Jacks and sinkers are essential knitting elements that work with needles to form loops and control fabric take‑down on socks‑knitting machines. Sinkers are thin metal plates placed between needles; they hold the knitted fabric, control yarn tension, and assist loop formation. A sinker typically has a nose, catch, butt and belly as its main parts. Jacks (part of the needle/jack mechanism on some sock machines) guide needle movement and interact with cams to produce specific stitch actionsKey Functions (short)
Coordinate with cams and needles to produce plain, terry, rib or patterned sock structures.
Hold and control fabric during loop formation (sinker action).
Control yarn tension and stitch definition, affecting appearance and sinker‑mark risk.