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Reference

Sock manufacturing glossary

Plain definitions of the sock-manufacturing terms buyers meet in a spec sheet: gauge, linking, boarding, yarn counts and the certifications behind them.

A

amfori BSCI What an amfori BSCI audit checks, how its A to E ratings work, and what brands should ask a sock supplier about it.

B

Boarding What boarding is in sock finishing, why every sock is boarded, and how it affects size consistency and the retail look of a sock.

C

Combed cotton What combed cotton is, how it differs from carded cotton, and why it matters for the feel and durability of a custom sock.
Cylinder What a sock machine cylinder is, what cylinder diameter controls, and why 3 3/4 inch cylinders are common for adult socks.

H

Heel gore What a heel gore is, how Y-heels and reciprocated heels are knitted, and why heel shape matters for fit and durability.

I

Intarsia What intarsia means in sock design, how it differs from jacquard knitting, and how to brief color-block sock designs to a manufacturer.

J

Jacquard knitting What jacquard knitting is in socks, how knitted-in logos and patterns are made, and the design limits to plan for in custom artwork.

L

Linking What linking is in sock manufacturing, how automatic linking works on the knitting machine, and how a linked toe compares with a Rosso seam.

M

Mercerized cotton What mercerized cotton is, how mercerization changes the yarn, and why brands choose it for premium dress socks.

N

Needle count What needle count means for a custom sock, how 144, 156, 168, and 200-needle socks differ, and how to pick one for your line.

O

R

S

T

Terry loop What terry loop cushioning is, how full, half, and zoned terry differ, and where to place cushioning in athletic and everyday socks.

W

Welt What a sock welt or cuff is, how welt construction affects comfort and stay-up, and what to specify for diabetic, sport, and dress socks.

Y

Yarn count (Ne) What yarn count Ne means, how to read counts like Ne 30/1 and Ne 20/2, and how yarn count relates to sock gauge and feel.