Manufacture of knitted brief blanks

Abstract

A method of knitting side-by-side brief blanks (BLK, BLK') in the form of a tube (T) on an electronically controlled circular knitting machine wherein the tube (T) is shaped by needle selection (50) between the brief blanks (BLK, BLK') to form apertures (AP, AP') which provide leg openings (LO, LO') by taking out of action needles (50') which would otherwise knit yarn across the apertures (AP, AP'). At the same time yarn feed (Y2) to the inoperative needles (50') is cut (42, 44) and trapped (46) whereby the apertures (AP, AP') are formed. End portions of the blanks (BLK, BLK') remain interconnected until the tube (T) is slit walewise to provide separate blanks (BLK, BLK') for making up briefs. Since yarn is not knitted across the apertures (AP, AP'), a considerable saving in the use of yarn is effected whilst shaping of leg openings (LO, LO') is facilitated.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.