Single Jersey Knitting Machine Guide Features Types and Uses

Understanding Single Jersey Fabric

When you invest in a single jersey knitting machine, you’re really investing in a workhorse for lightweight, everyday knit fabrics. Single jersey is the core fabric for T‑shirts, casualwear, and much of today’s sportswear because it delivers a strong balance of comfort, cost, and speed.

Key Characteristics of Single Jersey Fabric

Single jersey fabric is a weft‑knit, made on a single cylinder with one needle bed. That structure gives it a very specific performance profile:

• Face and back are different

  • Technical face: clear, vertical wales (smooth surface, good for printing).
  • Technical back: horizontal courses with slight loops (softer, brushed feel).

• Lightweight and breathable

  • Ideal GSM range: roughly 120–220 gsm for most T‑shirt and fashion applications.
  • Good air permeability and moisture handling when knitted on a modern high‑speed single jersey circular knitting machine.

• Natural stretch and drape

  • More stretch in the width direction, less in the length.
  • Smooth, flowing drape that suits casual tops, dresses, and base layers.

• Curling tendency at the edges

  • Fabric curls towards the face at the sides and towards the back at the top and bottom, which matters for cutting and spreading.

• Good printability and dye uptake

  • Clean surface from a well‑set cylinder gauge gives crisp prints and solid colors.

Common Applications for Single Jersey Fabric

With the right single jersey knitting machine settings, you can cover a broad range of commercial products:

• Everyday apparel

  • Classic T‑shirts, polo shirt bodies, casual dresses, leggings, kidswear.

• Sportswear and athleisure

  • Lightweight performance tops, running shirts, yoga and gym layers, seamless‑look base layers when using elastane.

• Undergarments and sleepwear

  • Soft single jersey for briefs, camisoles, boxers, lounge tops, and pajamas.

• Value‑added structures (using special cams and feeders)

  • Piqué for polo shirts.
  • Mesh single jersey for breathable sports panels.
  • Spandex single jersey fabric for compression or fitted silhouettes.

When paired with a precise single jersey circular knitting machine, these end products stay consistent in GSM, width, and hand‑feel from lot to lot.

Yarn Types Used in Single Jersey Knitting

The yarn choice determines cost, feel, and performance. On my machines, I typically see three main groups:

• Cotton and cotton blends

  • 100% combed or carded cotton for core T‑shirt fabric.
  • Cotton/polyester and cotton/modal for improved stability, pilling resistance, or softness.

• Synthetic and functional yarns

  • Polyester and micro polyester for moisture‑wicking sportswear.
  • Nylon where higher abrasion resistance is needed.
  • Engineered yarns for industrial and technical single jersey fabric production.

• Elastane (Spandex / Lycra) blends

  • 3–8% spandex in core‑spun or covered yarns for stretch single jersey.
  • Run on a Lycra single jersey machine with a positive yarn feeding system to keep fabric weight and recovery stable.

Choosing the right yarn and matching it with a well‑calibrated single jersey knitting machine is what turns basic circular knitting into consistent, high‑value fabric production.

How a Single Jersey Circular Knitting Machine Works

A single jersey circular knitting machine uses a single cylinder with one set of needles to create classic weft‑knitted fabrics like T‑shirts and sportswear. The needles sit in vertical grooves on the cylinder and rotate at high speed, forming loops row by row as yarn is fed into the machine.

Basic weft knitting principle with single cylinder

In a single jersey knitting machine, the fabric is built horizontally (weft knitting):

• The cylinder rotates and carries the needles past fixed cams.
• Cams raise and lower the latch needles in a set pattern.
• As needles rise, they catch the yarn; as they fall, they close the latch and pull the new yarn through the old loop, forming a stitch.

Because there’s only one needle bed (one cylinder, no dial), the structure is lighter and more elastic than double jersey.

Knitting process: yarn feeding, loop formation, take‑down

The full knitting cycle on a high speed single jersey knitter is simple and efficient:

1. Yarn feeding
   
   Positive yarn feeding systems and feeders around the cylinder deliver a constant yarn supply. Each feeder adds one course of fabric, and more feeders per inch means higher output.

2. Loop formation

   • Needles rise: hooks open and receive yarn.
   • Needles descend: latches close, pulling the new yarn through existing loops.
   • Cams and sinkers control stitch length and fabric density.

3. Take‑down and rolling
   
   Finished tubular fabric is pulled downward by the take‑down system and then rolled. Consistent take‑down tension keeps fabric weight and appearance stable.

