DOUBLE JERSEY KNITTED FABRIC WITH YARN SELECTION

Abstract

A method for producing a double jersey fabric on a double jersey, single jacquard circular knitting machine includes steps of knitting a front side of the fabric on a cylinder (C) and knitting the rear side of the fabric on a dial (D) of the machine, knitting a base yarn on a rear side of the fabric, except for connecting points where the base yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric. The method additionally includes steps of inserting a pattern yarn before a start of a pattern unit, which is produced using the pattern yarn, knitting the pattern yarn on the front side of the fabric in the pattern unit and cutting off the pattern yarn after the pattern unit.

Claims

1.-50. (canceled)

51. A method for knitting a double jersey knitted fabric on a double jersey, single jacquard circular knitting machine, wherein the fabric has a front side and a rear side, the method comprising the steps of: knitting the front side of the fabric on a cylinder (C) of the circular knitting machine; knitting the rear side of the fabric on a dial (D) of the circular knitting machine; knitting a base yarn on the rear side of the fabric, except for connecting points, where a base yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric; inserting a pattern yarn before a start of a pattern unit, wherein the pattern unit is produced using the pattern yarn; knitting the pattern yarn on the front side of the fabric in the pattern unit; and cutting off the pattern yarn after the pattern unit.

52. A method for knitting a double jersey knitted fabric on a double jersey, single jacquard circular knitting machine, wherein the fabric has a front side and a rear side, the method comprising the steps of: knitting the front side of the fabric on a cylinder (C) of the circular knitting machine; knitting the rear side of the fabric on a dial (D) of the circular knitting machine; knitting a base yarn on the rear side of the fabric, except for connecting points, where a base yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric; inserting a pattern yarn before a start of a pattern unit, wherein the pattern unit is produced using the pattern yarn; knitting the pattern yarn on both the front side and the rear side of the fabric in the pattern unit; and cutting off the pattern yarn after the pattern unit is produced using the pattern yarn.

53. A method for knitting a double jersey knitted fabric on a double jersey, single jacquard circular knitting machine, wherein the fabric has a front side and a rear side, the method comprising the steps of: knitting the front side of the fabric on a cylinder (C) of the circular knitting machine; knitting the rear side of the fabric on a dial (D) of the circular knitting machine; knitting a base yarn on the rear side of the fabric, except for connecting points, where the base yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric; either: knitting a first pattern yarn only on the front side of the fabric in a first pattern unit produced using the first pattern yarn, including having the first pattern yarn floating between the front side and the rear side of the fabric in a second pattern unit preceding the first pattern unit, and a third pattern unit following the first pattern unit, wherein the second pattern unit and the third pattern unit are not produced using the first pattern yarn; or inserting the first pattern yarn before the first pattern unit produced using the first pattern yarn, knitting the first pattern yarn on the front side in the first pattern unit, and cutting off the first pattern yarn after the first pattern unit; inserting a second pattern yarn before the second pattern unit produced using the second pattern yarn; knitting the second pattern yarn on both the front side and the rear side of the fabric in the second pattern unit; knitting the second pattern yarn on the rear side of the fabric in the first pattern unit; knitting the second pattern yarn on both the front side and on the rear side of the fabric in the third pattern unit; cutting off the second pattern yarn after the third pattern unit; and knitting a third pattern yarn in an identical manner to the first pattern yarn.

54. A method for knitting a double jersey knitted fabric on a double jersey, single jacquard circular knitting machine, wherein the fabric has a front side and a rear side and comprises a first pattern yarn, a second pattern yarn and a binding yarn, the method comprising the steps of: knitting the front side of the fabric on a cylinder (C) of the circular knitting machine; knitting the rear side of the fabric on a dial (D) of the circular knitting machine; knitting a base yarn on the rear side of the fabric, except for connecting points, where the base yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric; inserting a binding yarn at a position of 1 to 50 stitches before a start of a first pattern unit; knitting the binding yarn on the front side of the fabric before the start of the first pattern unit for the abovementioned number of stitches, together with the first pattern yarn that is knitted on the front side of the fabric before the start of the first pattern unit in a preceding pattern unit; inserting the first pattern yarn at the start of the first pattern unit and cutting off the second pattern yarn; knitting the binding yarn on the front side of the fabric after the start of the first pattern unit, together with the second pattern yarn knitted on the front side of the fabric in the preceding pattern unit; knitting the binding yarn on the front side of the fabric after the end of the first pattern unit for the abovementioned number of stitches, together with the first pattern yarn knitted on the front side of the fabric after the end of first pattern unit; and cutting off the binding yarn, such that loose ends of the binding yarn are between 0.1 cm to 5 cm long.

