Needle Streak
Needle streak is a line-like appearance defect that appears along the knitting direction of knit fabric due to needle malfunctions in the knitting machine or irregular knitting conditions.
Contents5 sections
Definition and Overview
Needle streak refers to thin streaks that appear continuously in the wale direction, mainly in knit fabrics such as circular knits. It occurs when only certain stitches become different from the surrounding area due to needle wear, bending, latch malfunction, or irregular yarn feeding conditions.
The appearance of the streak varies depending on stitch size, yarn tension, and color difference after dyeing. Even if it is not noticeable in the greige fabric, it may become conspicuous after dyeing, brushing, or finishing processes that create luster.
Appearance and Impact on Quality
Needle streak appears as vertical streaks that look darker or lighter than the surrounding area, streaks with coarser or tighter stitches, or streaks caused by differences in light reflection. It tends to be especially visible in solid, light-colored, high-gauge knit fabrics, and fabrics with a smooth surface.
After being made into garments, streaks in prominent areas such as the front body can impair appearance quality. On the other hand, acceptable limits may differ depending on the degree of the streak, the applications, and the inspection criteria, so it is important to confirm the position and continuity at the roll stage.
- It is a defect caused by knitting needles and is different from intentional dropped stitches created as a pattern.
- Its point of occurrence differs from streaks that appear in woven fabric due to differences in warp tension.
- Rather than newly occurring through washing, existing streaks may become more noticeable after washing or wearing.
Main Applications and Inspection Situations
Needle streak is not a type of fabric, but the name of an appearance defect managed in knit fabrics. Therefore, it is a check item for a wide range of items using knitted fabric, such as cut-and-sew items, innerwear, knit polos, and sportswear. It is not limited to any season.
During planning, check how visible it will be depending on whether the fabric is light or dark, solid or patterned, and whether the surface texture is smooth. During cutting, handle the material in coordination with inspection information so that noticeable streaks are not placed on the front body, collar, outer side of sleeves, or other prominent areas.
Selection and Handling Precautions
When selecting fabric, observe streaks in the knitting direction using a sample with as much surface area as possible, not just a swatch. Change the angle of the lighting and also check for streaks caused by differences in reflection. Before mass production, it is easier to make a judgment if you confirm a roll sample under the color and processing conditions to be used.
Needle streak itself cannot be corrected during sewing. Before cutting, spread the fabric out sufficiently and check it carefully, then avoid the areas with streaks or assign them to less noticeable parts. Also check dimensional change due to washing separately, and confirm through product testing whether shrinkage changes the appearance of the streak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between needle streak and dropped stitches?
Needle streak is a line-like appearance defect that occurs accidentally due to needle malfunctions or irregular knitting. Dropped stitches refer to a knit structure or knitting method that intentionally stops specific needles to create a ribbed or openwork appearance. The appearance may be similar, but the intent and cause are different.
Can needle streak be fixed by washing?
Because needle streak is often caused by differences in stitch structure or yarn condition, it does not necessarily disappear with washing. In fact, washing, drying, and wearing may change yarn shrinkage and surface reflection, making the streak more noticeable. It is necessary to check the appearance under actual washing conditions before adoption.
