JP7843725B2 - Method of knitting fabric, and knitted fabric - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a method for knitting a knitted fabric, and to a knitted fabric itself.

Using a flat knitting machine, it is possible to knit fabrics having a layered section where multiple knitted sections overlap in layers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for forming pleats by knitting a large tubular knitted fabric and then folding and joining a part of the tubular knitted fabric in an S-shape or Z-shape. The pleats are a layered section where three knitted sections overlap in layers.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-189925

Patent Document 1 states that if the width of the laminated section or the number of laminated sections in the knitted fabric increases, the diameter of the tubular knitted fabric formed initially may become too large, potentially resulting in a shortage of knitting needles.

One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a method for knitting fabric that allows for the knitting of fabric without a shortage of knitting needles. Another objective of this invention is to provide a knitted fabric having a layered section.

<1> The knitting method of the present invention is
A method for knitting a knitted fabric having a layered section in which multiple knitted sections are stacked on top of each other, using a flat knitting machine equipped with a first needle bed and a second needle bed, wherein the first needle bed and the second needle bed are relatively rackable and stitches can be transferred between the first needle bed and the second needle bed,
Step A involves forming the first knitted section which serves as the base point for the laminated section,
Step B involves knitting a second knitted fabric at a position adjacent to the first knitted fabric in the knitting width direction, or at a position overlapping the knitting range of the first knitted fabric.
The process includes step C of knitting a third knitted fabric at a position overlapping the knitting range of the second knitted fabric in the first knitting bed,
In step A, a first increase stitch is knitted, which is connected to each of at least some of the stitches that make up the first side edge of the first knitted fabric portion.
In step B, the second knitted fabric is moved by racking so that the second side end of the second knitted fabric, which is close to the first side end, is relatively closer to the first side end, thereby knitting the second knitted fabric, and at least some of the stitches constituting the second side end and the first increase stitch are sequentially joined by stitch transfer, and second increase stitches are knitted that are connected to each of at least some of the stitches of the second side end.
In step C, the third knitted fabric is moved by racking so that the third side end of the third knitted fabric, which is close to the second side end, is relatively closer to the second side end, thereby knitting the third knitted fabric and sequentially overlapping and joining at least some of the stitches constituting the third side end with the second increase stitch by stitch transfer.

Here, we will explain the relative movement of knitted fabric sections due to racking, using the first and second knitted fabric sections as examples. First, when knitting the second knitted fabric section parallel to the right side of the first knitted fabric section on the needle bed, the right edge of the first knitted fabric section is the first side edge, and the left edge of the second knitted fabric section is the second side edge. In this case, whether the first knitted fabric section is moved to the right by racking, or the second knitted fabric section is moved to the left by racking, the first and second side edges will move closer together. Furthermore, when knitting the second knitted fabric section overlapping the first knitted fabric section, whose left edge is the first side edge, the left edge of the second knitted fabric section is the second side edge. In this case, whether the first knitted fabric section is moved to the right by racking, or the second knitted fabric section is moved to the left by racking, the first and second side edges will move closer together. Thus, whether the first knitted fabric section is moved by racking, or the second knitted fabric section is moved by racking, the second knitted fabric section moves relatively so that, from the perspective of the first knitted fabric section, the second side edge moves closer to the first side edge.

<2> As one form of knitting method for the above form <1>,
Furthermore, the process includes step D of knitting a fourth knitted section at a position adjacent to the third knitted section in the knitting width direction, or at a position overlapping the knitting range of the third knitted section.
In step C, a third increase stitch is further formed, connected to each of at least some of the stitches that make up the third side end.
In step D, the fourth knitted fabric portion is moved by racking so that the fourth side end of the fourth knitted fabric portion adjacent to the third side end approaches the third side end, thereby knitting the fourth knitted fabric portion and sequentially overlapping and joining at least some of the stitches constituting the fourth side end with the third increase stitch by stitch transfer.

<3> As one form of knitting method for the above form <1> or <2>,
In step B, the second increase may be knitted on the side of the second knitted fabric in the relative direction of movement of the second knitted fabric.

