Stitch Transfer
Stitch transfer is a knitting technique in flat knitting that moves stitches to adjacent needles or similar to change their arrangement and create lace patterns, cable patterns, and decreases.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Stitch transfer is an operation in flat knitting production that moves stitches to another needle while keeping the stitches intact. By changing the position of the stitches, it creates holes, crossings, and changes in stitch count in the knitted fabric, allowing the structure and pattern to be designed.
Appearance and Handfeel
The open areas created by stitch transfer become lace patterns, giving the fabric a light and decorative appearance. Crossing stitches can create three-dimensional cable patterns, but the thickness and stretch vary depending on the type of pattern, yarn thickness, and gauge.
Even with the same yarn, increasing the number or range of stitch transfers changes the density of the knitted fabric locally, making the pattern stand out. On the other hand, lace sections may be prone to snagging and may increase sheerness, so confirmation according to the intended use is necessary.
Main Applications
Stitch transfer is used in sweaters, cardigans, vests, knit dresses, and similar items when the knitted pattern is meant to be the main feature. In spring and summer, it is used to create breathability and a light impression with lace patterns, while in autumn and winter it is used to express surface variation with cable patterns and similar effects.
For partial use, patterns may be placed on the front body, sleeves, neckline, hem, and other areas to add an accent to solid knitted fabric. When used across the entire product, the degree of sheerness, stretch, and how the pattern opens when worn should be checked with samples.
Selection and Handling Notes
During planning, confirm not only the stitch transfer pattern chart but also the yarn used, gauge, stitch density, and the stretch recovery of the knitted fabric. In particular, lace patterns tend to open up when worn, so consider the combination with innerwear and the required see through prevention.
Shrinkage and shape changes caused by washing vary depending on the fiber type, yarn processing, and finishing conditions. If the knitted fabric is dried while stretched, the pattern may become distorted, so in accordance with the care label, it is basic to dry it flat or otherwise dry it while reshaping it.
In sewing, pay attention to areas where the pattern opens widely due to stitch transfer and to the edges. Make sure the pattern position does not shift during cutting or sewing, and if necessary, consider anti-stretch treatment and seam allowance specifications.
Differences from Similar Terms
Stitch transfer refers to the operation or technique of moving stitches. Lace knitting is a general term for knitted fabric or patterns that express eyelet motifs through methods such as stitch transfer or increasing and decreasing stitches. Therefore, stitch transfer is one of the methods used to create lace knitting.
Cable knitting is a knitting method that crosses multiple stitches to create a rope-like pattern. Stitch transfer is used in cable knitting, but stitch transfer itself also includes other purposes besides crossing, such as lace patterns and decreases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does stitch transfer always create a lace pattern?
Not necessarily. If no new stitch is made at the emptied needle position after the stitch is moved, a hole will form, but it is also possible to combine it with other operations so that the hole is not noticeable. It is also used for purposes such as crossing stitches in cable patterns.
Is knitwear with stitch transfer patterns prone to stretching?
Knitted fabric with lace sections may feel more prone to local stretching than solid, high-density knitted fabric. However, the actual stretch varies depending on the yarn type, gauge, stitch density, and pattern size. During planning, check the dimensions in worn condition and after washing.
