Which needle is used in flat knitting machine?

Flat knitting machines use a variety of needles, depending on the specific knitting machine model and the type of knitting they are designed for. The choice of needles can impact the stitch pattern, gauge, and fabric characteristics. Here are some common types of needles used in flat knitting machines:

1. Latch Needles (or Spring Needles): Latch needles are the most commonly used needles in flat knitting machines. They have a small latch mechanism that opens and closes to catch and release the yarn during knitting. Latch needles are versatile and can produce a wide range of knit fabrics, including jersey, rib, and purl stitches.

2. Bearded (or Compound) Needles: Bearded needles have a small beard or hook on the hook shank, which helps to prevent the yarn from slipping off the needle. These needles are often used for knitting delicate or slippery yarns.

3. Compound Needle with Transfer Jack: Compound needles combine a bearded needle with a transfer jack mechanism. These needles are used in some flat knitting machines to facilitate complex stitch patterns and transfers.

4. Ribber Needles: In machines equipped with ribbing attachments or ribber beds, ribber needles are used alongside main bed needles to create ribbed fabrics. These needles are typically shorter than main bed needles.

5. Sinker Needles: Sinker needles are used in machines that employ a sinker plate or sinker loops to hold down the fabric while knitting. They are commonly used in industrial knitting machines for producing fine-gauge fabrics.

6. Transfer Needles: Transfer needles are used for transferring stitches between needles or beds to create shaping, decorative patterns, or complex structures.

7. Latching Needle:  Latching needles are a type of latch needle with a unique latching mechanism. They are commonly used in electronic flat knitting machines for producing fine-gauge and intricate knitwear.

8. Knit Radar Needles: Knit radar needles are specialized needles used in machines equipped with knit radar devices. These devices help control stitch density and tension automatically during knitting.

The selection of needles depends on the knitting machine's capabilities and the desired fabric or pattern. Different needle arrangements, such as needle gauge and needle selection, can be used to create various knit structures and textures. Manufacturers often provide guidance on which needles to use for specific knitting tasks in the machine's manual or documentation.