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What is KNOLab
Recognising a significant gap in the industry for accessible, high-quality knowledge on industrial knitting, Patricia Chircop founded KNOLab as an extension of her innovative 3D knitting studio, Knovus.
More than just a learning platform, KNOLab facilitates a community where you can connect with fellow learners, share ideas, and collaborate with others in the field.
We Offer . . .
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Comprehensive courses on Industrial Knitting and other textile practices -
Real-life examples that show real-world applications
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Learning for beginners and professionals
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Self-paced, flexible online courses
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An online hub to connect you with the KNOLAB community
Online courses include . . .
Engaging Video Lessions
Watch through detailed video tutorials that break-down each concept.
Unique Visual Resources
Access high-quality photos, graphics and animations of knitting machinery, technologies, processes used in the industry
Self-Assessed Quizzes
Reinforce your understanding with quizzes at the end of each module to test your knowledge.
What is Industrial Knitting?
Industrial knitting involves creating knitted fabrics using specialised, advanced knitting machines.
From everyday garments like jumpers to innovative products such as knitted shoes or satellites, the industrial knitting industry is rapidly evolving as new technologies and creative applications emerge across all fields.
These courses will guide you through everything from yarn selection and programming to designing complex knits, helping you rethink and push the boundaries of what's possible with industrial knitting.
Contact Us
90 Grattan Street
Carlton, VIC
Australia
knovus@knovus.com.au
+61 (03) 96121147
Carlton, VIC
Australia
knovus@knovus.com.au
+61 (03) 96121147
Company
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Woven definition: Woven fabrics are created by interlacing yarns in two perpendicular directions: the warp (running vertically) and the weft (running horizontally).
Weft Knit definition: Yarns are fed into the knitting machine in a horizontal or weft direction to form a series of interlocking loops.
Warp Knit definition: Warp knitting involves the formation of loops in a vertical direction using multiple strands of yarn, with each loop typically made from a separate thread and needle.
Wales definition: Vertical columns of stitches in the lengthwise direction of the fabric.
Thermal bonding definition: A process where heat is applied to fuse thermoplastic fibres within a non-woven web, creating bonds at fibre intersections.
Non-woven definition: Non-woven fabrics are created by bonding fibres together by various processes such as mechanical, chemical, and thermal bonding
Mechanical bonding definition: A process of creating non-woven fabrics by physically entangling fibres to hold them together.
Knit definition: A textile produced by forming loops of yarn that are interlaced together, either across (weft knitting) or along the length of the fabric (warp knitting).
Flatbed knitting definition: Refers to the process or method of knitting using a flat, horizontal bed where yarn is fed in the weft direction to form fabric row by row.
Fibre definition: The basic raw material used to make yarns and fabrics. It refers to a fine, hair-like strand that can be natural or synthetic and is capable of being spun into thread or yarn.
Courses definition: Horizontal rows of stitches that run widthwise across the knitted fabric
Circular knitting machine definition: Industrial circular-bed knitting machines that create tube-shaped pieces and are often used for larger and faster production. They are commonly used to produce finer knitwear.
Chemical bonding definition: A process in which fibres are joined together using adhesives or binders—such as resins or latex—that are applied to the fibre web and then cured, typically with heat, to create a stable, unified non-woven fabric structure.
Warp thread definition: The lengthwise yarns that typically run parallel to the selvedge of a woven textile.
Weft thread definition: The crosswise yarns that are overlap and underlap the warp yarns, typically perpendicular to the selvedge in woven textiles.
Selvedge definition: The finished edge of a woven textile that runs along the lengthwise sides (parallel to the warp direction).
Shima Seiki: A Japanese company founded in 1962 renowned for its advanced computerised flatbed knitting machines, most notably the WHOLEGARMENT® technology, which produces seamless knitwear.
Gauge definition: The number of needles per inch on a needle bed.
Intarsia definition: A knitting technique used to create patterns or images with distinct blocks of colour, where each area is knitted with a separate yarn source and yarns are not carried across the back, resulting in a flat, single-layered fabric.
Multi-gauge definition: Knitting with a combination of needle combinations
Complete garment knitting definition: Complete knitting also known as seamless, or 3D knitting refers to a method of producing complete knitted garments directly on the machine, eliminating or significantly reducing the need for post-knitting assembly such as cutting and sewing.
Fully-fashioned definition: The shape of a garment piece is formed during knitting by increasing or decreasing stitches, rather than cutting fabric after knitting. This method allows for precise shaping (such as armholes, necklines, or sleeves) and produces pieces that require minimal trimming, resulting in a cleaner finish, less waste, and often a better fit.