Here, the relative direction of movement of the second section refers to the direction in which the second section moves relative to the first section. This point is also true for the configuration described in <4> below.

<4> As one form of knitting method for the above form <1> or <2>,
In step B, the second increase may be knitted in the second knitted section in the direction opposite to the relative movement direction of the second knitted section.

<5> The knitted fabric of the present invention is
Part 1: Land section,
A second knitted fabric portion is arranged in parallel to the width direction of the first knitted fabric portion, or overlaps with the thickness direction of the first knitted fabric portion,
It comprises a third knitted fabric portion that overlaps the second knitted fabric portion in the thickness direction,
Furthermore, the first side end of the first knitted fabric section, the second side end of the second knitted fabric section, and the third side end of the third knitted fabric section are connected without stitching,
The direction of the stitches in the first knitted section and the direction of the stitches in the second knitted section are the same or opposite.
The direction of the stitches in the second knitted section and the direction of the stitches in the third knitted section are opposite.

In the knitting method described in the above form <1>, when knitting the third knitted section following the second knitted section in the wale direction, the third knitted section is knitted so that it overlaps the second knitted section. That is, the third knitted section is knitted within the knitting area of the second knitted section on the first needle bed of the flat knitting machine. Therefore, the knitted fabric can be produced regardless of the width of the overlapping layer between the second and third knitted sections, i.e., the length of the overlap, and the number of layered sections in the knitted fabric.

The knitting method for the fabric described in the above form <2> allows for the creation of a fabric having a layered section where the first, second, and third fabric sections overlap, or a layered section where the second, third, and fourth fabric sections overlap.

According to the knitting method of the fabric described in the above form <3>, the third knitted section is knitted so as to overlap the reverse side of the second knitted section. The reverse side of the second knitted section is the side that faces the second needle bed when the second knitted section is knitted on the first needle bed.

According to the knitting method of the fabric described in the above form <4>, the third knitted fabric section is knitted so that it overlaps the surface of the second knitted fabric section. The surface of the second knitted fabric section is the surface opposite to the surface facing the second knitting bed when the second knitted fabric section is knitted on the first knitting bed.

The knitted fabric described in the above form <5> has a portion where the second and third knitted fabric sections overlap, and a portion where the first knitted fabric section is parallel to or overlaps the second knitted fabric section. Knitted fabrics having these sections can take on a variety of appearances. The design of the knitted fabric changes significantly depending on the number and arrangement of the overlapping portions of the second and third knitted fabric sections, and the number and arrangement of the portions where the first knitted fabric section is parallel to or overlaps the second knitted fabric section.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a skirt made of knitted fabric according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the section II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an illustrative diagram of the arrangement of the first pleat shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an illustrative diagram of the arrangement of the second pleat shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is the first diagram of the assembly process for the first pleat shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is the second diagram of the formation process, following Figure 5. Figure 7 is the third diagram of the formation process, following Figure 6. Figure 8 is the fourth diagram of the formation process, following Figure 7.

The knitting method and the knitted fabric according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
Figure 1 shows a pleated skirt, which is an example of a knitted fabric 100 according to the embodiment. An opening is formed at the top of the skirt for the wearer's torso to pass through, and an opening is formed at the bottom of the skirt for the wearer's legs to pass through. In this skirt, a knitting start section 100S is formed on one side of the skirt, and a knitting end section 100E is formed on the other side. In other words, the skirt in this example is knitted in the direction of the thick arrow, i.e., horizontally. Such a skirt is knitted as follows: After knitting the knitting start section 100S formed on the front and rear needle beds of the flat knitting machine, the front portion 100F and the rear portion 100B of the skirt are knitted on the front and rear needle beds. Finally, the front portion 100F and the rear portion 100B are joined together by binding off stitches or the like. The bound-off portion is the knitting end section 100E. Unlike this example, when applying the knitting method of the embodiment to the knitting of the bodice, the front and back bodice are closed at the shoulders, so the front and back bodice may be knitted in a C-shape using a single yarn feed opening, except around the neckline.

