How to Knit Surfaces in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

In SolidWorks, you can knit surfaces by using the Knit Surface feature found under the Surfaces tab. Select the surfaces you want to combine, then click Knit Surface and choose to create a solid if the surfaces form a closed volume.

Syntax

The Knit Surface feature in SolidWorks combines multiple surfaces into one. It can also create a solid if the surfaces fully enclose a volume.

• Surfaces to Knit: Select the surfaces you want to combine.
• Create Solid: Check this box if the knit surfaces form a closed volume and you want a solid body.
• Gap Control: Optionally set a tolerance to close small gaps between surfaces.

solidworks feature syntax

Knit Surface(Surfaces to Knit, Create Solid = false, Gap Control = 0.01 mm)

Example

This example shows how to knit three surfaces into one solid body.

steps

1. Open your part with multiple surfaces.<br>2. Go to the Surfaces tab and click <code>Knit Surface</code>.<br>3. Select the three surfaces you want to combine.<br>4. Check <code>Create Solid</code> if the surfaces form a closed volume.<br>5. Click <code>OK</code> to complete the knit.<br>6. The surfaces will combine into one solid or surface body.

Output

The selected surfaces are combined into a single solid body if closed, or a single surface body if open.

Common Pitfalls

• Not selecting all surfaces needed to form a closed volume will prevent creating a solid.
• Large gaps between surfaces can cause knitting to fail; use Gap Control to fix small gaps.
• Trying to knit surfaces that do not touch or overlap will not work.
• For complex surfaces, ensure edges align properly before knitting.

arm_architecture

Wrong: Knit only two surfaces when three are needed.<br>Right: Select all surfaces that enclose the volume before knitting.

Quick Reference

Knit Surface Feature Cheat Sheet:

Option	Description
Surfaces to Knit	Select surfaces to combine
Create Solid	Check to form a solid if surfaces enclose volume
Gap Control	Tolerance to close small gaps between surfaces
OK Button	Apply the knit operation

Key Takeaways

Use the Knit Surface feature to combine multiple surfaces into one body.

Check Create Solid only if the surfaces fully enclose a volume.

Use Gap Control to fix small gaps between surfaces before knitting.

Ensure all necessary surfaces are selected to avoid knitting failure.

Proper edge alignment is crucial for successful knitting of complex surfaces.