Jacquard definition: A knitting technique used to create multicolour patterns or motifs by selectively knitting different yarns across a fabric row. Unlike intarsia, jacquard patterns are made by carrying floats (unused yarns) across the back of the fabric, allowing for repeated designs and fine detail.
Knitwear programming definition: The process of creating machine-readable instructions that control computerised knitting machines to produce specific knit structures, patterns, and garments.
Technician definition: A skilled specialist responsible for the setup, adjustment, operation, and troubleshooting of knitting machinery.
Manufacturer definition: The company or facility that produces knitted garments or fabric at scale. They manage the full process from programming and sampling to final production, often working with designers, brands, or developers.
Knit Programmer definition: A knit programmer is a specialist who translates a design into a machine-executable file using software for a specific type of knitting machine (e.g. Shima Seiki)
Software definition: In knitting, software refers to the digital tools used to design, simulate, and program knitted fabrics or garments.
Production definition: The full process of manufacturing knit garments or fabric at scale, using programmed knitting machines. It begins after sampling and programming are finalised, and involves running machines continuously to produce finished pieces ready for linking, seaming, or finishing.
Specification Sheet definition: A document part of the Tech pack that outlines all the technical details and requirements for a knitted product. It includes measurements, yarn types, stitch structures, construction notes, gauge, machine type, and finishing instructions used by manufacturers to ensure consistency and accuracy in production.
Yarn feeder/carrier definition: A moving component in a knitting machine that delivers yarn to the needles during the knitting process.
Needle bed definition: In a flatbed knitting machine, the needle bed is the part that holds and guides the needles, allowing them to slide and create stitches; it consists of a flat arrangement and can operate with one or two beds depending on the machine.
Stitch definition: The loop formed by yarn during the knitting process.
Virtual Simulation definition: The process of using knit design software (like Shima Seiki APEX) to digitally visualise how a knitted fabric or garment will look and behave before actual production.
Product Development definition: The end-to-end process of turning a concept into a finished product. It includes design, material selection, programming, sampling, testing, and refining before full-scale production begins.
Cut & Sew definition: A process where knitted fabric is produced in large panels and then cut and sewn together to create finished garments.
Yarn Type definition: The material and structure of the yarn, including its fibre content (e.g. cotton, wool), thickness, twist, and whether it's spun or filament.
Tension definition: The size of the knitted loops and takedown pressure applied during knitting.
Speed definition: The rate at which the knitting machine operates.
Take-down mechanism definition: This mechanism maintains fabric tension during knitting using roller systems or pull-down mechanisms.
Drape definition: How a fabric hangs and flows when worn or handled.
Stitch density definition: The total number of loops in a measured area of fabric (such as a square inch or three square centimetres).
Pattern resolution definition: The level of detail and clarity a knitted pattern can achieve, determined by the stitch size, gauge, and machine capability.
Carriage definition: A movable component of a knitting machine that guides the yarn carrier across the needle bed to deliver yarn to the selected needles, producing the knitted fabric.
Machine gauge definition: The spacing of the needles on the needle bed (usually as needles per inch)
Yarn Count definition: The yarn count number indicates the linear density (yarn diameter or fineness) to which that particular yarn has been spun
Stock service definition: A yarn stock service provides ready-to-shop yarns, often in a variety of colours to customers.
Natural fibre definition: A fibre obtained from plants, animals, or minerals that can be spun into threads or yarns such as cotton, wool, silk, or flax.
Synthetic fibre definition: A man-made fibre produced from polymerisation, a chemical process combining small molecules into polymers, examples are polyester, nylon, or acrylic.
Regenerated (semi-synthetic) fibre: A fibre derived from natural resources and got through an intensive chemical transformation process.
Full gauge definition: Knitting with every needle.
Half gauge definition: Knitting with every second needle
The Direct System definition: The Direct System yarn count is the WEIGHT of a FIXED LENGTH of yarn (Weight per unit Length).
The Indirect System definition: The LENGTH of a FIXED WEIGHT of yarn (Length per unit Weight).
Numero metric (Nm) definition: Length in meters per 1 gram of mass.
Tex (tex) definition: Mass of yarn in grams per 1000 meters length.
Denier (den) fibre: Mass of yarn in grams for length of 9000 metres
Decitex (text) definition: Grams per 10,000 metres (10 kilometres)
English Cotton Count (ECC or Ne) fibre: Number of 840 yards strands per 1 English pound of mass
Tech pack definition: The technical documentation created for garment or textile products. It contains flat sketches, material specifications, dimensions, instructions, and everything else the manufacturer needs to create products accurately.
Flatbed knitting machine definition: Industrial knitting machinery that have needle beds that sit flat, in a 'V' formation. The yarn passes across the needle bed horizontally.
Microbial cellulose definition: A natural, biodegradable biopolymer synthesised by various bacteria.