The skirt in this example features a first pleat 101 and a second pleat 102. The first pleat 101 is a layered section 110 formed by folding a portion of the knitted fabric 100 from the outside to the inside of the skirt. The second pleat 102 is a layered section 110 formed by folding a portion of the knitted fabric 100 from the inside to the outside of the skirt. A joint 103, where the folded knitted fabric sections are joined, is located at the top of the skirt. As shown in the II-II cross-sectional view of Figure 2, the rear portion 100B of the skirt also has a first pleat 101 and a second pleat 102. The following description will focus only on the construction of the rear portion 100B of the skirt.

In the skirt construction of this example, after knitting the starting section 100S, the first base knitted section 5, which continues in the wale direction of the starting section 100S, is knitted. The first base knitted section 5 is the part excluding the pleats 101 and 102, i.e., the non-layered section 120 of the knitted fabric 100. The non-layered section 120 is the part of the knitted fabric 100 that is not folded.

Once the knitting of the first base knitted section 5 is complete, the knitting is carried out in the following order, as shown in the knitting diagram in Figure 3: first knitted section 1, second knitted section 2, third knitted section 3, fourth knitted section 4, and second base knitted section 6. Figure 3 is a view of the first pleat 101 from inside the skirt. The first knitted section 1 and the second knitted section 2 are arranged in parallel in the knitting width direction, and the second knitted section 2, third knitted section 3, and fourth knitted section 4 are overlapped in the thickness direction. The first pleat 101 is formed by the overlapping layer 110 of the second knitted section 2, third knitted section 3, and fourth knitted section 4. The second base knitted section 6 (see also Figure 2) is formed continuously in the wale direction of the first pleat 101.

The specific knitting procedures for the first knitted section 1, second knitted section 2, third knitted section 3, and fourth knitted section 4 are explained based on the knitting process diagrams in Figures 5 to 8. In the knitting process diagrams, 'S + number' in the left column indicates the knitting process number. The right column shows the state of the stitches on the needle bed of the flat knitting machine. In the right column, black dots represent knitting needles, circles represent stitches, double circles represent overlapping stitches, V marks represent yarn overs, and inverted triangle marks represent yarn feeder 9. The areas where knitting actually took place in each process are indicated by thick lines. Filled-in circles represent stitches actually knitted in each process.

The knitting machine in this example is a four-bed knitting machine equipped with a lower front needle bed, a lower rear needle bed, an upper front needle bed, and an upper rear needle bed. The knitting needles on each needle bed may be simple needles or compound needles. Hereinafter, the lower front needle bed, lower rear needle bed, upper front needle bed, and upper rear needle bed will be referred to as FD, BD, FU, and BU, respectively. FD and BD face each other. FU and BU face each other above FD and BD. FD and FU and BD and BU are configured to be rackable relative to each other. Racking means that the needle bed moves in the longitudinal direction of the needle bed. In this example, BD and BU are the first needle beds, and FD and FU are the second needle beds. Stitches can be transferred between FD and BD, between FD and BU, and between BD and FU. The knitting process diagram shows only the knitting of the rear portion 100B of the knitted fabric 100, and omits the illustration of FD. The knitting process diagram does not show the specific knitting of the front portion 100F, but the front portion 100F is formed by the knitting process of the rear portion 100B, but in reverse. In the knitting of the front portion 100F, FD and FU are the first needle beds, and BD and BU are the second needle beds. The front portion 100F is mainly knitted using FD. Note that the knitting method of the fabric in this example can also be carried out on a two-bed flat knitting machine. In that case, each part of the knitted fabric 100 should be knitted using the needle-out knitting method. Needle-out knitting is a method of knitting with empty needles placed between adjacent stitches.

