The Basics of a Circular Knitting Machine
Circular knitting is when you create something that has a circular pattern without leaving a seam behind. Some of the most common articles of clothing that use this type of knitting are socks and mittens.

There are a few techniques that you can use to speed up the creative process of knitting, but a circular knitting machine can be a great option.
When you use one of these machines, the yarn will be weaved around the rim of the machine.
This is called the needle bar, and it will move back and forth as another bar pressed down on the needles to release the yarn and create a stitch. Since some machines have more than 200 needles, it speeds the process, especially when you are attempting to knit more complex patterns and use multiple colors in your creation.
Typically, a knitting machine such as this will be used as a way to produce a lot of items in a relatively small amount of time.
If you have a business that manufactures knit clothing, you will benefit greatly from this type of machine because it will cut your production time in half. In fact, you are likely to nearly quadruple your production rate, so if you are backed up on orders, this is a great way to catch up and be able to accommodate more customers.
When you use one of these machines, you will find that the knitting principles of this circular design are very similar to that of a flatbed machine. The main difference is that you can keep going with a circular machine because there is not going to be a start and a stop point because you are knitting without seams.

Parts of Circular Knitting Machines
To ensure that this machine functions as it should, it is important to know a little bit about the different parts. With a lot of use, machine parts can wear, and when you have a little bit of knowledge about the machine, you can sometimes pinpoint the part that needs to be replaced. Parts of a circular knitting machine that you should be aware of include:
Needles
Of course, one of the main parts of this machine that you are going to need to consider is the needles. Without working needles, you will not be able to knit.
There is also a needle detector on the machine that shows you whether or not there are flaws on the current needles that are being used. I prefer to use Germany Groz Beckert needles, but use whatever feels best for you needs.
Basically, there are three types of needles that you can choose between.
The latch needle is designed with a simple small hook and latch that work together to move the yarn where it needs to be.
The second type of needle is called a spring bearded needle, and it is designed with a much larger hook and a small spring surface that will bounce the yarn into place.
The third type of needle that you may use with this machine is a compound needle.
This type of needle has a smaller hook and a tongue that moves up and down to secure and release the yarn.
Positive Feeders
The positive feeders, which is also known as the MPF, is designed to give positive feed to the machine at the speed that it needs it. With a positive feeder, the yarn is fed through using loops that maintain a specific speed so that the knitting is consistent. There are also negative feeders that function using tension that are used on some machines.
Cylinder
This is basically the round part of the machine where the needle track is situated. You will need to make sure that this part is properly aligned so that your garments turn out the way that you want them to. The size of the cylinder will vary in size based upon the size of the actual machine that you are using.
Sinker
The sinker is the part of the machine that coordinates with the needle to create a stitch. The sinker pulls down the loop and holds it in place while the needle pushes the yarn into the loop. The sinkers are also designed to support the fabric once it is stitched so that it does not pull too much on the yarn.
Cams
Cams are a part of the circular knitting machine that moves the needles into position when a stitch is about to be created.
There are two types of cams that you may find in the machine.
The first is a needle cam that is designed to help the needle move. These cams are stationary, but the needles will move around their position. Sinker cams are the second option, and these cams are designed to help the sinkers move. These cams can vary in size based on the type of sinker the machine has.

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