Tubular channels tied by a double-bed row

Machine types that can knit it

• Single bed (punch card) + ribber
• Single bed (electronic) + ribber
• Double bed with pushers (Passap type)
• Double-bed hand flat (V-bed)

Steps

1. Cast on all needles on both beds.
2. Closed channels: knit 6 tubular rounds (front row, back row).
3. Open channels: knit 6 rows on the front bed, then 6 rows on the back bed.
4. Knit 1 row on both beds to close the channel.
5. Repeat. Stuff or thread cord through the open ones before or after taking off [inference].

The full card

What it looks like

Horizontal padded channels across the fabric, each one a flat tube, separated by thin lines where the two layers are knitted together. Closed version: the channel sides are closed at the selvedges. Open version: the tubes are open at both sides, like casings.

How it behaves

Puffy, quilted horizontal bands. Can be stuffed or threaded with cord or elastic [inference].

How it works

Tubular (circular) knitting makes two separate layers: one row on the front bed, one row on the back bed, in turn. The yarn turns from one bed to the other at the edges, so the tube is closed at the sides. A single row on all needles of both beds ties the two layers together and closes the channel. Closed: 6 rows front and 6 rows back in turn (12 passes), then 1 double-bed row. Open ends: 6 rows on the front bed only, then 6 rows on the back bed only, then 1 double-bed row; each layer turns at its own edge, so the tube is open at the sides[inference].

Machines

Double bed (single bed + ribber with part / slip settings, hand flat, industrial V-bed).

Parameters

Channel height = rows per layer (6 in the handout); tie = 1 double-bed row. Tension: same on both beds so the layers match [inference].

Steps

1) Cast on all needles on both beds. 2) Closed channels: knit 6 tubular rounds (front row, back row). 3) Open channels: knit 6 rows on the front bed, then 6 rows on the back bed. 4) Knit 1 row on both beds to close the channel. 5) Repeat. Stuff or thread cord through the open ones before or after taking off [inference].

Charting

Stoll colour key: "loop front single jersey" grey and "loop back single jersey" dark blue rows, with a light-blue "all needle (double bed)" row between channels. Closed: grey and blue alternate row by row. Open: a block of grey rows, then a block of blue rows.

Limits and common problems

If the front and back rows do not match in number, the channel twists or puckers [inference]. Open channels: the edges of each layer curl like stocking stitch [inference].

Combines with

pk-pockets-double-bed (stuffed cells), milano-rib, horizontal-transfer-fold, stripes-and-colour-relief.

Pieces and assembly

Quilted panels, padded straps, casings for drawcords and elastic.

Related techniques

• Half and full cardigan (fisherman's rib)
• Half and full Milano rib
• Vertical rib (N×M)
• Pitch / half-pitch rib arrangement
• Horizontal rib by whole-width bed swap
• Knitting the first row after a transfer