55. A method for knitting a double jersey knitted fabric having a front side, a rear side, a base yarn, and at least one of: a first pattern yarn, a second pattern yarn and a third pattern yarn, on a double jersey, double jacquard circular knitting machine configured with a cylinder (C) and a dial (D), wherein needles of the cylinder (C) are operated to knit the front side of the fabric and wherein needles of the dial (D) are operated to knit the rear side of the fabric, the method comprising the steps of: knitting the base yarn on the rear side of the fabric, except for connecting points, where the base yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric; inserting the first pattern yarn at a position of 1 to 50 stitches before a start of a pattern unit that is produced using the first pattern yarn and is knitted on the rear side of the fabric before a start of the pattern unit for the abovementioned number of stitches; subsequently knitting the first pattern yarn on the front side of the fabric in the pattern unit; knitting the first pattern yarn on the rear side of the fabric after the pattern unit for 1 to 50 stitches after an end of the pattern unit; and subsequently cutting off the first pattern yarn.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the second pattern yarn and the third pattern yarn are knitted in and around the second pattern unit and the third pattern units, in a similar manner as that of the first pattern unit produced using the first pattern yarn.

57. A fabric produced by the method according to claim 51.

58. A method for knitting a double jersey knitted fabric on a double jacquard circular knitting machine, wherein the fabric has a front side, a rear side, a base yarn, a mechanical yarn and a pattern yarn, the method comprising the steps of: knitting the pattern yarn on the front side of the fabric; inserting the mechanical yarn at a position of 1 to 50 stitches before a start of a mechanical unit produced using the mechanical yarn; knitting the mechanical yarn on the rear side of the fabric before the start of the mechanical unit with the abovementioned number of stitches, together with the base yarn; knitting the mechanical yarn on the rear side of the fabric in the mechanical unit, except for connecting points where the mechanical yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric; knitting the mechanical yarn on the rear side of the fabric after the mechanical unit produced using the respective mechanical yarn for 1 to 50 stitches, together with the base yarn; and subsequently cutting off the mechanical yarn.

59. The method according to claim 58, further comprising: inserting a second pattern yarn at a position of 1 to 50 stitches before a start of a pattern unit produced using the second pattern yarn and knitted on the rear side of the fabric before a start of the pattern unit for the abovementioned number of stitches; subsequently knitting second pattern yarn on the front side of the fabric in the pattern unit; knitting the second pattern yarn on the rear side of the fabric after the pattern unit for 1 to 50 stitches after the end of the pattern unit; and subsequently cutting off the second pattern yarn.

60. A fabric produced by the method according to claim 58.

61. A double jersey knitted fabric, comprising: a front side; a rear side; a base yarn knitted on the rear side of the fabric, except for connecting points, where the base yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric; and a pattern yarn inserted before a start of a pattern unit produced using the pattern yarn; wherein the pattern yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric in the pattern unit produced using the pattern yarn; and wherein the pattern yarn is cut off after the pattern unit produced using the pattern yarn.

62. A double jersey knitted fabric, comprising: a front side; a rear side; a base yarn knitted on the rear side of the fabric, except for connecting points, where the base yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric; and a pattern yarn; wherein the pattern yarn is inserted before a start of a pattern unit produced using the pattern yarn; wherein the pattern yarn is knitted on both the front side and the rear side of the fabric in the pattern unit; and wherein the pattern yarn is cut off after the pattern unit produced using the pattern yarn.

