KARL MAYER is expanding the capabilities of its TM WEFT warp knitting machine with weft insertion to address growing demand for versatile and efficiently manufactured fashion fabrics. The latest developments will be presented at ITMA ASIA 2026 in Shanghai, together with a collection of woven-like warp knitted textiles developed at the company's TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER.

Woven-like warp knitted fabrics combine the appearance of woven textiles with characteristics associated with warp knitting, including production efficiency, dimensional stability, wrinkle resistance and wearing comfort.

Depending on the construction and materials used, the manufacturing process can also reduce the need for certain finishing operations compared with conventional woven fabric production.

In addition to two- and three-bar tricot machines, KARL MAYER uses the TM WEFT for this category of fabrics. The machine is particularly suited to processing materials such as effect yarns, linen and acetate fibres.

New machine features increase flexibility

KARL MAYER has further developed the TM WEFT specifically for fashion and apparel applications.

One of the main innovations is the introduction of an E 36 gauge, enabling the production of finer fabrics and expanding the range of possible textile constructions.

The machine is also equipped with a new EL pattern drive, which provides greater flexibility and speed in pattern development.

Another improvement concerns yarn tension management. The system now continuously regulates thread tension instead of relying on conventional control, simplifying machine operation and supporting consistent fabric quality.

Together, these developments are intended to increase production flexibility while enabling manufacturers to respond more efficiently to changing fashion requirements.

Woven-like fabrics for autumn and winter collections

To demonstrate the versatility of the TM WEFT, KARL MAYER's TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER has developed two contrasting fabric series for ITMA ASIA 2026.

The first focuses on dense, textured fabrics designed for autumn and winter fashion.

These materials combine structured surfaces with different visual and functional characteristics. One example uses LYCRA® T400® to provide stretch and wearing comfort in a crêpe-like fabric.

Another construction incorporates metallic yarns to create decorative accents within a bouclé-inspired surface.

A further development uses a burnout technique to partially open the fabric structure, producing a floral pattern with contrasting transparent and opaque areas.

The collection illustrates how warp knitting with weft insertion can be used to create differentiated surface structures and fashion effects.

Lightweight constructions inspired by chiffon

The second fabric series focuses on lightweight materials with flowing drape, crêpe-like textures and varying degrees of transparency.

The lightest fabric in the collection weighs just 63 g/m².

Different fibre materials contribute to the appearance and tactile properties of the textiles. Acetate provides a smooth surface and subtle sheen, while viscose creates a softer handle and a more natural feel.

The collection also includes a cotton-blend fabric featuring a clean striped design rather than the crinkled surfaces used in other constructions.

According to KARL MAYER, the lightweight fabrics are particularly suitable for applications requiring flowing silhouettes and light, comfortable materials, including garments for Muslim women's fashion.

Live demonstration at ITMA ASIA 2026

KARL MAYER will present the new woven-like fabric collection at ITMA ASIA 2026, taking place from 20 to 24 November at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

Visitors can explore the materials and discuss their production and application possibilities with the company's specialists at Hall 4.1, Booth C18, for warp knitting, and Hall 3, Booth A24, for warp preparation.

In parallel with the exhibition, KARL MAYER (China) will host a product show in Changzhou, where the upgraded TM WEFT will demonstrate its performance in the production of fashion and apparel fabrics.

The presentation will highlight the machine's new technical features and their potential for manufacturing finer, more complex woven-like warp knitted textiles.