If you want to go deeper into loop formation, cam design, and feeding systems, you can check Eastino’s technical posts in their circular knitting machine blog sitemap, which covers real mill‑level setups and troubleshooting.

Advantages of tubular fabric and high‑speed production

Running a single jersey circular knitting machine in tubular mode is a big plus for U.S. apparel producers:

• No side seams – better comfort and faster garment sewing.
• Higher speed – fewer parts than a double jersey circular knitting machine, so it runs faster and is more energy efficient.
• Less waste – tubular fabric reduces cutting waste for basic tees and sportswear.

This combination of tubular single jersey fabric and high‑speed production is why many U.S. T‑shirt, athleisure, and promotional apparel factories rely on single jersey machines as their core knitting equipment.

Key Features of a Single Jersey Knitting Machine

Cylinder Diameter and Gauge Options

On our single jersey circular knitting machines, I focus on flexible sizing so you can hit your target fabric range without over‑investing in extra machines.

Typical options:

• Fine gauges (28–32G): lightweight breathable single jersey fabric for premium tees and performance wear.
• Medium gauges (24–26G): standard single jersey T‑shirt fabric for mass production.

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Feeder Configuration and Productivity

Feeder count and layout directly decide your output and fabric range.

• High feeders per inch = more production per hour.
• Even feeder layout = stable fabric quality, fewer bar marks.
• Positive yarn feeding system keeps yarn tension consistent, key for Lycra and spandex single jersey fabric.

If you’re running high‑volume basics, a high‑speed single jersey knitter with dense feeder configuration gives the best $/lb.

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Cam System and Stitch Options

A modern single jersey cam system lets you switch quickly between structures without killing uptime.

You can typically run:

• Plain single jersey
• Piqué and mini‑pique (pique fabric knitting machine setup)
• Mesh single jersey fabric knitting
• Elastane / Lycra single jersey machine setups

Quality machines use imported knitting cams with precise profiles for cleaner loops and less needle wear. Multi‑track options (like a 4 track cam single jersey machine) widen your fabric design window.

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Central Adjustment for Fabric Density and Weight

For the U.S. market, where style changes fast and orders shift weekly, central stitch adjustment is a must.

• Adjust fabric GSM (weight) from one point via VDQ pulley or central system.
• Change loop length to move from lightweight summer tees to heavier fashion knits with minimal downtime.
• Keep fabric density stable across long runs, cutting waste and shade variation.

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High‑Speed Operation and Energy Efficiency

I build around high‑speed operation without sacrificing fabric quality:

• Optimized drive system and balanced frame for low vibration at high RPM
• Energy efficient knitting machine design to reduce kWh per pound of fabric
• Stable speed even on fine gauges and spandex blends

For U.S. producers dealing with high labor and power costs, this is where your profit margin comes from.

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Interchangeability with Terry and Fleece Kits

A smart single jersey circular knitting machine should be interchangeable:

• Terry conversion kit for circular knitting machine → lightweight terry, towel‑like knits, fashion loungewear
• Single jersey fleece conversion kit → brushed fleece, sweatshirt fabric, athleisure

This modular setup turns one frame into a multi‑purpose textile knitting equipment platform, great for flexible production planning.

If you want to dive deeper into specific models and configurations, you can browse our current single jersey ranges in the EASTINO knitting machine product sitemap or check detailed specs listed under our single jersey machine posts and updates.

Main Parts of a Single Jersey Knitting Machine

Knowing the main parts of a single jersey circular knitting machine makes it a lot easier to run, adjust, and troubleshoot in production.

Cylinder and Needle Bed

The alloy steel knitting cylinder is the heart of the machine. It holds the vertical needle bed where all the latch needles sit in precision-cut grooves. The diameter and gauge of this cylinder decide your fabric width and fineness, which is critical for T‑shirt, sportswear, and other single jersey fabric production.

Latch Needles and Sinkers

Latch needles form the loops, while sinkers hold and control the fabric as it knits. High‑quality, wear‑resistant needles and sinkers give you:

• Stable loop formation
• Fewer dropped stitches
• Cleaner fabric surface

This is especially important when you run spandex single jersey fabric or fine gauges.

Cam Boxes and Cam Tracks

The single jersey cam system sits inside the cam boxes around the cylinder. The cam tracks drive the needles up and down to knit, tuck, or miss. With imported cams and optional 4 track cam single jersey machine setups, you can switch quickly between plain, pique, mesh, and other structures using the same base machine. You’ll see these options detailed in many precision circular knitting machine specs in Eastino’s single jersey machine resources.

