Abstract: A method for operating a conventional circular knitting machine, provided with indepenent and continuously operating pattern wheels, to develop patterns including knit, tuck, welt and terry stitches in the same course(s). By synchronizing the sinker selection and needle selection components, in a complementary manner, the resulting tubular fabric may include terry loop areas adjacent to decorative flat-knitted areas which together comprise the entire circumference of said tubular fabric rather than the dull, uninteresting non-terry areas generally resulting in tubular fabrics which include terry areas in only a portion thereof.

Abstract: The circular knit two-layer upholstery fabric of the present invention has stability and limited stretchability in both coursewise and walewise directions to meet established industry standards. The fabric includes a first layer knit of thermoplastic base yarn and forming stitch loops in wales of successive courses to provide a technical face side. A second layer is formed of lay-in yarn extending generally coursewise and in a sinuous manner along the juncture of the stitch loops of certain courses of the first layer and provides a technical back side constituting the exposed wear surface of the fabric. The lay-in yarn is in the range of two to ten times larger than the base yarn so that the lay-in yarn substantially covers the base yarn and provides the tactile characteristics, appearance and hand of the lay-in yarn constituting the exposed wear surface of the fabric.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved knitting apparatus for producing knit fabrics on which terry loops are provided at least on the technical front face thereof. The terry loops are interconnected or knitted jointly with the ground yarn into the base fabric so that they are securely held therein. Novel sinker elements are used to control the positioning of the fabric as it is knit with the sinker elements serving to initially support the fabric at a level high enough to allow loops to be formed in the front face, with the sinker element thereafter forcing the fabric and just formed loops down into the sinker throat away from any possible scissoring action between the needle cheeks and the cooperating latch.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved apparatus and method for producing knit fabrics having terry loops on both the technical front and technical back sides of a ground fabric in which the terry loops are interconnected or knitted jointly with the ground yarn into the base fabric and are thus securely held therein. Novel needle latch arresting elements and improved sinker designs eliminate severing of previously formed loops incorporated in the ground fabric.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved apparatus and method for producing knit fabrics having terry loops on both the technical front and technical back sides of a ground fabric in which the terry loops are interconnected or knitted jointly with the ground yarn into the base fabric and are thus securely held therein. Novel needle latch arresting elements and improved sinker designs eliminate severing of previously formed loops incorporated in the ground fabric.