What is jacquard knitting in socks?
Jacquard knitting selects individual needles to knit patterns in several yarn colors at once. It is how logos and motifs are knitted in.
How jacquard works
On a jacquard sock machine, a computer decides for every stitch which color yarn each needle picks up. Colors not showing on the face float on the inside of the sock. The pattern becomes part of the fabric, so it does not crack, peel, or wash out like a print.
Sihman knits logos and patterns in up to six thread colors. Logos can also be woven or embroidered when a design calls for it.
Design limits to plan for
- Resolution: each stitch is a pixel, so fine type and thin lines need a larger placement or a finer needle count.
- Colors per course: more colors mean more yarn floats inside, which adds weight and can snag toes.
- Stretch: designs distort slightly as the sock stretches on the foot, so bold shapes read best.
Where it is used
Jacquard is the standard method for custom logo socks, novelty patterns, and striped crew socks. Send vector artwork with Pantone references, and confirm the knitted result at sampling before bulk production.