What is jacquard knitting? Choices for patterned sweater production
Jacquard versus intarsia knitwear: colour repeats, reverse surfaces, yarn carries and sample checks for wholesale patterned sweaters.
The pattern is knitted, not printed
In jacquard knitting, stitch selection and yarn arrangement create the pattern within the fabric structure. A patterned surface is not necessarily printed. Jacquard is not the name of just one backing structure either; different constructions produce different thicknesses and handles. A photograph alone cannot identify the machine programme used.
Are jacquard and intarsia the same?
Intarsia allows separate colour areas to be formed using local yarn feeds. In jacquard, depending on the chosen construction, yarns can be carried or knitted in different ways on the reverse. Some machine programmes combine these techniques. Do not assume that the same method gives the best result for a large block of colour and a small repeating motif.
Information to include in the pattern file
Specify the motif repeat, number of colours, colour codes and where the pattern should sit on the sweater. Show front, back and sleeve layouts separately. Discuss how the colour repeat continues across sizes; a motif being cropped on a larger size can be a design decision. Use physical colour approval alongside the digital drawing.
Examine both sides of the sample
Evaluate not only the front pattern but also yarn carries on the reverse and the risk of snagging during wear. Include stretch, weight, dimensions after washing and pattern matching at edges in the inspection file. Bark Knitwear’s jacquard sweater quotation is clarified through an approved design and a manufacturable sample; identical prices or lead times are not assumed for every construction.