Abstract: A method for facilitating in seaming closed an open end of a generally tubular structure is described. The method involves providing first and second handles extending from opposite sides of an open end of the tubular structure, extending the first and second handles in opposing directions to thereby flatten the tubular structure upon itself and align opposing faces of the tubular structure so that the open end terminates along a common edge. The open end can then be seamed by sewing or other securement methods, to thereby form a closed end on the tubular structure. The first and second handles can be integrally formed as a bridge extending across the open end of the tubular structure, and subsequently severed to form a free end on each of the handles. The tubular structure can be circular knit, with the bridge being formed during the knitting process through the formation of long floats extending a substantial distance around the circumference of the open end of the tubular structure.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a garment on a knitting machine includes the steps of orienting the garment with an opening disposed relative to one end on the knitting machine; and knitting a bridge across the opening of the garment. The bridge is affixed to the garment at a first and second site. The first and second sites are disposed near the opening. The exact positioning of the first and second sites relative to the opening are predetermined in accordance with the orientation of the garment on the knitting machine. The first site opposes the second site. The method of manipulating the garment further includes the step of dividing the bridge forming a first and a second handle. The first and second handle are fixed at the first site and the second handle is affixed at the second site. The first and second handles are useful for further processing the garment.