impurities, such as seeds or dust. This process results in longer, stronger, and smoother cotton fibers. The main benefit of combed cotton is its superior softness and durability, as the longer fibers interlock more firmly, creating a stronger fabric. This treatment also reduces the chances of pilling, a common issue with regular cotton, by eliminating the shorter fibers that tend to form pills.
In addition to its smoother texture, combed cotton is more breathable and more resistant to shrinkage and stretching compared to regular cotton, making it an ideal choice for high-quality knitwear and garments. The fabric’s smooth finish also gives it a refined, luxurious feel, which is why it’s often used in premium products. Combed cotton’s enhanced strength and softness provide long-lasting comfort, making it a reliable and high-performing material for clothing that stands the test of time.
- Crew Neck
- Crew Neck – A classic round neckline that sits close to the base of the neck, commonly used in sweaters and t-shirts for a timeless and versatile look.
- Cuff
- Cuff – The finished edge of a sleeve or pant leg, often featuring ribbing or elastic for a snug fit and added structure. Explore more garment details like Hems and Raglan Sleeves in our Knitwear Glossary.
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- Drape
- Drape – The way a fabric flows and conforms to the body, influenced by fiber composition and knit structure, affecting the overall silhouette and fit. For more on how fabric types affect fit, see related terms like Elasticity and Gauge in the Knitwear Glossary.
- Drop Shoulder
- Drop Shoulder – A relaxed sleeve style where the seam extends beyond the natural shoulder line, creating a casual and oversized look.
- Durability
- Durability – A measure of how well a fabric resists wear, pilling, stretching, and shrinkage over time. For more information on durable materials, check out terms like Cashmere and Merino Wool in the Knitwear Glossary.
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- Elasticity
- Elasticity – The ability of a fabric to stretch and return to its original shape, often enhanced by ribbed knitting or fiber blends containing elastane. Learn more about the elasticity of materials like Merino Wool, Cashmere, and other fibers in this Knitwear Glossary.
- Extra Fine Merino Wool
- Extra Fine Merino Wool – A high-quality grade of merino wool, sourced from merino sheep, known for its ultra-softness, moisture-wicking properties, odor resistance, and natural temperature regulation.
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- Fair Isle
- Fair Isle – A traditional multicolored knitting technique originating from Scotland, creating intricate patterns using different colored yarns.
- Flat Knit
- Flat Knit – A smooth, even knitting structure that produces lightweight, breathable, and flexible garments.
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- Gauge
- Gauge – The number of stitches per inch in knitted fabric, determining its thickness, flexibility, and overall texture.
- GOTS
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – A globally recognized certification that ensures textiles are made from organic fibers produced under stringent environmental and social criteria. The GOTS certification covers all stages of production, including the cultivation of organic fibers, textile processing, manufacturing, and packaging. It guarantees that products are made with minimal environmental impact by restricting the use of toxic chemicals, encouraging water conservation, and ensuring waste treatment. GOTS also enforces fair labor practices, ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages, and the prohibition of child labor. Products that meet the certification requirements are allowed to carry the GOTS label, which provides consumers with assurance that the product is both environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. Click for official GOTS certification info.
Click for official GOTS certification info.
H
- Hand Feel
- Hand Feel – The texture and softness of a fabric when touched, influencing comfort, quality, and desirability.
- Hem
- Hem – The finished edge of a garment that prevents fraying and adds a neat structure.
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- Insulation
- Insulation – The ability of fabric to trap heat and provide warmth while maintaining breathability.
- Intarsia
- Intarsia – A knitting technique used to create colored patterns without floating yarn across the back, ensuring smooth and seamless designs.
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- Jacquard Knit
- Jacquard Knit – A complex knitting method that creates elaborate patterns by weaving multiple colors into the fabric, often used for decorative designs.
- Jersey Knit
- Jersey Knit – A soft, stretchy knit fabric with a smooth face and a slightly textured back, commonly used in comfortable everyday wear.
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- Knit Fabric
- Knit Fabric – A textile made by interlocking loops of yarn, offering natural stretch, flexibility, and comfort.
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- Lambswool
- Lambswool – The first shearing of young sheep, producing an exceptionally soft, fine, and insulating wool.
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- Merino Wool
- Merino Wool – A fine, soft wool sourced from merino sheep, renowned for its exceptional breathability, moisture-wicking properties, odor resistance, and natural temperature regulation. Learn more about Merino wool and other wool types in our Knitwear Glossary.
– Strong Merino Wool (23.0 microns) – A sturdier, more traditional Merino used in heavier-duty knitwear.
– Fine Merino (21.0 microns) – Soft yet slightly more durable, often used for everyday wear.
