Flat Machine Knitting and Fabrics

"Flat Machine Knitting and Fabrics" by H. D. Buck is a technical manual on knitting techniques and machine operations written in the early 20th century. This comprehensive guide covers the intricacies of flat latch needle machines and their applications in fabric production, particularly focusing on the development of knitted fabrics and the machinery used to create them. The book aims to provide essential technical knowledge for individuals involved in the knitting industry, addressing gaps in existing educational resources at the time. The opening portion of the manual presents the author’s background and purpose for writing the book. Buck describes his experience taking charge of a class in knitting at the Textile School in New York, motivated by the need for suitable textbooks to educate students in the knitting industry. He explains the historical context of machine knitting, emphasizing advancements from simple hosiery production to a wide variety of garments made from knitted fabric. Initial chapters introduce fundamental concepts such as the formation and types of stitches, and how the loop structure serves as the basis for knitted textiles. The reader is encouraged to understand critical elements of loop construction to grasp more complex knitting operations discussed in later chapters.