Step S0 in Figure 5 shows the state where the final course of stitches in the first base knitted fabric section 5 is locked to the BD. From this state in step S0, the first knitted fabric section 1 is knitted with the BD, continuing in the wale direction of some of the stitches in the first base knitted fabric section 5 (process A). Specifically, in step S1, the first knitted fabric section 1 is knitted continuing in the wale direction of some of the stitches in the first base knitted fabric section 5 that are locked to the BD, and this first knitted fabric section 1 is moved to the FU. In step S1, the BD and BU are further racked one pitch to the right.

In step S2, the first knitted section 1, which is secured to the FU, is moved to BD, the yarn feeder 9 is moved to the left, and the first knitted section 1 is knitted in one course, while the first increase stitch 11, which connects to the end stitch that constitutes the first side end 1E of the first knitted section 1, is knitted. The first side end 1E is the end of the first knitted section 1 in the knitting width direction. That is, the first increase stitch 11 connects to the first side end 1E. In this example, the first increase stitch 11 is a yarn over. Unlike this example, the first increase stitch 11 may be knitted by, for example, a spooling stitch.

After step S2, the knitting process of steps S1 and S2 is repeated. Step S3 shows the state after the repetition of steps S1 and S2 has been completed. In this case, multiple first increase stitches 11 are knitted, each connected to one of the multiple stitches constituting the first side end 1E of the first knitted section 1. In Figure 5, for the sake of explanation, the number of courses in the first knitted section 1 is less than the number of courses in the first knitted section 1 shown in Figure 3. Also, in this example, a first increase stitch 11 is knitted each time a course of the first knitted section 1 is knitted, but it is not necessary to knit a first increase stitch 11 when knitting some courses. This knitting corresponds to knitting multiple first increase stitches 11 connected to one of the partial stitches constituting the first side end 1E of the first knitted section 1.

From the state in step S3, the second knitted section 2 is knitted at a position adjacent to the first knitted section 1 in the width direction on the BD (process B). Specifically, as shown in step S4 of Figure 6, the yarn feeder 9 is moved to the right to knit the final course of the first knitted section 1 that is secured to the BD, and simultaneously knit the second knitted section 2 that continues in the wale direction of the first base knitted section 5. This knitting is done to facilitate the transfer of the first increase 11, which consists of yarn overs. The stitches that continue in the wale direction of the first increase 11 in step S3 are considered to be the first increase 11. In step S4, the stitches of the first knitted section 1 that is secured to the BD and the first increase 11 are further moved to the FU.

In step S5, the yarn feeder 9 is moved to the left, forming one course of the second knitted section 2, and the BD and BU are racked one pitch to the left. As a result, the second knitted section 2 moves so that the second side end 2E of the second knitted section 2, which is close to the first side end 1E, moves relatively closer to the first side end 1E. In step S5, further, the first increase stitch 11 that is closest to the second side end 2E among the first increase stitches 11 that are locked to the FU is superimposed on the end stitches that make up the second side end 2E by shifting stitches.

In step S6, the yarn feeder 9 is moved to the right, and the second increase stitch 21 is knitted on the needle of FU, which became an empty needle in step S5, while the second knitted section 2 is knitted in one course at BD. This step S6 fixes the overlap from step S5, and the second side end 2E and the first increase stitch 11 are joined. Since the second knitted section 2 is knitted in parallel with the first knitted section 1, the wale direction of the second knitted section 2 is the same as the wale direction of the first knitted section 1 (see the thick arrow in Figure 3). That is, the direction of the stitches in the second knitted section 2 and the direction of the stitches in the first knitted section 1 in the knitted fabric 100 are the same.

After step S6, the knitting process of steps S5 and S6 is repeated. Step S7 shows the state after the repetition of steps S5 and S6 has been completed. Through the process shown in Figure 6, at least some of the stitches constituting the second side end 2E are joined to a plurality of first increases 11, and a plurality of second increases 21 are knitted, connected to each of at least some of the stitches of the second side end 2E. In this example, the second increases 21 are yarn overs formed in the FU. If there is an empty needle in the FD, the second increases 21 may also be formed in the FD. The knitting range of the second increases 21 overlaps with the knitting range of the second knitted section 2.

