ISO 8499:2003 describes defects which commonly appear during the inspection of knitted fabrics.A defect is a fault that would reduce the expected performance of the knitted fabric or, if it appeared in a prominent position in an article made from the fabric, would readily be seen and rejected by a prospective purchaser.

Except where otherwise stated the descriptions apply to defects appearing in both weft-knitted and warp-knitted fabrics.