ISO 8388:1998

Overview - ISO 8388:1998 (Knitted fabrics - Types - Vocabulary)

ISO 8388:1998 is an international vocabulary that defines terms for industrially produced knitted fabrics. It provides standardized definitions for fabric types and concepts used in machine knitting, covering both weft‑knitted and warp‑knitted constructions and their common subtypes (jersey‑based, double‑layer, rib‑based, purl‑based and combined fabrics). The standard is bilingual (English/French), includes illustrative loop and yarn‑path drawings to clarify definitions, and contains informative annexes (terms related to warp‑knitting machines, symbolic representation guidance, and bibliography).

Key topics and technical content

• Scope and purpose: Defines precise vocabulary for machine‑produced knitted fabrics so professionals share a common terminology for specification, testing and communication.
• Core definitions: Presents generic terms such as knitted fabrics, weft‑knitted fabrics and warp‑knitted fabrics, with notes on feeding direction and stitch formation.
• Classification of fabric types:
  • Weft‑knitted jersey‑based fabrics (and double‑layer, rib, purl variants)
  • Warp‑knitted jersey‑based fabrics (and double‑layer, rib, purl variants)
  • Combined warp‑ and weft‑knitted fabrics
• Illustrations and notation: Includes loop drawings, yarn‑path notations and schematic fabric notations. The standard clarifies these illustrations are explanatory; symbolic representation is not fully standardized within ISO 8388.
• Symbolizing and labels: Guidance on abbreviations, country symbols (ISO 3166 alpha‑3) and the method for indicating preferred/admitted/obsolete terms following ISO 1951 and ISO 10241 conventions.
• Informative annexes:
  • Annex A: Warp‑knitting machine terminology
  • Annex B: Symbolic representation examples and notation principles
  • Annex C: Bibliography and related references

Applications - who uses ISO 8388 and why

• Textile manufacturers & knit engineers: For consistent product descriptions, process documentation and technical specification sheets.
• Product developers & designers: To select appropriate knit constructions and communicate fabric types across suppliers.
• Quality assurance & test laboratories: To align test reports and defect descriptions with standardized vocabulary.
• Procurement, compliance & standards committees: For unambiguous purchasing specifications and harmonized cross‑border trade documentation.
• Translators & technical writers: To ensure accurate bilingual terminology in manuals, labels and datasheets.

Related standards

• ISO 4921:1993 - Knitting - Basic concepts - Vocabulary
• ISO 1951:1997 - Lexicographical symbols and typographical conventions
• ISO 3166:1993 - Country codes (alpha‑3)
• ISO 10241:1992 - Terminology standards preparation and layout
• BS 5441:1988, DIN 62050‑2:1980 - Notation and graphic representation references

Keywords: ISO 8388, knitted fabrics vocabulary, weft‑knitted, warp‑knitted, knit fabric types, textile standards, knitting terminology.