Method and apparatus for transferring a loop from a selected needle to an adjacent needle for creating a decorative open-work pattern with no-run stitch and loop transfer knitting needle

Abstract

A method for creating an opening in tubular knitted fabric articles on a machine including a needle cam mounted for reciprocal movement between first and second vertically-spaced positions. In the first position the needle cam lowers successive needles to a position where the loop of yarn is released from a selected loop-forming needle and transferred to a transfer needle. In the second position the needle cam lowers successive needles to a position where the loop of yarn is transferred to a transfer needle adjacent the selected loop forming needle without being released from the selected loop-forming needle to thereby form a no-run stitch in the knitted fabric. A needle is selected from which a loop is to be transferred and the loop is enlarged on the selected needle by deflecting the loop out of the vertical plane of the selected needle laterally into the vertical plane of an adjacent needle while the adjacent needle is in a lowered, non-interfering position relative to the deflected loop. The adjacent needle extends upwardly into the enlarged loop. When the needle cam is in the first position, the selected needle is removed from the deflected loop, whereby the loop is transferred to the adjacent needle thus creating an opening in the fabric. When the needle cam is in the second position, the deflected loop is retained on the selected needle while the loop is also transferred to the adjacent needle thus creating a no-run opening in the fabric. A needle suitable for carrying out the loop transfer is also disclosed.