63. A double jersey knitted fabric, comprising: a front side; a rear side; a base yarn knitted on the rear side of the fabric, except for connecting points, where the base yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric; a first pattern yarn; a second pattern yarn; and a third pattern yarn; wherein the first pattern yarn is knitted only on the front side of the fabric in a first pattern unit produced using the first pattern yarn; and wherein the first pattern yarn either: floats between the front side and the rear side of the fabric in a second pattern unit preceding the first pattern unit and in a third pattern unit following the first pattern unit, wherein the second pattern unit and the third pattern unit are not produced using the first pattern yarn; or is inserted before the first pattern unit produced using the first pattern yarn, is knitted on the front side in the first pattern unit, and is cut off after the first pattern unit; wherein the second pattern yarn is inserted before the first pattern unit produced using the second pattern yarn; wherein the second pattern yarn is knitted on both the front side and the rear side of the fabric in the second pattern unit; wherein the second pattern yarn is knitted on the rear side of the fabric in the first pattern unit; wherein the second pattern yarn is knitted on both the front side and on the rear side of the fabric in the third pattern unit; wherein the second pattern yarn is cut off after the third pattern unit; wherein the third pattern yarn is knitted in an identical manner to the knitting of the first pattern yarn.

64. A double jersey knitted fabric, comprising: a front side; a rear side; a base yarn knitted on the rear side of the fabric, except for connecting points, where the base yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric; a first pattern yarn; a second pattern yarn; and a binding yarn; wherein the binding yarn is inserted at a position of 1 to 50 stitches before a start of a pattern unit; wherein the binding yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric before the start of the pattern unit for the abovementioned number of stitches, together with the first pattern yarn which is knitted on the front side of the fabric before the start of the pattern unit; wherein the second pattern yarn is inserted at the start of pattern unit and the first pattern yarn is cut off; wherein the binding yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric after the start of the pattern unit, together with the second pattern yarn knitted on the front side of the fabric in the pattern unit; wherein the binding yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric after the end of the pattern unit for the abovementioned number of stitches, together with the second pattern yarn knitted on the front side of the fabric after the end of the pattern unit; and wherein the binding yarn and the first pattern yarn are subsequently cut off so that loose ends of the binding yarn and the first pattern yarn are between 0.1 to 5 cm long.

65. A double jersey knitted fabric, comprising: a front side; a rear side; a base yarn knitted on the rear side of the fabric, except for connecting points, where the base yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric; and at least one of a first pattern yarn, a second pattern yarn or a third pattern yarn; wherein the first pattern yarn is inserted at a position of 1 to 50 stitches before a start of a pattern unit produced using the pattern yarn and is knitted on the rear side of the fabric before a start of a first pattern unit for the abovementioned number of stitches; wherein the first pattern yarn is subsequently knitted on the front side of the fabric in the first pattern unit; wherein the first pattern yarn is knitted on the rear side of the fabric after the first pattern unit for 1 to 50 stitches after an end of the first pattern unit; and wherein the first pattern yarn is subsequently cut off.

66. The double jersey knitted fabric of claim 65, wherein a second pattern unit and a third pattern yarn are produced using the second pattern yarn and the third pattern yarn, respectively, in a manner by which the first pattern unit is knitted using first pattern yarn.

67. A mattress tick comprising the double jersey knitted fabric according to claim 61.

68. A fabric knitted on a double jersey, double jacquard circular knitting machine, the fabric comprising: a front side; a near side; a base yarn; a mechanical yarn; and a pattern yarn; wherein the pattern yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric; wherein the mechanical yarn is inserted at a position of 1 to 50 stitches before the start of a mechanical unit produced using the mechanical yarn; wherein the mechanical yarn is knitted on the rear side of the fabric before a start of the mechanical unit for the abovementioned number of stitches, together with the base yarn; wherein the mechanical yarn is knitted on the rear side of the fabric in the mechanical unit, except for connecting points where the mechanical yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric; wherein the mechanical yarn is knitted on the rear side of the fabric after the mechanical unit produced using the respective mechanical yarn, for 1 to 50 stitches, together with the base yarn; and wherein the mechanical yarn is subsequently cut off.

69. The fabric according to claim 68, further comprising a second pattern yarn that is inserted at a position of 1 to 50 stitches before a start of a pattern unit produced using the second pattern yarn and is knitted on the rear side of the fabric before the start of the pattern unit for the abovementioned number of stitches; wherein the second pattern yarn is subsequently knitted on the front side of the fabric in the pattern unit; wherein the second pattern yarn is knitted on the rear side of the fabric after the pattern unit for 1 to 50 stitches after the end of the pattern unit; and where the second pattern yarn is subsequently cut off.

