Latch needle having a resilient latch support

This invention relates to a latch needle, particularly for use in knitting machines. A latch needle includes a needle shank; a hook formed at one end of the needle shank; a saw slot formed in the needle shank adjacent the hook; and a latch supported in the saw slot for pivotal motion about a pivot axis. The latch has first and second end positions and a position of rest situated between the end positions adjacent one of the end positions. Further, the latch has first and second engagement faces spaced from one another. A spring situated in the saw slot has a first pressing face which is in contact with the first engagement face when the latch is in the position of rest; and a second pressing face spaced from the first pressing face and being in contact with the second engagement face when the latch is in the end position adjacent the position of rest.