Question

Pattern depth depends on

• A. gauge
• B. number of tricks per wheel
• C. number of butts
• D. number of feeds

Hint:

• Pattern depth} refers to the length of a pattern repeat (e.g., number of picks in weaving, number of courses in knitting).
• In pattern wheel knitting machines}, needles are selected by elements (bits/jacks) placed in "tricks" (slots) on a rotating pattern wheel.
• The number of tricks on the wheel} determines the maximum number of courses in one repeat of the pattern that can be controlled by that wheel.
• Gauge, number of butts, and number of feeds relate to other aspects of machine setup or pattern capability but not as directly to the pattern repeat depth defined by a single pattern wheel.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The term "Pattern depth" in weaving or knitting typically refers to the number of picks (for weaving) or courses (for knitting) in one complete repeat of the pattern. This question seems to relate to patterning mechanisms, possibly in knitting or older mechanical dobbies/jacquards if "wheel" and "tricks" are involved. In circular knitting machines, particularly for jacquard or pattern designs:

• Pattern wheels, pattern drums, or electronic selection systems are used to select needles for different actions (knit, tuck, miss) to create patterns.
• A pattern wheel is a disc with "tricks" or slots around its circumference. Bits or jacks can be inserted into these tricks in different arrangements. As the wheel rotates in synchrony with the needle cylinder, these bits act on needle selecting jacks or sliders to control needle movement.
• The number of tricks per wheel (i.e., slots around its circumference) determines the maximum number of different selections (and thus courses or wales in the pattern sequence) that one wheel can control before its pattern repeats. This directly relates to the depth (length in courses) of the pattern repeat achievable with that wheel. For example, a wheel with 48 tricks can create a pattern that repeats every 48 courses (if it's controlling course-wise selection).

Let's consider the options in this context:

• (a) gauge: Gauge refers to the fineness of a knitting machine (needles per inch) or the spacing of elements. It affects stitch size and fabric density, but not directly the pattern repeat depth.
• (b) number of tricks per wheel: As explained, in pattern wheel knitting, this directly determines the maximum course-wise repeat of the pattern. This is a strong candidate for "pattern depth".
• (c) number of butts: Needles or jacks in knitting machines often have "butts" at different positions, which are acted upon by cams or selecting elements. The number of butt positions on a needle allows for different selection paths, contributing to pattern width or complexity of selection within a course, but not directly the pattern depth in courses controlled by a wheel.
• (d) number of feeds: In circular knitting, multiple feeds (yarn carriers and knitting stations) are used to increase productivity. Each feed knits one course per machine revolution (for single jersey). While more feeds can allow for more complex color patterns within a revolution, the fundamental pattern repeat depth controlled by a selection mechanism like a pattern wheel is tied to the characteristics of that wheel.

Therefore, the "number of tricks per wheel" is the most direct factor determining the pattern depth (in courses) for knitting machines using pattern wheels. \[ \boxed{\text{number of tricks per wheel}} \]