70. A mattress tick comprising the fabric according to claim 61.

71. A double jersey, double jacquard circular knitting machine, comprising: a cylinder (C) provided with a needle selector; a dial (D) provided with a needle selector; and one or more yarn selection mechanisms for the needles on the dial (D); wherein the circular knitting machine is configured for knitting a double jersey knitted fabric according to claim 61; wherein each yarn selection mechanism is provided with a yarn-cutting device; and wherein each yarn selection mechanism is configured to perform a yarn change at any position in the double jersey knitted fabric.

72. A double jersey, single jacquard circular knitting machine, comprising: a cylinder (C) provided with a needle selector and a dial (D); one or more yarn selection mechanisms for needles on the dial; wherein the circular knitting machine is configured for knitting a double jersey knitted fabric according to claim 61; wherein each yarn selection mechanism is provided with a yarn-cutting device; and wherein each yarn selection mechanism is configured to perform a yarn change at any position in the double jersey knitted fabric.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0277] FIG. 1 shows a specific embodiment of a fabric (100) according to the present invention.

[0278] FIG. 2 shows a specific embodiment of a knitting pattern (110) for a fabric (100) according to the present invention which comprises four different yarns (300), knitted on a double jersey, double jacquard circular knitting machine with 4 knitting systems (001-004).

[0279] FIG. 3 shows a specific embodiment of a knitting pattern (111) for a fabric (100) according to the present invention which comprises three different yarns (308, 310, 302), in which the knitting pattern (111) comprises instructions for producing a mechanical unit (900).

[0280] FIG. 4 shows a specific embodiment of a knitting pattern (112) for a fabric (100) according to the present invention which comprises four different yarns (308, 302, 304, 306), knitted on two systems (001, 002).

[0281] FIG. 5 shows a specific embodiment of the start of a pattern unit in a knitting pattern (113) for a fabric (100) according to the present invention which comprises four different yarns (308, 302, 312, 304), knitted on two systems.

[0282] FIG. 6 shows a combination of a number of different specific embodiments according to the present invention.

[0283] FIG. 7 shows a specific embodiment of the start of a pattern unit in a knitting pattern for a fabric (100) according to the present invention which comprises three different yarns (308, 302, 304), knitted on two systems.

[0284] FIG. 8 shows a specific embodiment of a knitting pattern (117) for a fabric (100) according to the present invention which comprises four yarns (300), knitted on four systems.

[0285] FIG. 9 shows a specific embodiment of a knitting pattern (118) for a fabric (100) according to the present invention which comprises four yarns (302, 304, 306, 308), knitted on four systems.

[0286] FIG. 10 shows a specific embodiment of a knitting pattern (119) for a fabric (100) according to the present invention which comprises four yarns (300), knitted on four systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0287] As used below in this text, the singular forms, “the” include both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0288] The terms “comprise”, “comprises” as used below are synonymous with “including”, “include” or “contain”, “contains” and are inclusive or open and do not exclude additional unmentioned parts, elements or method steps. The terms “comprise”, “comprises” include the term “contain”.

[0289] The enumeration of numeric values by means of ranges of figures comprises all values and fractions in these ranges, as well as the cited end points.

[0290] The term “approximately” as used when referring to a measurable value, such as a parameter, an amount, a time period, and the like, is intended to include variations of +/−10% or less, preferably +/−5% or less, more preferably +/−1% or less, and still more preferably +/−0.1% or less, of and from the specified value, in so far as the variations apply to the invention disclosed herein. It should be understood that the value to which the term “approximately” refers per se has also been disclosed.

[0291] All references cited in this description are hereby deemed to be incorporated in their entirety by way of reference.

[0292] Unless defined otherwise, all terms disclosed in the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning which a person skilled in the art usually gives them. For further guidance, definitions are included to further explain terms which are used in the description of the invention.

[0293] The present invention provides a method to achieve cost savings without loss of quality in the field of double jersey knitted fabrics, in particular double jersey knitted mattress ticks. The invention furthermore provides a fabric produced by this method and the use of a double jersey, preferably double jacquard, circular knitting machine in such a method.