– Extra Fine Merino (19.5 microns) – Kniterlandia’s preferred Merino as it offers the best balance between softness, durability, and affordability, making it ideal for high-quality knitwear.
– Ultrafine Merino (≤17.0 microns) – The softest and most luxurious, used in premium garments.
- Mulesing-Free Wool
- Mulesing-Free Wool – Wool obtained from sheep that have not undergone mulesing, ensuring ethical and humane treatment while maintaining fiber quality.
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- Natural Fibers
- Natural Fibers – Fibers derived from plants or animals, such as wool, cotton, and linen, valued for their breathability, sustainability, and biodegradability.
- Neckline
- Neckline – The design and shape of a sweater’s opening around the neck, influencing the garment’s aesthetic and fit.
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- OEKO-TEX
- OEKO-TEX – A certification for textiles that ensures they are free from harmful chemicals, promoting safety for both humans and the environment. The certification is awarded to products tested for over 100 substances, including pesticides, heavy metals, and formaldehyde, guaranteeing they meet strict health and safety standards.
- Organic Cotton
- Organic Cotton – Cotton grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, offering a softer, more eco-friendly alternative with improved durability.
- Oversized Fit
- Oversized Fit – A relaxed, loose-fitting style designed for modern aesthetics, layering, and comfort.
P
- Pilling
- Pilling – The formation of small fabric balls due to friction and wear. It occurs in all fabrics but varies by material. High-quality fibers like merino and cashmere pill less than synthetics and low-quality materials. Small fabric balls forming due to friction and wear. All fabrics pill over time, but high-quality fibers like merino and cashmere experience less severe pilling than synthetics and low-quality materials. Lower-quality fabrics with short fibers pill more easily, while high-quality materials like merino wool and cashmere may also pill but are easier to maintain. Wool and cashmere are more prone due to their fine fibers, cotton pills less, and synthetics like polyester and acrylic pill the most due to static electricity and fiber structure. Pilling is a natural occurrence in all fabrics, though it varies by material and quality.
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- Quality Standards
- Quality Standards – Certifications and guidelines ensuring ethical production, durability, and fabric performance.
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- Raglan Sleeve
- Raglan Sleeve – A sleeve style extending from the neckline, providing increased mobility and a sporty, relaxed appearance.
- Rib Knit
- Rib Knit – A stretchy knit pattern with alternating raised and recessed lines, offering enhanced elasticity and structure.
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- Seamless Knit
- Seamless Knit – A garment constructed without side seams, resulting in a smoother fit, greater comfort, and reduced chafing.
- Sheep Wool
- Sheep Wool – A general term for wool obtained from sheep, including merino, lambswool, and other varieties, each offering unique properties.
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- Tension
- Tension – The tightness of stitches in knitwear, affecting drape, fit, and elasticity.
- Turtleneck
- Turtleneck – A high, fold-over neckline providing warmth, coverage, and a classic silhouette.
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- Ultrafine Wool
- Ultrafine Wool – Exceptionally fine wool fibers that create an ultra-soft, lightweight fabric ideal for next-to-skin wear.
V
- V-Neck
- V-Neck – A neckline shaped like a V, flattering and elongating the appearance of the torso.
- Viscose Blend
- Viscose Blend – A semi-synthetic fiber blend enhancing softness, drape, and durability in knitwear.
W
- Warmth-to-Weight Ratio
- Warmth-to-Weight Ratio – A measurement of how well a fabric retains heat without being overly heavy. For more information on Warmth-to-Weight Ratios and related technical details, consult other terms in our Knitwear Glossary such as Insulation and Breathability.
- Woolmark Certification
- Woolmark Certification – A global standard ensuring the authenticity, quality, and ethical sourcing of wool products. This and other certifications, like OEKO-TEX, are explained in the Knitwear Glossary.
X
- X-Twist Yarn
- X-Twist Yarn – A special yarn-spinning technique that enhances durability and reduces pilling by adding extra twist to the fibers, improving strength and longevity in knitwear.
Y
- Yak Wool
- Yak Wool – A rare, ultra-warm wool sourced from yaks, known for its durability, softness, and excellent insulation properties, making it a premium alternative to traditional wool.– A measurement of how well a fabric retains heat without being overly heavy, crucial for outdoor and performance knitwear.
- Yarn Count
- Yarn Count – A measurement of the thickness of yarn, affecting the density, weight, and drape of the knitted fabric.
Z
- Zero Waste Knitting
- Zero Waste Knitting – A sustainable production method that minimizes fabric waste by using precise knitting techniques, ensuring that every piece of yarn is utilized efficiently. This approach reduces textile waste, lowers environmental impact, and promotes eco-conscious fashion by eliminating excess material in the production process.