From the state of step S7, the third knitted section 3 is knitted at a position overlapping the knitting range of the second knitted section 2 in BD (step C). Specifically, as shown in step S8 of Figure 7, the yarn feeder 9 is moved to the left, and one course of the third knitted section 3, which continues in the wale direction of the second knitted section 2 in BD, is knitted. In step S8, furthermore, the last knitted second increase stitch 21 of the second increase stitches 21 that are locked to the FU is superimposed on the end stitches that constitute the third side end 3E by stitch transfer.

In step S9, BD and BU are racked one pitch to the right. As a result, the third knitted section 3 moves so that the third side end 3E of the third knitted section 3, which is close to the second side end 2E, moves relatively closer to the second side end 2E. In step S9, the yarn feeder 9 is further moved to the right to knit a third increase 31 on the knitting needle of FU, which became an empty needle in step S8, and knit one course of the third knitted section 3 at BD. This step S9 fixes the overlap from step S8 and joins the third side end 3E and the second increase 21.

After step S9, the knitting process of steps S8 and S9 is repeated. Step S10 shows the state after the repetition of steps S8 and S9 has been completed. Through the process shown in Figure 7, at least some of the stitches constituting the third side end 3E are joined to a plurality of second increase stitches 21, and a plurality of third increase stitches 31 are knitted, each connected to at least some of the stitches of the third side end 3E. In this example, the third increase stitches 31 are yarn overs formed in the FU. The knitting range of the third increase stitches 31 is located outside the knitting range of the third knitted section 3.

Here, in step S7 of Figure 6, the multiple second increases 21 are knitted on the side of the second knitted fabric section 2 in the relative direction of movement of the second knitted fabric section 2 (to the left in this example). Furthermore, the second increases 21 are locked to the second needle bed FU and overlap with the knitting range of the second knitted fabric section 2, which is locked to the first needle bed BD. In this case, the third knitted fabric section 3, which continues in the wale direction of the second knitted fabric section 2, is knitted so as to overlap the back surface of the second knitted fabric section 2. The back surface of the second knitted fabric section 2 is the surface that faces the inside of the cylindrical shape when the second knitted fabric section 2 is knitted. As a result, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the third knitted fabric section 3 in the knitted fabric 100 is folded back inward from the second knitted fabric section 2. The wale direction of the third knitted fabric section 3, which is folded back relative to the second knitted fabric section 2, is opposite to the wale direction of the second knitted fabric section 2. In other words, the direction of the stitches in the third knitted section 3 of the knitted fabric 100 is opposite to the direction of the stitches in the second knitted section 2.

From the state of step S10, the fourth knitted section 4 is knitted at a position overlapping the knitting range of the third knitted section 3 (step D). Specifically, as shown in step S11 of Figure 8, the yarn feeder 9 is moved to the left, and one course of the fourth knitted section 4, which continues in the wale direction of the third knitted section 3, is knitted at BD. In step S11, BD and BU are further racked one pitch to the left. As a result, the fourth knitted section 4 moves so that the fourth side end 4E of the fourth knitted section 4, which is close to the third side end 3E, moves relatively closer to the third side end 3E. After that, the last knitted third increase stitch 31 of the third increase stitches 31 that are locked to FU is placed on top of the end stitches that make up the fourth side end 4E.

In step S12, the yarn feeder 9 is moved to the right to form one course of the fourth knitted section 4. This step S12 fixes the overlap from step S11, joining the fourth side end 4E to the third increase 31.

After step S12, the assembly process of steps S11 and S12 is repeated. Step S13 shows the state where the final third increase 31 is overlapped with the fourth side end 4E. In step S14, the yarn feeder 9 is moved to the right, and after assembling the final assembly course of the fourth knitted section 4, the first knitted section 1, which is secured to FU, is moved to BD. After step S14, the second base knitted section 6 is assembled in the wale direction, following the first knitted section 1 and the fourth knitted section 4, which are secured to BD.

