Processes for producing knitted longitudinally elastic fabrics, and fabrics made thereby

The invention relates to a process for producing a knitted, longitudinally elastic fabric layer for use as an elastic or permanent elastic compression or support dressing and a knitted fabric layer produced by this process, whereby untreated elastic rubber or polyurethane threads undergo deformation during the knitting process. Each elastic thread is looped by an inelastic thread, accompanied by the formation of a fringe and longitudinally directed thin mesh members, which are interconnected by inelastic wefts to give a firm knitted fabric with no irreversible displacements of the mesh members in the transverse and longitudinal directions. As a result, a dressing with flattened edges is formed, so that there can be no pressurepoints or constrictions when applying the dressings. <IMAGE>