Difference Between Latch Needle and Bearded Needle
Latch needles and bearded needles are both very important types of knitting needles, which are widely used in knitting for producing knit fabric. This article has presented some key differences between the bearded needle and the latch needle. These are two among three Types of Needles Used in the Knitting process.
Latch needle:
Latch needle is that, which has a right hook and a latch easily around the axis is known as latch needle. In 1806 A.D latch needle is patented. Though it was practically used in 1809.the individual movement and controls of the knitting needle stitch selection to be achieved due to the self-acting or loop controlled of the latch needle.
Compound needle.
For the first time, compound needle was patented at 1856. This type of needle consist of two separately controlled parts, where one is stem and another one is sliding latch.
Difference Between Latch Needle and Bearded Needle:
| SL No. | Latch Needle | Bearded Needle |
| 01 | In case latch needle, stem carries the new loop in the rest position that means clearing position. | In case of bearded needle, around stem where the new loop has formed during fabric manufacturing. |
| 02 | It is vastly used in case of weft knitting. | Bearded needle is used in case of circular single knitting machine. |
| 03 | In latch needle, due to not necessary of extra pressure, needle is self-controllable. | In bearded needle, needle needs extra pressure; needle is not termed as self-controllable. |
| 04 | Latch needle is more costly than bearded needle. | Bearded needle has needle lower cost than latch needle. |
| 05 | Latch needle is not the simplest types of knitting needle. | Bearded needle is the simplest types of knitting needle. |
| 06 | This type of knitting needle has a rigid hook and latches which easily turning around the axis. | Bearded needle has a flexible hooks loop holder which is ultimately enable of enclosing the new loop in order to draw it throughout the previously formed loop. |
| 07 | Here, machine gauge is coarser than bearded needle. | Here, machine gauge is finer than latch needle. |
| 08 | Latch needle has reduced stroke. | Bearded needle has more stroke than latch needle. |
| 09 | Operating system of latch needle is too much complicated. | Bearded needle has easy operating system than latch needle. |
| 10 | The main element of latch needle is latch. | The downward continuation is called beard. |
| 11 | These types of needle are self-acting. | Bearded needle is not self-acting type. |
| 12 | Needed extra pressure to close the loop in case of latch needle. | Bearded needle required extra pressure to close the loop. |
