Circular knitting involves creating a seamless tube of fabric. This method utilizes either circular needles or a specialized knitting machine to produce a continuous spiral of stitches, eliminating the need for seaming edges together. Examples include socks, hats, and sweater bodies knitted in one piece.
This technique offers numerous advantages. The absence of seams results in greater comfort and a cleaner aesthetic. Furthermore, the process often streamlines garment construction, reducing finishing time and material waste. Historically, circular knitting emerged as a response to the demand for efficient production of hosiery and other tubular garments.