Circular knitting produces a tube that may later be slit open during finishing. Single jersey machines use one needle cylinder, while double jersey machines add a second needle set in a dial positioned at right angles to the cylinder.

Circular Knitting Uses Gauge to Adjust Fabric Weight

Gauge describes needle density and influences the resulting stitch scale. Lower gauges generally produce coarser, heavier fabrics; higher gauges support finer, lighter constructions. Manufacturers may knit undyed yarn for subsequent piece dyeing or feed coloured yarns to develop stripes and patterned effects during knitting.