[0294] Thus, the present invention for example provides a method for knitting a double jersey fabric in which expensive, aesthetic pattern yarns are inserted into a knitted fabric a few stitches before a pattern unit. These pattern yarns are, for example, anchored on the rear side of the fabric before the start of the pattern unit using a few stitches. In a pattern unit, the expensive pattern yarns are subsequently knitted on the front side of the fabric and after the pattern unit, the expensive pattern yarns are knitted for anchoring on the rear side of the fabric for a few stitches before being cut off. The loose ends of the pattern yarns are preferably only approximately one centimetre long, as a result of which the risk of anything showing through is eliminated. In addition, a significant amount of expensive pattern yarn is saved compared to the method as described, for example, in EP1975294 because expensive pattern yarns are only knitted in a pattern unit and in the immediate vicinity of a pattern unit.

[0295] An analoguous method makes a saving on mechanical yarn possible by inserting mechanical yarn only a few stitches before a mechanical unit (or pattern) and cutting off the mechanical yarn a few stitches after the mechanical unit.

[0296] Generally, any lay-in threads or filler threads (lay-in yarn or filler yarn) cover the loose ends of the cut-off pattern yarn, because these are anchored on the rear side of the fabric. As a result thereof, any risk of anything showing through in the region of the fabric where the loose ends have been inserted between the front and the rear side of the fabric is eliminated.

[0297] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that, in the prior art, with double jersey knitted fabrics, the intarsia technique is being used to knit yarns only in a specific location of a fabric. In that sense, this technique is a technology which has the same objective as the present invention. However, the intarsia technique requires a much more expensive machine as the machine has to rotate both clockwise and anticlockwise during the knitting process (return-knitting). Because this involves constant changes in direction, the knitting process proceeds at a much slower speed, resulting in lower productivity compared to the present invention. Finally, with the intarsia technique the freedom of design is also much more limited than with a knitting technique according to the present invention. In particular, it is not easy to produce asymmetrical designs by means of the intarsia technique.

[0298] In the subsequent paragraphs, the operation of the cutting device and the yarn selector is illustrated for pattern yarns and mechanical yarns. The operation applies analogously to binding yarns, mutatis mutandis. In order to describe the operation of the cutting device and yarn selector, the selection of pattern and/or mechanical yarns on a double jacquard circular knitting machine is described below by way of non-limiting example. The person skilled in the art will understand that such systems can also be installed on e single jacquard circular knitting machine, in which case the operation is modified in accordance with the methods for such equipment as described herein.

[0299] 1) The pattern or mechanical yarn to be selected is fed to the needles by the respective yarn selector at a position of 1 to 50, preferably 1 to 20, more preferably 1 to 10 and most preferably 1, 2 or 3 stitches before the start of the respective pattern unit, following which the yarn is first knitted in by the needles of the dial for the mentioned number of stitches on the rear side of the fabric, the yarn is subsequently knitted in by the needles of the cylinder on the front side of the fabric in order to produce the pattern unit and, finally, the yarn is again knitted in by the needles of the dial for the mentioned number of stitches on the rear side of the fabric. Providing or feeding the yarns by the yarn selector may also be aided by the clamping unit of the cutting device which can clamp the yarn for insertion and then immediately release the yarn once it has been carried along by the needles of the dial;

[0300] 2) When it has past the respective pattern unit, the yarn to be cut off is subsequently taken to the cutting device by the yarn selector and the yarn is clamped by the clamping unit and cut off by the cutting unit. Typically, a loose end having a length of approximately 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm, and most preferably approximately 1 cm, is formed in this case, which is tucked away between the knitted fabrics of the front and rear side.

