Whole-garment knitting uses coordinated needle beds to create the shape of a garment during knitting. A yarn traverses horizontally while the machine controls where stitches form, allowing three-dimensional clothing to emerge with little subsequent linking or sewing.

Illustrative image
Illustrative image.

Computer-aided design connects the intended silhouette to the knitting programme. The approach changes production planning because shape and fabric structure are developed together rather than cutting a complete set of panels from yardage. Depending on the design, a garment can leave the machine without conventional assembly seams.