Abstract: Elongate grooves are provided along both or one side of the shank of a knitting needle. The elongate groove is parallel with the back edge and is positioned between the back and front edges of the shank of the needle. The elongate grooves reduce the weight of the needle without substantially reducing the vertical rigidity of the shank of the needle and function to reduce the transmission of impact shock from the needle butt to the hook. The grooves also provide a passageway extending longitudinally along the needle shank to provide for improved retention and distribution of lubricant along the needle shank.

Abstract: Elongate grooves are provided along both or one side of the shank of a knitting needle. The elongate groove is parallel with the back edge and is positioned between the back and front edges of the shank of the needle. The elongate grooves reduce the weight of the needle without substantially reducing the vertical rigidity of the shank of the needle and function to reduce the transmission of impact shock from the needle butt to the hook. The grooves also provide a passageway extending longitudinally along the needle shank to provide for improved retention and distribution of lubricant along the needle shank.

Abstract: Fine gauge pivoted latch needles having a shank portion, a hook portion and a cheek portion adjacent to the hook portion, a first slot extending through the cheek portion and in which the latch is pivotally supported, a second slot extending through the shank portion in continuation of the first slot, the width of the second slot being less than the width of the first slot. The bottoms of the slots are curvalinear. The combined slots serving to make the extended side walls thereof resilient thereby to absorb the shocks and to dampen the vibrations to which the needles are subjected in use.

Abstract: A pivoted latch needle having a concave shaped seat formed in the stem portion thereof to receive therein the spoon end of the latch when the latter is moved to its opened position, the shape of the surface of the seat conforming to the curvature of the exterior surface of an arcuate section of a right circular cone the axis of which extends lengthwise of the needle, the curvatures of the surface of the convex side of the spoon end of the latch and of the surface of the seat being similar so that there is surface to surface contact therebetween, and a method of forming the seat by the use of an end milling cutter of cone shape to remove predetermined material from the stem of the needle.