Here, in step S10 of Figure 7, the multiple third stitches 31 are knitted near the left end of the third knitted section 3, opposite to the relative direction of movement of the third knitted section 3 (to the right in this example). Furthermore, the third stitches 31 are located outside the knitting range of the third knitted section 3, which is locked to the second knitting bed FU and also to the first knitting bed BD. In this case, the fourth knitted section 4, which continues in the wale direction of the third knitted section 3, is knitted so as to overlap the surface of the third knitted section 3. The surface of the third knitted section 3 is the surface that faces outward in a cylindrical shape during knitting. As a result, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fourth knitted section 4 is folded inward towards the skirt compared to the third knitted section 3. The wale direction of the fourth knitted section 4, which is folded inward relative to the third knitted section 3, is opposite to the wale direction of the third knitted section 3. In other words, the direction of the stitches in the fourth knitted section 4 of the knitted fabric 100 is opposite to the direction of the stitches in the third knitted section 3. The direction of the stitches in the fourth knitted section 4 is the same as the direction of the stitches in the first knitted section 1 and the second knitted section 2.

In the knitted fabric 100 knitted according to the knitting process diagram described above, as shown in Figure 3, the first knitted fabric section 1 and the second knitted fabric section 2 are arranged in parallel, and the second knitted fabric section 2, the third knitted fabric section 3, and the fourth knitted fabric section 4 overlap in the thickness direction. The direction of the stitches in the first knitted fabric section 1, the second knitted fabric section 2, and the fourth knitted fabric section 4 are the same, while the direction of the stitches in the third knitted fabric section 3 is opposite to the direction of the stitches in the other knitted fabric sections 1, 2, and 4. The first side edge 1E and the second side edge 2E are joined seamlessly by the first increase stitch 11, the second side edge 2E and the third side edge 3E are joined seamlessly by the second increase stitch 21, and the third side edge 3E and the fourth side edge 4E are joined seamlessly by the third increase stitch 31. As a result, a joint portion 103 (see Figure 1) of the first pleat 101 (see Figure 1) is formed in the knitted fabric 100, where the first side edge 1E, the second side edge 2E, the third side edge 3E, and the fourth side edge 4E are joined together seamlessly.

Once the knitting of the second base knitted section 6 shown in Figure 2 is complete, the knitting is carried out in the following order, as shown in the knitting diagram in Figure 4: the first knitted section 1Q, the second knitted section 2Q, the third knitted section 3Q, the fourth knitted section 4Q, and the third base knitted section 7. Figure 4 is a view of the second pleat 102 from inside the skirt. The first knitted section 1Q, the second knitted section 2Q, and the third knitted section 3Q overlap in the thickness direction, while the third knitted section 3Q and the fourth knitted section 4Q are parallel in the knitting width direction. The second pleat 102 is formed by the layered section 110 formed by the overlapping of the first knitted section 1Q, the second knitted section 2Q, and the third knitted section 3Q. The third base knitted section 7 is formed continuously in the wale direction of the second pleat 102.

The specific knitting procedure for the second pleat 102 will now be explained. First, the first knitted section 1Q is knitted in the wale direction, continuing from a portion of the second base knitted section 6. The arc arrows in Figure 4 indicate that the first knitted section 1Q is connected to the wale direction of the second base knitted section 6.

The first patchwork section 1Q in Figure 4 is constructed in the same way as the third patchwork section 3 shown in Figure 7. That is, while moving the first patchwork section 1Q in Figure 4 to the right, the first increase 11 is constructed to the left outer edge of the construction range of the first patchwork section 1Q.

The second knitted section 2Q is knitted in a position overlapping with the knitting range of the first knitted section 1Q; in this example, it is knitted immediately following the wale direction of the first knitted section 1Q. The second knitted section 2Q in Figure 4 is knitted in the same way as the second knitted section 2 shown in Figure 6. That is, while moving the second knitted section 2Q in Figure 4 to the left, the second increase stitch 21 is knitted to overlap with the knitting range of the second knitted section 2Q on its left side. The second knitted section 2Q is positioned outside the knitted fabric 100 compared to the first knitted section 1Q.