Yarn Feeders and Positive Feeding Systems

Yarn feeders guide yarn into the needles, and a positive yarn feeding system keeps yarn tension stable at high speed. For Lycra and elastic yarns, a controlled feeding system is key to predictable fabric weight, width, and stretch, especially on Lycra single jersey machines used for U.S. sportswear and athleisure.

Frame, Drive System, and VDQ Pulley

The rigid machine frame supports the drive system, motor, and gear transmission. A VDQ pulley stitch control lets you fine-tune stitch length mechanically, matching fabric density and weight to your order specs without a long setup time. For U.S. mills chasing lower kWh per pound, an energy efficient knitting machine with a smooth drive system makes a measurable difference.

Fabric Take‑Down and Rolling System

The fabric take‑down and rolling system pulls the tubular single jersey fabric evenly from the knitting zone and winds it into rolls. Consistent take‑down pressure keeps GSM and loop shape stable across long runs. On industrial circular knitting machines, a well‑balanced take‑down is what keeps production fabric looking like your lab sample roll, day in and day out.

Single Jersey vs Double Jersey Knitting Machine

Machine structure differences

In simple terms, a single jersey knitting machine has:

• One cylinder needle bed (single set of needles)
• No dial needles working on top
• A lighter, more open single jersey circular knitting machine setup that’s easier to run and maintain

A double jersey circular knitting machine has:

• Cylinder + dial (two needle beds)
• More complex cam and needle systems
• Heavier frame and higher machine cost

If you want high volume basics like T‑shirts and sportswear, the single jersey knitter is the more practical and efficient choice.

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Fabric structure and hand‑feel comparison

Single jersey fabric from a single jersey knitting machine:

• One‑sided structure (clear face and back)
• Lightweight, breathable, and soft
• Great for T‑shirts, casual wear, and sportswear single jersey fabric
• Better drape, cooler on skin

Double jersey fabric from a double jersey knitting machine:

• Two‑sided / interlock structure
• Thicker, more stable, and less stretch
• Better for polo shirts, heavier tops, leggings, and rib cuffs

If your U.S. buyers want lightweight breathable knitted fabric with a soft hand for warm climates or all‑day wear, single jersey fabric production is usually the right move.

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Production speed and cost comparison

On the same diameter and gauge:

• A high speed single jersey knitter normally runs faster than a double jersey machine
• Fewer parts = lower power use and lower maintenance cost
• Easier to train operators, fewer setup hours

For U.S. factories focused on cost per pound, single jersey circular knitting machines usually:

• Give higher output per shift
• Need less investment in needles, cams, and spare parts
• Help keep single jersey T‑shirt fabric pricing competitive

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When to choose a single jersey machine

I choose a single jersey knitting machine when I need:

• Basic to mid‑value apparel: T‑shirts, tops, loungewear, base‑layer, athleisure
• Spandex single jersey fabric for leggings, activewear (Lycra single jersey machine setups handle this well)
• Pique fabric knitting, mesh single jersey, and other variations with

Advantages of Single Jersey Knitting Machines

High productivity and cost efficiency

A modern single jersey knitting machine is built for volume. For U.S. apparel makers trying to keep lead times tight and margins healthy, this matters.

• High‑speed production with multiple feeders per inch
• Stable tubular single jersey fabric output with fewer stoppages
• Lower labor cost per pound of fabric
• Optimized power usage per RPM for better cost per yard

You get more single jersey fabric production done per shift with less overhead.

Versatility in fabric structures

A single jersey circular knitting machine isn’t just for basic T‑shirts. With the right cams and yarns, you can switch quickly between:

• Classic single jersey T‑shirt fabric
• Pique fabric for polos
• Mesh single jersey fabric for sportswear
• Spandex single jersey fabric for stretch styles

One machine can cover a wide range of lightweight breathable knitted fabric needs for U.S. brands and private label work.

Ease of operation and maintenance

On the production floor, simplicity wins. A well‑designed high speed single jersey knitter should:

• Have clear access to single jersey knitting machine parts for quick cleaning
• Use a straightforward single jersey cam system for easy style changes
• Support fast needle and sinker replacement
• Include basic knitting machine troubleshooting aids on the frame

This keeps training time short and changeovers fast, which is critical for short U.S. production runs.

