If you're in the business of producing knit fabric at scale, the jersey circular knitting machine is likely the most important piece of equipment in your factory floor. From lightweight T-shirt fabric to performance sportswear, jersey machines power the backbone of global knitwear manufacturing.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know — machine types, key specifications, applications, and what to look for when sourcing a supplier.
What Is a Jersey Circular Knitting Machine?
A jersey circular knitting machine is an industrial textile machine that produces jersey knit fabric using a circular arrangement of latch needles. The cylinder rotates continuously, interlocking yarn loops to form a seamless tube of fabric at high speed.
The term "jersey" refers to the knit structure itself — characterized by a smooth face side and a textured back side. Jersey fabric is the most widely produced knit construction in the world, used in T-shirts, polo shirts, underwear, sportswear, and casual apparel.
Jersey machines are broadly categorized into two main types: single jersey and double jersey — each suited to different fabric outputs and production goals.
Single Jersey vs. Double Jersey: What's the Difference?
Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machine
A single jersey circular knitting machine uses a single cylinder of needles with no dial. It produces plain, single-faced jersey fabric — lightweight, breathable, and ideal for high-volume garment production.
Key characteristics:
- · One needle bed (cylinder only)
- · Produces plain jersey, pique, fleece, and terry fabric
- · Lightweight output, typically 100–220 GSM
- · High production speed with multiple yarn feeders
- · Lower machine cost compared to double jersey models
- · Fabric has a natural curl at edges (requires finishing)
Common applications:
- · T-shirts and basic tops
- · Activewear and base layers
- · Underwear and infant apparel
- · Fabric rolls for cut-and-sew operations
The single jersey circular knitting machine for fabric production remains the top choice for garment factories focused on cost-efficient, high-output jersey fabric manufacturing.
Double Jersey Circular Knitting Machine
A double jersey circular knitting machine uses both a cylinder and a dial — two needle beds working together to produce double-faced, dimensionally stable fabric.
The two most common double jersey constructions are:
- · Interlock — smooth on both sides, heavier and firmer than single jersey, popular for polo shirts and premium knitwear
- · Rib — highly elastic, used for cuffs, neckbands, waistbands, and fitted garments
Key characteristics:
- · Two needle beds (cylinder + dial)
- · No edge curl — more stable fabric structure
- · Heavier weight, better shape retention
- · Suitable for structured garments requiring body and drape
- · Higher machine investment but premium output quality
For factories targeting premium apparel markets or performance wear buyers, a double jersey circular knitting machine with interlock capability delivers superior fabric quality and higher per-meter value.
Key Technical Specifications to Evaluate
When comparing jersey circular knitting machine specifications, focus on these parameters:
| Parameter | What It Affects | Typical Range |
| Machine Diameter | Fabric tube width | 24" – 38" (single jersey) |
| Gauge (G) | Fabric fineness / yarn count | 18G – 40G |
| Number of Feeders | Production speed and output | 48 – 144 feeders |
| RPM | Rotation speed and throughput | 15 – 30 RPM |
| Yarn Count Range | Compatible yarn types | Ne 16s – 60s |
A higher feeder count means faster fabric output. For example, a high speed jersey circular knitting machine running 96 feeders can produce significantly more meters per shift than a 48-feeder model. Match feeder count to your required daily output before purchasing.
Gauge selection depends on your target fabric weight. A jersey circular knitting machine 28 gauge is a versatile mid-range choice suitable for most standard apparel fabrics, while finer gauges (32G–40G) are needed for lightweight technical textiles.
What Fabrics Can a Jersey Machine Produce?
A well-configured jersey circular knitting machine is more versatile than many buyers expect. With different cam settings and yarn feeding arrangements, it can produce:
- · Plain single jersey — standard T-shirt and sportswear fabric
- · Pique / lacoste — textured surface for polo shirts
- · Terry / French terry — loop-backed fabric for sweatshirts and hoodies
- · Fleece — brushed loop fabric for outerwear linings
- · Striped jersey — multi-color yarn feeding for stripe patterns
- · Interlock / rib (double jersey models)
This flexibility makes the jersey knitting machine a foundational asset for factories serving multiple garment categories.
How to Choose the Right Jersey Circular Knitting Machine
Before placing an order, work through these four questions:
1. What fabric construction do you need?
Single jersey for lightweight apparel, or double jersey for structured and premium fabrics? This determines your machine type first.
2. What is your required output volume?
Calculate your daily meters-per-shift target. This determines the number of feeders, machine diameter, and how many units you need.
3. What yarns will you run?
Cotton, polyester, nylon, modal, or blends? Confirm yarn count compatibility with the supplier before ordering. Not all jersey circular knitting machine gauge configurations handle the same yarn range.
4. What is your budget and support requirement?
Factor in not just machine price but also installation, spare parts availability, and after-sales technical support — especially critical when sourcing a jersey circular knitting machine from China.
Why Source a Jersey Circular Knitting Machine from China?
China manufactures the majority of the world's circular knitting machines, offering competitive pricing, wide product variety, and growing technology capability. Leading manufacturing clusters are concentrated in Hangzhou, Quanzhou, and Guangdong.
When evaluating a jersey circular knitting machine manufacturer, look for:
- · ISO 9001 or CE certification
- · Minimum 1-year warranty on major components
- · Documented export history to your target region
- · Availability of English-language technical support
- · Spare parts supply within reasonable lead time
Many Chinese factories now offer video factory inspections, sample fabric trials before shipment, and engineer installation services — reducing sourcing risk significantly.
Ready to Source Your Jersey Knitting Machine?
Whether you need a single jersey circular knitting machine( for high-volume jersey fabric, a double jersey machine for interlock production, or a customized configuration for a specialty fabric, the right supplier makes all the difference.
Contact our team today for machine specifications, pricing, and availability.
We respond within 24 hours and offer free pre-purchase technical consultation.
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Post time: Jul-21-2026