The third knitted section 3Q is knitted in a position overlapping with the knitting range of the second knitted section 2Q; in this example, it is knitted immediately following the second knitted section 2Q in the wale direction. The third knitted section 3Q is knitted in the same way as the first knitted section 1Q. That is, while moving the third knitted section 3Q to the right, the third increase stitch 31 is knitted to the left outside of the third knitted section 3Q. The third knitted section 3Q is positioned outside the knitted fabric 100 compared to the second knitted section 2Q.

The fourth knitted section 4Q is knitted in a position adjacent to the knitting range of the third knitted section 3Q. In this example, the fourth knitted section 4Q is knitted continuously in the wale direction in the area of the second base knitted section 6 where the first knitted section 1Q is not knitted. By knitting the fourth knitted section 4Q while moving it so that the fourth side end 4E of the fourth knitted section 4Q, which is close to the third side end 3E, approaches the third side end 3E, the fourth side end 4E of the fourth knitted section 4Q is joined to the third increase stitch 31.

Finally, the third base knitted section 7 is knitted in the wale direction, following the third knitted section 3Q and the fourth knitted section 4Q. As a result, the second pleat 102 is formed in the knitted fabric 100.

In the knitted fabric 100 constructed according to Figure 4, the first knitted section 1Q, the second knitted section 2Q, and the third knitted section 3Q are overlapped in the thickness direction, and the third knitted section 3Q and the fourth knitted section 4Q are parallel in the width direction. The direction of the stitches in the first knitted section 1Q, the third knitted section 3Q, and the fourth knitted section 4Q are the same, while the direction of the stitches in the second knitted section 2Q is opposite to the direction of the stitches in the other knitted sections 1Q, 3Q, and 4Q. The first side edge 1E and the second side edge 2E are joined seamlessly by the first increase stitch 11, the second side edge 2E and the third side edge 3E are joined seamlessly by the second increase stitch 21, and the third side edge 3E and the fourth side edge 4E are joined seamlessly by the third increase stitch 31. As a result, a joint 103 (see Figure 1) of the second pleat 102 is formed in the knitted fabric 100, where the first side edge 1E, the second side edge 2E, the third side edge 3E, and the fourth side edge 4E are joined together without stitching.

According to the knitting method of this example, a skirt can be knitted regardless of the length and number of the first pleats 101 and second pleats 102 in the knitting width direction, as long as the skirt length is within the range that can be knitted by the knitting needles of the flat knitting machine. Furthermore, according to the knitting method of this example, the positions of the multiple joining points 103 in the direction along the skirt length can be freely changed. For example, the position of the joining point 103 in the second pleat 102 can be positioned closer to the body than the first pleat 101, or closer to the hem. This is because the second pleat 102 is knitted independently of the first pleat 101 after the first pleat 101 is completed. In addition, the combination of the first pleats 101 and second pleats 102 in the knitted fabric 100 can be freely selected. For example, the knitted fabric 100 may have only the first pleats 101, or only the second pleats 102.

<Other Embodiments>
In Embodiment 1, a tubular knitted fabric 100 having a laminated section 110 formed by the overlapping of three knitted sections was described, but the number of overlapping knitted sections in the laminated section 110 is not particularly limited. The number of overlapping knitted sections in the laminated section 110 may be two, or it may be four or more. For example, the number of overlapping knitted sections in the laminated section 110 can be increased by repeating the knitting process shown in Figures 5 to 7. The knitted fabric 100 does not have to be tubular. Depending on the state of the laminated section 110, at least one of the first base knitted section 5, the second base knitted section 6, the third base knitted section 7, and the fourth knitted sections 4, 4Q may be absent.

Each knitted section of Embodiment 1 has a plain knit structure, but it may also have a patterned structure such as a rib knit or a mesh knit. In knitting a patterned structure, a first knitting bed and a second knitting bed facing the first knitting bed are used.

