Types Of Tricot Fabric

Tricot fabric derives its name from the French verb, 'Tricoter', which means knitting. While most knit fabrics are predominantly crafted on circular machines, tricot is woven on a flatbed machine. It is a warp-based fabric formed into loops and interwoven with weft threads in different ratios to produce a lengthwise rib pattern on the fabric front and a crosswise rib on the back. This is what defines the material's texture and durability. With the stability and firmness of woven fabric and the stretch of a knit, tricot fabric offers the best of both worlds.

Some of the unique properties of a tricot textile are:

• Heat-retention
• Water-absorption
• Quick drying
• Antibacterial
• Form-fitting
• Run-resistant

Types of Tricot Fabric:

1. Two-bar tricot fabric: This fabric type is produced by knitting two half tricots with two bars moving in the opposite direction. This type of fabric finds use in lingerie making.
2. Locknit fabric: It is one of the most rigid tricot fabric structures with edge curling towards the technical back. It is generally used to make ladies' loungewear.
3. Reverse locknut: It is a warp-knitted jersey-based textile in which the technical back is formed by tricot stitches lying uppermost and covering cord stitches lapped in the same or the opposite direction.
4. Satin fabric: This warp-knitted jersey-based fabric features the technical back formed by tricot stitches lying uppermost and covering satin stitches lapped in the same or the opposite direction. The satin in full threading creates shine and a smooth technical face because of the longer underlaps. The fabric possesses good elastic properties and is very comfortable to wear. Edge curls towards the technical back.
5. Sharkskin: Sharkskin is characterized by alternating light-coloured and dark-coloured yarns. With twill weave, it creates the finest of just visible diagonal lines. Perfect for the creation of day suits in various grey tones, sharkskin fabric is popular for both men's and women's worsted suits.
   It can also make light winter jackets and coats for men. Sportswear for women is another common end use of this fabric since the material is lightweight and launders easily.
6. Queen's cord: One of the basic warp-knitted structures with chain stitch lapping movement in the front of the guide bar. The fabric possesses superior dimensional stability.