Basic Knitting Action of a Needle

The basic action of a needle are shown in below. Except for the manner in which the hook is closed (in this case by pressing the beard), the knitting action is similar for all needles.The arrows indicate the relative movement of the loops along the needles. (Whether the needle moves through the loops or the loops are moved over the needle by some other elements depends upon the machine design.)

1. The needle is in the (so-called) rest position, with the previously formed loop (a) held on its stem and covered by the hook.

2. The loop is cleared from the needle hook to a lower position on the needle stem.

3. The new yarn (b) is fed to the needle hook at a higher position on the needle stem than the position of the previous (‘old’) loop.

4. The yarn is formed into a ‘new’ loop.

5. The hook is closed, enclosing the new loop and excluding and landing the old loop onto the outside of the closed hook.

6. The new loop (b) is drawn through the head of the old loop (a). Simultaneously the old loop slides off the closed hook of the needle and is cast-off or knocked-over.
7. The old loop now hangs from the feet of the fully formed new loop and the knitting cycle starts again.

Fig. Basic knitting action of a needle.