[0301] In a specific embodiment, the present invention comprises a double jersey knitted fabric (100), as illustrated in FIG. 1. The double jersey knitted fabric (100) has a rear side (500) and a front side (600), knitted by one or more pattern yarns (302, 304, 306). The front side (600) of the fabric (100) is knitted on the cylinder (C) and the rear side (500) of the fabric (100) is knitted on the dial (D) by a base yarn (308). Between the front side (600) of the fabric (100) and the rear side (500) of the fabric (100), there is an enclosed space, the inner side (700) of the fabric (100). The inner side (700) of the fabric (100) optionally contains filler threads (710) which are intended to give volume to the fabric (100). This improves the ventilation of the fabric (100) and renders the fabric (100) softer to the touch. The yarns (302, 304, 306) used to knit a pattern unit (400) on the front side (600) of the fabric (100) are inserted a few stitches before the pattern unit (220) on the rear side of the fabric. The pattern yarns (302, 304, 306) used to knit a pattern unit (400) on the front side (600) of the fabric (100) are cut off after a few stitches which are knitted behind the pattern unit (400) on the rear side of the fabric. These yarns (302, 304, 306) are inserted and cut off in such a way that loose ends (820, 822) are created. These loose ends (820, 822) are positioned and/or fixed on the inner side (700) of the fabric (100) so that they are situated between the filler threads (710) and the rear side (500) of the fabric (100).

[0302] Positioning the loose ends (820, 822) in this way may be advantageous when it is undesirable for the loose ends (820, 822) to protrude from the rear side (500) of the fabric (100). This may be the case, for example, when the rear side (500) is subjected to a considerable shear load. If such a shear load acts on the loose ends (820, 822), the fabric (100) might become damaged.

[0303] In a further specific embodiment, the present invention comprises a method for knitting a double jersey fabric according to the present invention as well as the knitted fabric itself, as represented in the form of knitting pattern (110) in FIG. 2. The knitting pattern (110) comprises instructions for knitting four yarns (300) on the dial (D) and the cylinder (C) of a double jacquard, double jersey circular knitting machine. The rear side of the fabric is knitted on the dial (D) and the front side of the fabric is knitted on the cylinder (C). The yarns (300) are subdivided into two types of yarn. Base yarns (308) are only knitted on the rear side of the fabric (100), except for connecting points (240) between the rear side (500) and the front side (600) of the fabric (100) in a pattern unit (400). In this example, the pattern unit (400) is designed as a relief fabric. Pattern yarns (302, 304, 306) are only knitted on the front side of the fabric, except for a number of, for example three, stitches (220, 230) adjacent to a pattern unit (400) which are knitted on the rear side of the fabric. These few stitches (220, 230) serve as anchoring points between the front and rear side of the fabric (100). The pattern yarns (302, 304, 306) are inserted by a yarn selection mechanism shortly before their respective pattern unit (400) which is being knitted using the respective yarn(s) and they are cut off by a cutting device shortly after the respective pattern unit (400). This results in loose ends (830, 832). Inserting and cutting off the pattern yarns (302, 304, 306) just before and after the pattern unit (400) has various positive effects. Firstly, less pattern yarn is used, resulting in a significant saving in material and costs. Secondly, a showing-through effect is prevented which could occur if the pattern yarns (302, 304, 306) floated over long distances between the pattern units (400). Thirdly, it is possible to produce knitted fabrics which are more lightweight while retaining the same quality.

[0304] In a further specific embodiment, the present invention comprises a knitting pattern (111) as illustrated in FIG. 3. The knitting pattern (111) comprises instructions for knitting three yarns (308, 310, 302). Two yarns, one base yarn (308) and a mechanical yarn (310) are alternately knitted on the rear side, except in connecting points, and have a different elasticity. Thus, a fabric is produced which is elastic in a certain area (the mechanical unit) and is not elastic in another area, or to a lesser degree. Knitting of the base yarn (308) on the dial (D) starts according to the known double jersey technique. The mechanical yarn (310) is inserted a few stitches before the mechanical unit (900) and knitted on the dial for a few stitches together with the base yarn (308), after which the base yarn is cut off. A few stitches before the end of the mechanical unit (900), the base yarn is inserted again and knitted on the dial together with the mechanical yarn (310), after which the mechanical yarn is cut off. Thereafter, knitting is continued with the base yarn on the dial. In this way, a continuous line is formed in the knitted fabric on the dial which alternately contains a base yarn or a mechanical yarn, and only overlaps for a few stitches. The two yarns (308, 310) also comprise loose ends (831, 833) which are tucked away between the front side and rear side. The front side of the knitted fabric is knitted simultaneously with, for example, pattern yarns (302, 304, 306) on the cylinder (C). This process may be combined with a technique in which pattern yarns are inserted and cut off to form the pattern as described above.

