This document summarizes three main types of knitting needles: bearded needles, latch needles, and compound needles. It describes the key features and parts of each type. Bearded needles are the simplest and cheapest, consisting of a fixed metal frame. Latch needles are more complex and self-acting, using needle depth and reciprocation to control stitch formation. Compound needles have two independently controlled parts - an open hook and closing element - allowing for higher knitting speeds in warp machines.

2. TYPES OF KNITTING NEEDLE
• BEARDED NEEDLE
• LATCH NEEDLE
• COMPOUND NEEDLE

3. BEARDED NEEDLE

4. BEARDED NEEDLE
FEATURES
• The bearded or spring needle was the first type
of needle to be produced.
• It is the cheapest and simplest type to
manufacture as it is made from a single piece of
metal
• The bearded needle is essentially a frame
needle, the needles being fixed to move

5. BEARDED NEEDLE
PARTS
• The head, where the stem is turned into a hook to draw the
new loop through the old loop.
• The beard, which is the curved downwards continuation of
the hook that is used to separate the trapped new loop
inside from the old loop as it slides off the needle beard.
• The stem, around which the needle loop is formed.
• The eye, or groove, cut in the stem to receive the pointed
tip of the beard when it is pressed, thus enclosing the new
loop.
• The shank, which may be bent for individual location in the
machine or cast

6. LATCH NEEDLE

7. LATCH NEEDLE
Latch Needle Characteristics:
• Most widely used in weft knitting.
• More expensive needle than the bearded needle.
• Self acting or loop controlled.
• Work at any angle.
• Needle Depth determines the loop length.
• Variation of the height of reciprocating produces
knit, tuck or miss stitch.

8. LATCH NEEDLE
PARTS
• The Hook: The hook which draws and returns the
new loop.
• The latch blade: This latch blade locates the latch in
the needle.
• The latch blade: This latch blade locates the latch in
the needle.
• The latch spoon: The latch spoon is an extension of
blade and bridges the gap between the hook and stem.

9. • The stem: The stem of latch needle carries the
loop in the clearing on rest position.
• The Butt: Butt of latch needle enables the needle
to be reciprocated.
• The Tail: The tail is an extension below the butt
giving additional support to the needle and keeping
the needle in its trick

10. COMPOUND NEEDLE

11. COMPOUND NEEDLE
FEATURES
• Compound needles consist o two separately controlled parts the
open hook and the sliding closing element (tongue, latch, piston,
plunger)
• It is most popular in warp knitting machines
• Both members of compound needle have a straight, thus
knitting speed can be increased.These needle are very expensive