Definition
The latch needle is a knitting tool used in loop formation. Its needle head consists of a fixed hook and a pivoting latch mounted on a rivet. The latch swings around its pivot point, either opening or closing the hook. By opening and closing the hook in this way, the yarn is taken up, formed into a loop, and the old loop is cast off. Latch needles are one of the fundamental needle types in knitting technology, alongside the compound needle and the bearded needle.
Use in the textile industry
Latch needles are used primarily in circular knitting machines, flat knitting machines, and raschel machines, where their self-acting latch operates without additional control elements. They are particularly suited for high operating speeds and are widely used in the production of knitted fabrics and certain warp-knitted fabrics. One disadvantage compared to the compound needle is the mechanical stress placed on the latch, which can cause yarn breakage at very fine gauges or with delicate yarns.
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