Abstract: A pattern mechanism for a knitting machine which is adapted to selectively control longitudinal movement of needles in their slots. The needles are provided with jacks in operating relationship thereto for moving the needle in a longitudinal direction. A separate butt element is carried by the jack and is movable relative to the jack both longitudinally and transversely in at least two alternate modes. One of the modes provides lesser longitudinal free movement of the butt element relative to the jack body than the other of the modes. All of the butt elements carried by a series of jack bodies are cammed to the mode which permits greater longitudinal free movement. Selected ones of the butts are moved to the mode providing lesser longitudinal free movement so that only the jack bodies carrying the selected butt elements will be elevated by a raised cam.

Abstract: A method and means for improving quality of terry fabric by controlling the position of terry loops as they are cleared on the needles. A special sinker actuating cam assembly is arranged to withdraw and then readvance the sinkers, after the terry loops have been drawn, to transfer these loops into their respective sinker throats prior to raising of the needles to clear height whereby clearance and subsequent avoidance of the terry loops by the needle latches are assured. Additional sinker cams for selectively changing the timing of sinker motion for bare needle makeup and, alternately, for knitting terry fabric, and for withdrawing the sinkers at the point of transfer are also disclosed.