[0305] In a specific embodiment, the present fabric comprises a knitting pattern (112), knitted on two systems (001, 002), for knitting three or more yarns (308, 302, 304, 306). A base yarn (308) is knitted in a first system on the dial (D) of a double jersey, single jacquard circular knitting machine, except for connecting points (240) where the front side and the rear side of the fabric are connected to each other by means of base yarn (308). A first and a second pattern yarn (302, 304) are knitted on the cylinder (C) of the circular knitting machine (FIG. 4). Pattern yarn (302) is knitted in pattern unit (401) and yarn (304) is knitted in the subsequent pattern unit (400). Pattern yarn (304) is inserted at the start of pattern unit (400) in which the respective yarn is knitted. Pattern yarn (302) is cut off at the end of the preceding pattern unit (401). In the transition regions between the successive pattern units (400 and 401), a binding yarn (312) is knitted together by means of yarns (302 and 304) to form double stitches by means of a plating technique (French: vanisage). The binding yarn may optionally be a thinner yarn than the pattern yarn. The term “thinner” as used herein means that the binding thread (312) has a diameter which is preferably smaller than that of the pattern yarns (302, 304) with which the binding thread is knitted together. A binding thread (312) which has approximately the same diameter as pattern yarns (302, 304) may also be used. In this way, pattern yarns (302, 304) are mechanically anchored at the transition between two pattern units (401 and 400). A similar system can be used for a further pattern yarn (306) with which a subsequent pattern unit (402) is knitted.

[0306] In a further specific embodiment, the present invention comprises the start of a pattern unit, represented as knitting pattern (113) in FIG. 5, for a fabric (100) according to the present invention. The knitting pattern comprises four different yarns (308, 302, 304, 306), knitted on two systems. Base yarn (308) is knitted on the rear side of the fabric. Pattern yarn (302) is knitted on the front side, just before a pattern unit which is knitted by means of a second pattern yarn (304). Pattern yarns (302) and (304) are anchored to each other by means of a binding yarn (312) which is knitted together with first pattern yarn (302) for a number of stitches, for example three stitches, before the start of the pattern unit which is produced using the second pattern yarn (304). The binding yarn (312) is also knitted together with the second pattern yarn (304) during the first stitches of the pattern unit which is produced using pattern yarn (304). The number of stitches is obviously not limited to the number of stitches mentioned here, but may also be, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more stitches, such as for example 1 to 10, 1 to 20 or 1 to 50 stitches.

[0307] In a further specific embodiment, a combination of different abovementioned aspects and embodiments is illustrated. In this specific embodiment, the present invention comprises a knitting pattern (140) for a fabric (100), as illustrated in FIG. 6. The fabric is knitted by means of four systems (001, 002, 003, 004). On system (001), a base yarn (308) is knitted on the dial, except for connecting points which are knitted on the cylinder. In systems (002, 003, 004), aesthetic pattern yarns (302a, 302b, 304, 306a, 306b) are knitted which are mainly knitted on the front side, except for anchoring points which are knitted on the dial. The knitting pattern (140) comprises instructions for knitting different pattern units (480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486) by means of different yarns (302a, 302b, 304, 306a, 306b). Pattern unit (480) is produced using pattern yarn (302a) and comprises an anchoring point (240) produced using base yarn (308). Pattern yarn (302a) is not cut off after pattern unit (480), but remains floating between the cylinder and the dial to be picked up again by the needles of the cylinder in pattern unit (482). Pattern unit (481) is produced using yarn (306a). Pattern yarn (306a) is only fixed on the dial by means of a few, for example two, stitches after inserting the yarn and a few, for example two, stitches before cutting the pattern yarn (306a). Pattern unit (482) is produced using pattern yarn (302a) and comprises one connecting point which is produced using base yarn (308). Pattern yarn (302a) is knitted on the dial after pattern unit (482) for a few, for example two, stitches and is subsequently cut off. Pattern unit (483) is produced using pattern yarn (306b). Pattern yarn (306b) is inserted before pattern unit (483), is knitted on the dial for a few, for example two, stitches before and after pattern unit (483) and is subsequently cut off. Pattern unit (484) is produced using pattern yarn (302b). Pattern yarn (302b) is inserted before pattern unit (484) and knitted on the dial for a few, for example two, stitches before pattern unit (484). After pattern unit (484), pattern yarn (302b) floats between the cylinder and the dial, except for connecting points on the dial. Pattern unit (485) is produced using a third pattern yarn (304). Third pattern yarn (304) is inserted before pattern unit (485), is knitted on the dial for a few, for example two, stitches before and after pattern unit (485) and floats after pattern unit (485) between the cylinder and the dial or can be cut off. Pattern unit (486) is produced using pattern yarn (302b). In this example, pattern yarns 302a and 302b are different parts of the same yarn. The second pattern yarns 306a and 306b are also different parts of the same yarn. Alternatively, the first, second and third pattern yarns may also in each case be composed of a different type (colour, form, thickness, finish, . . . ) of pattern yarn. The number of stitches is obviously not limited to the number of stitches mentioned herein, but may be, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more stitches, such as for example 1 to 10, 1 to 20 or 1 to 50 stitches.

