The yarn delivery rate required to knit a given stitch quality on a multifeeder circular knitting machine is generally based on the belt speed of the positive yarn feed system. The actual stitch length in the fabric measured after knitting is always less than the stitch length required. Yam tension immediately before the yarn is wound on the storage yarn feed wheel is the main cause of this problem. This paper investigates the tension build-up of the yam on its way from the yarn, package to the storage yarn feed wheel. Several fabric samples are knitted with different winding tensions to the storage yam feed wheel, and the stitch lengths of the samples are measured. The results show that the stitch length is largely affected by the winding tension to the storage yarn feed wheel.