Durability and material quality

For long‑term ROI, the build quality of the textile knitting equipment matters more than the price tag alone. A serious production‑grade machine should feature:

• Hardened alloy steel knitting cylinder for long life
• Precision‑machined knitting machine cylinder and needle bed
• Imported knitting cams with stable profiles at high speed
• Rigid frame and drive system to reduce vibration and defects

This kind of construction holds gauge and quality even on 24/7 operation.

Why EASTINO single jersey machines stand out

With EASTINO single jersey machines, I focus on what U.S. knitters actually need: reliable output, easy operation, and real flexibility.

Key points that set EASTINO apart:

• Precision circular knitting machine features tuned for high RPM and low energy use
• Smart VDQ pulley stitch control for fast fabric weight and density adjustment
• Interchangeable setups with terry conversion kit for circular knitting machine and single jersey fleece conversion kit
• Stable running with positive yarn feeding system for cotton, blends, and Lycra
• Built to handle both bulk basics and higher‑margin sportswear single jersey fabric

If you’re weighing single jersey knitting machine price against long‑term performance, EASTINO is built to pay off in uptime, fabric quality, and flexibility across your U.S. customer base.

Applications of Single Jersey Knitting Machines

Everyday apparel fabrics

Single jersey knitting machines are my go‑to for high‑volume, everyday apparel fabrics in the U.S. market. With a high speed single jersey circular knitting machine, I can consistently run:

• Single jersey T‑shirt fabric for basics, promo tees, and fashion tops
• Lightweight breathable knitted fabric for summer wear and layering pieces
• Piqué fabric for polos and golf shirts (using a pique fabric knitting machine setup)
• Mesh single jersey fabric for linings and casual sports tops

Tubular single jersey fabric and open width single jersey machine setups both work well for U.S. brands that need fast turnarounds, frequent style changes, and competitive pricing.

Specialized elastic and sportswear fabrics

For performance and athleisure, I rely on Lycra single jersey machines and spandex single jersey fabric setups that handle elastic yarns smoothly:

• Compression tops, leggings, and yoga wear
• Stretch base layers and performance tees
• Sportswear single jersey fabric with moisture‑management yarns
• Seamless‑feel fabrics using fine knitting machine gauge and diameter options

A stable positive yarn feeding system and a precise single jersey cam system let me run elastic yarns at high speed without sacrificing fabric quality or consistency.

Industrial and emerging fabric applications

Single jersey circular knitting machines also earn their keep in more technical and industrial niches:

• Workwear liners and lightweight protective layers
• Medical and hygiene fabrics using special yarns
• Filter, cleaning, and industrial wiping fabrics
• Experimental blends for smart textiles and emerging applications

By combining different circular knitting machine features—like interchangeable kits, imported knitting cams, and alloy steel knitting cylinders—I can adapt one industrial circular knitting machine platform to a wide range of U.S. customer needs with fast changeovers and reliable quality.

Buying Guide for a Single Jersey Knitting Machine

Key technical specs to compare

When I look at a single jersey knitting machine, I always narrow it down with hard numbers first:

• Cylinder diameter & gauge
  • Diameter: 26″–34″ is common for T‑shirts and sportswear.
  • Gauge: 24G–32G for lightweight, single jersey T‑shirt fabric and breathable sportswear.
• Feeders per inch (FPI)
  • More feeders = higher output.
  • For a high speed single jersey knitter, I aim for high FPI with stable performance.
• Speed & energy use
  • Check max RPM at full load and real kgs/hour.
  • Look for an energy efficient knitting machine with an optimized drive system.
• Cam system & interchangeability
  • 4‑track cam or more for single jersey cam system flexibility (pique, mesh, Lycra, etc.).
  • Ability to add terry conversion kit or single jersey fleece conversion kit later.
• Build quality
  • Alloy steel knitting cylinder, hardened cam tracks, precision bearings.
  • Stable frame to handle continuous production.

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Match the machine to your production needs

For US buyers, I always match the single jersey circular knitting machine choice to the actual order book:

• Basic fashion and blanks (T‑shirts, loungewear)
  • Medium diameter, 24G–30G, tubular or open width single jersey machine.
• Sportswear, athleisure, spandex blends
  • Lycra single jersey machine with positive feeding, elastane-ready yarn path.
  • Focus on positive yarn feeding system for even stretch and recovery.
• Pique, mesh, specialty fabrics
  • Machine compatible with pique fabric knitting machine and mesh single jersey fabric knitting setups.
• Cost vs capacity
  • If labor is tight and energy is expensive (like most US operations), prioritize higher speed + better efficiency over the cheapest price per machine.

