knitted carpet

Knitted Carpet

Knitted carpet is produced on machines similar to those used for knitting materials for clothing. Knitted carpets are made using a method by which the backing, stitching and pile yarn are simultaneously combined to form a pile fabric. The pile is anchored by a coating of latex at the back and sometimes a secondary backing is added to enhance handle and dimensional stability. This product is less dense than other types of carpet. Knitted carpet represents a very small percentage of the total carpet production in the United States.

Knitted carpet is very rare, and hard to find. I am aware of only one manufacturer in the United States that produces knitted carpet, Mohawk Commercial. It is marketed as “Woven Interloc.” Because knitted carpets lack stability, they are usually specified to be installed as direct-glue or perhaps, double-glue installations.

Knitted carpet face yarns are actually interlocked with the backing yarns making it virtually impossible to get yarn pulls or raveling conditions. You can see a gauge or space between the rows of face yarns in the width, but not in the length. This is one product that you will not pull apart or dissect easily.

Knitted carpet is made by a process similar to hand knitting. A coat of latex and secondary backing material is applied to the fabric back to provide dimensional stability and strength. Some variation in color, pattern and texture is possible in knit carpet.

Knitted carpet resembles velour. Flocked carpets are resilient and crush-resistant. A secondary backing material usually is applied to this structure, adding body and dimensional stability. A few flocked carpets are made for bedrooms and bathrooms, but the majority are used in vehicles: cars, planes, buses.

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