Knitting cycle of a single jersey latch needle machine

The knitting action of a latch needle and holding-down sinker during the production of a course of plain fabric.

Fig. Knitting cycle of a single jersey latch needle machine

(a) Tucking in the hook or rest position. The sinker is forward, holding down the old loop whilst the needle rises from the rest position.

(b) Clearing. The needle has been raised to its highest position clearing the old loop from its latch.

(c) Yarn feeding. The sinker is partially withdrawn allowing the feeder to present its yarn to the descending needle hook and also freeing the old loop so that it can slide up the needle stem and under the open latch spoon.

(d) Knock-over. The sinker is fully withdrawn whilst the needle descends to knock over its old loop on the sinker belly.

(e) Holding-down. The sinker moves forward to hold down the new loop in its throat whilst the needle rises under the influence of the upthrow cam to therest position where the head of the open hook just protrudes above the sinker belly.