Column Interval
Linear measurement of the distance between adjacent vertical columns of loops in a knitted fabric determines the horizontal density of the structure. This dimension, known as wale spacing, is primarily controlled by the needle pitch of the knitting machine used during production. It is a fundamental parameter used to calculate the total number of wales per centimeter or inch.
Mechanical Influence
Tension applied during the take-down process and subsequent finishing steps can alter this distance. While the number of needles is fixed, the wale spacing can increase if the fabric is stretched laterally or decrease if it is allowed to relax. This flexibility means that the measurement must be taken in a tensionless state to provide an accurate representation of the fabric’s natural geometry.
If the cloth is rolled under tension, the reported spacing will be artificially high.
Fabric Performance
Wider intervals between the vertical columns generally result in a more breathable and elastic material. Conversely, tight wale spacing produces a more opaque and stable cloth that is less prone to snagging or laddering during wear.
Technical Specification
Quality inspectors use a counting glass or an electronic density tester to verify that the material meets the agreed standards. Correct wale spacing ensures that garment panels cut from different rolls of the same batch will have identical stretch characteristics and visual appearance.
