Latch needle having an improved trapping space

This application claims the priority of German Application Nos. 100 18 798.6 filed Apr. 15, 2000 and 100 57 765.2 filed Nov. 22, 2000, which are incorporated herein by reference. A latch needle includes a shank; a hook formed at an end of the shank and having a hook tip; and a latch pivotally supported by the shank and cooperating with the hook. The latch has a closed state and a reverse state. In the closed state the hook and the latch together define a closed trapping space and in the reverse state the hook defines an open trapping space constituted essentially by an inner hook space. The latch includes an inner contour facing the trapping space in the closed state, a free end lying on the hook in the closed state and a stepped portion formed on the inner latch contour and adjoining the free latch end.