In addition, in the first pleat 101 of Embodiment 1, the second knitted section 2 and the third knitted section 3 were knitted together in the wale direction. However, the wale-direction end of the second knitted section 2 may be sealed to prevent the second knitted section 2 and the third knitted section 3 from connecting in the wale direction. Similarly, the wale-direction end of the third knitted section may be sealed to prevent the third knitted section 3 and the fourth knitted section 4 from connecting in the wale direction.

1, 1Q First knitted section, 1E First side edge, 11 First increase stitch 2, 2Q Second knitted section, 2E Second side edge, 21 Second increase stitch 3, 3Q Third knitted section, 3E Third side edge, 31 Third increase stitch 4, 4Q Fourth knitted section, 4E Fourth side edge 5 First base knitted section 6 Second base knitted section 7 Third base knitted section 9 Yarn feeder 100 Knitted fabric 100 S Knitting start section, 100 E Knitting end section 100F Front section, 100B Back section 101 First pleat 102 Second pleat 103 Joint 110 Laminated section 120 Non-laminated section

Claims (5)

A method for knitting a knitted fabric having a layered section in which multiple knitted sections are stacked on top of each other, using a flat knitting machine equipped with a first needle bed and a second needle bed, wherein the first needle bed and the second needle bed are relatively rackable and stitches can be transferred between the first needle bed and the second needle bed,
Step A involves forming the first knitted section which serves as the base point for the laminated section,
Step B involves knitting a second knitted fabric at a position adjacent to the first knitted fabric in the knitting width direction, or at a position overlapping the knitting range of the first knitted fabric.
The process includes step C of knitting a third knitted fabric at a position overlapping the knitting range of the second knitted fabric in the first knitting bed,
In step A, a first increase stitch is knitted, which is connected to each of at least some of the stitches that make up the first side edge of the first knitted fabric portion.
In step B, the second knitted fabric is moved by racking so that the second side end of the second knitted fabric, which is close to the first side end, is relatively closer to the first side end, thereby knitting the second knitted fabric, and at least some of the stitches constituting the second side end and the first increase stitch are sequentially joined by stitch transfer, and second increase stitches are knitted that are connected to each of at least some of the stitches of the second side end.
In step C, the third knitted fabric is moved by racking so that the third side end of the third knitted fabric, which is close to the second side end, is relatively closer to the second side end, thereby knitting the third knitted fabric, and at least some of the stitches constituting the third side end and the second increase stitch are sequentially joined by stitch transfer.
Methods for knitting fabrics. Furthermore, the process includes step D of knitting a fourth knitted section at a position adjacent to the third knitted section in the knitting width direction, or at a position overlapping the knitting range of the third knitted section.
In step C, a third increase stitch is further formed, connected to each of at least some of the stitches that make up the third side end.
In step D, the fourth knitted fabric is moved by racking so that the fourth side end of the fourth knitted fabric, which is close to the third side end, is relatively close to the third side end, thereby knitting the fourth knitted fabric, and at least some of the stitches constituting the fourth side end and the third increase stitch are sequentially joined together by stitch transfer, as described in claim 1. The knitting method for a knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in step B, the second increase is knitted on the side of the second knitted fabric portion that is in the relative direction of movement of the second knitted fabric portion. The knitting method for a knitted fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in step B, the second increase is knitted in the second knitted fabric section on the side opposite to the relative movement direction of the second knitted fabric section. Part 1: Land section,
A second knitted fabric portion is arranged in parallel to the width direction of the first knitted fabric portion, or overlaps with the thickness direction of the first knitted fabric portion,
It comprises a third knitted fabric portion that overlaps the second knitted fabric portion in the thickness direction,
Furthermore, the first side end of the first knitted fabric section, the second side end of the second knitted fabric section, and the third side end of the third knitted fabric section are connected without stitching,
The wale direction of the first knitted fabric section and the wale direction of the second knitted fabric section are the same or opposite.
The wale direction of the second knitted section and the wale direction of the third knitted section are opposite.
Knitted fabric.