Machine Gauge (E) Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions buyers ask most often about Machine Gauge (E).
What does it mean?
needles per inch on the knitting machine. Working figures for Machine Gauge (E) normally sit around 14G to 40G for circular knitting in mainstream production. Note machine specification on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
What value should be specified?
Start from 14G to 40G for circular knitting and adjust for the end use of the garment. Record elastane content alongside Machine Gauge (E), because blends shift the measured value. A result outside 14G to 40G for circular knitting usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
How is it tested?
machine specification. Keeping reference values for Machine Gauge (E) lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with machine specification, since both affect the reading.
Why does it change between lots?
Process variables such as finishing temperature and elastane batch cause the normal spread of results. Working figures for Machine Gauge (E) normally sit around 14G to 40G for circular knitting in mainstream production. Note machine specification on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Can results be compared across suppliers?
Only when the same standard revision and conditioning are used; otherwise measurements are not equivalent. Record elastane content alongside Machine Gauge (E), because blends shift the measured value. A result outside 14G to 40G for circular knitting usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