[0308] In a further specific embodiment, the present invention comprises the start of a pattern unit represented as knitting pattern (114) in FIG. 7 for a fabric (100) according to the present invention. The knitting pattern comprises three different yarns (308, 302, 304), knitted on two systems. Base yarn (308) is knitted on the rear side of the fabric, except for connecting points (240, 242) at the transition between a first area where pattern yarn (302) is knitted on the front side of the fabric, and a second area where yarn (304) is knitted on the front side of the fabric. Connecting points (241, 242) ensure that yarns (302) and yarn (304) are anchored.

[0309] In a further specific embodiment, the present invention comprises a knitting pattern (117) for knitting a fabric (100) by means of four yarns (300), knitted by means of four systems. First base yarn (308) is only knitted on the dial (D), except for connecting points (240, 242). A second pattern yarn (302) is only knitted on the cylinder (C) in a pattern unit (400) which is produced using said second yarn. Pattern yarn (302) is inserted at the start of pattern unit (400) and is cut off after the end of pattern unit (400). Another, second, pattern yarn (304) is knitted in the preceding and subsequent pattern units (401 and 402, respectively), both on the cylinder (C) and on the dial (D). In pattern unit (400), the second pattern yarn (304) is only knitted on the dial (D). A further pattern yarn (306) may be knitted in the same manner as the third yarn (302), but on another knitting system (cf. FIG. 8).

[0310] In a further specific embodiment, the present invention comprises a knitting pattern (118) for knitting a fabric (100) by means of at least 2 yarns (300), knitted by means of at least 2 knitting systems. First base yarn (308) is only knitted on the dial (D), except for connecting points (240, 241). A second pattern yarn (304) is inserted before the start of a pattern unit (400) which is produced using said respective pattern yarn (304). This pattern yarn (304) is knitted on both the front side (600) and the rear side (500) of the fabric in the respective pattern unit (400) and is cut off after the pattern unit (cf. FIG. 9). Second pattern yarn (302) and optionally third pattern yarn (306) are only knitted on the front side of the fabric if three or four knitting systems are being used.

[0311] In a further specific embodiment, the present invention comprises a knitting pattern (119) for knitting a fabric (100) by means of four yarns (300), knitted by means of four knitting systems. Base yarn (308) is only knitted on the dial (D), except for connecting points (240, 242). Pattern yarn (302) is only knitted on the cylinder (C) in a pattern unit (400) which is produced using this second yarn. This pattern unit is preceded by a first pattern unit (401) and followed by a third pattern unit (402). Pattern yarn (302) floats between the front side (600) and the rear side (500) of the fabric in the preceding (first) pattern unit (401) and the subsequent (third) pattern unit (402) which is not produced using the pattern yarn (302). Alternatively, the pattern yarn (302) may be inserted before the pattern unit (400) and may be cut off after the first pattern unit (401), analogous to the embodiment described in FIG. 8. Another pattern yarn (304) is inserted, for example, at the start of first pattern unit (401) and is cut off after the end of the third pattern unit (402) and is knitted on both the cylinder (C) and the dial (D) in the preceding and subsequent pattern units (401 and 402, respectively). In the first pattern unit (400), the third yarn (304) is only knitted on the dial (D). A third pattern yarn (306) may be knitted in the same way as the third yarn (302) on another knitting system (cf. FIG. 10).