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How I evaluate brands and suppliers

When I buy a single jersey circular knitting machine for industrial use, I look beyond the brochure:

• Real performance data
  • Ask for actual production logs (kg/hour on 30/1 cotton, 28G, 30″ cylinder).
• Service and parts in the US
  • Local technician support or fast remote support.
  • Stock of critical single jersey knitting machine parts: needles, sinkers, cams, VDQ pulley components.
• Training & documentation
  • Clear manuals, video support, settings for VDQ pulley stitch control, basic circular knitting machine maintenance guides.
• Reputation
  • Talk to existing users running similar fabric lines (T‑shirts, sportswear, spandex single jersey fabric).
• Total cost of ownership
  • Not just single jersey knitting machine price, but downtime, spare parts, energy, and maintenance.

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EASTINO single jersey machine highlights

With EASTINO single jersey machines, I’ve focused on what matters most to US mills, brands, and private label shops:

• Precision and consistency
  • Precision circular knitting machine with imported knitting cams, alloy steel knitting cylinder, and a stable frame for long runs.
• High output with lower energy use
  • Designed as an energy efficient knitting machine with optimized drive system and take‑down, ideal for large T‑shirt and sportswear programs.
• Flexible fabric range
  • From basic tubular single jersey fabric production to pique, mesh, and spandex single jersey fabric, plus easy upgrade with terry and fleece kits.
• Real‑world usability
  • User‑friendly controls, quick style change, VDQ pulley stitch control for fast fabric weight adjustments, and straightforward knitting machine troubleshooting.

If you’re producing for the US market—T‑shirts, blanks, sportswear, or private label programs—EASTINO single jersey machines are built to hit that balance of productivity, fabric quality, and operating cost that actually works on the factory floor.

Single Jersey Knitting Machine Maintenance

Daily Care and Cleaning Routines

For any single jersey circular knitting machine, daily care is non‑negotiable if you want stable fabric quality and low downtime:

• Blow off lint and dust

  • Use dry compressed air on the cylinder, needle bed, sinkers, cam boxes, and yarn feeders
  • Keep the positive yarn feeding system and sensors clean so feeding stays consistent

• Lubricate key parts

  • Light oil on latch needles, sinkers, and cam tracks as recommended by the machine manual
  • Check oil level and filters if your machine has a central lubrication system

• Quick visual check

  • Look for bent or sluggish needles and sinkers
  • Make sure all yarn guides, feeders, and tensioners are aligned and not worn
  • Confirm the VDQ pulley and drive belts are running smooth without slip

Common Issues and Quick Fixes

Most daily problems on a high speed single jersey knitter are simple to spot and fix if you move fast:

• Broken needles / fabric lines

  • Replace damaged latch needles and sinkers immediately
  • Check cam system for wear or misalignment

• Streaks, spirality, or uneven fabric weight

  • Re‑set yarn tension and feeder position
  • Fine‑tune stitch length using the VDQ pulley stitch control or central density adjustment

• Yarn breaks and dropped stitches

  • Clean yarn path and positive yarn feeding system
  • Confirm cone quality and spandex/Lycra feeding tension, especially on Lycra single jersey machines

• Noise or vibration

  • Inspect frame, drive system, and bearings
  • Tighten loose bolts, check belts and gears for wear

Extending Machine Service Life

If I’m putting a precision circular knitting machine into a U.S. plant that runs 24/7, I expect it to last—and that comes down to discipline:

• Stick to a preventive maintenance schedule

  • Weekly and monthly checks on cylinder, cam boxes, feeders, and take‑down system
  • Log needle, sinker, and cam replacement intervals

• Use quality parts and oils

  • Only use recommended oils and greases
  • Choose alloy steel knitting cylinders, imported cams, and OEM needles/sinkers to keep gauge accuracy

• Train operators and techs

  • Make sure your team knows early signs of trouble: unusual noise, fabric defects, oil leaks
  • Standardize setup for different styles: single jersey T‑shirt fabric, sportswear single jersey fabric, spandex single jersey fabric, etc.

Consistent, simple maintenance keeps any single jersey knitting machine running faster, cleaner, and longer—and protects your output, whether you’re making basic tees or high‑end performance fabrics.

FAQs About Single Jersey Knitting Machines

What fabrics can a single jersey circular knitting machine produce?

With a modern single jersey knitting machine, I can cover most everyday and performance needs: