#Knitting & Hosiery

2021-07-14

Dissolving design boundaries

Thanks to 4D-KNIT, KARL MAYER has redefined the notion of warp knitted spacer fabrics. The term represents a completely new generation of spacer textiles that are based on the basic construction of conventional 3D warp knitted fabrics, but that significantly deviate from traditional designs.

4D-KNIT articles in a new gauge offer style, lightness and a soft touch

The spacer layer is particularly different: the space between the upper and lower can be filled with bulked yarns to achieve unprecedented effects in performance and design. In addition to a smooth pattern, two-tone colouring and breathable mesh zones as before, the two surfaces can have clearly pronounced relief designs – each with individual placements and dimensions. Depending on the amount of filling and the design of the plastic motifs, a wide variety of pieces is possible, from cosy padded jacket fabrics that keep you nice and warm in winter to breathable textiles for functional shoes, for example. The new warp knitted spacer fabrics are produced on a RDPJ 6/2 EL FB, previously in gauge E 24. To further explore the potential for the sportswear and outerwear sector, KARL MAYER’s textile product developers have produced the first 4D-KNIT products on a jacquard double needle bar raschel machine in E 28.

New expression of fabrics for sports and leisure

Material processed in a gauge of E 28 is commonly used to produce fine elastic sportswear items. Skilfully threaded-in on the machine, the result was a fabric that weighed significantly less than its E 24 counterpart and felt soft to the touch. What’s more, the functional chic design hits just the right mark. With its two jacquard bars, the RDPJ 6/2 EL FB makes the front side and back side of the top as a single piece with fashionable 3-dimentional bulky form – including every sophisticated design detail. These include contours to mark the cut edges, flat bars for segmentation, open mesh parts and underpadded relief patterns with small-format geometric motifs.

The small repeat of high-low effects reduces the fabric’s contact area on the skin and therefore minimises any unpleasant stickiness caused by sweat, while perfect thermoregulation for sport and leisure is ensured by breathable mesh areas with sufficiently large openings, and built-in elastic zones offer freedom of movement. Yuji Yamamoto, Regional Product Owner for double needle bar raschel machines at KARL MAYER, wants to use the new series to appeal primarily to fashion and sportswear manufacturers. “The apparel sector in particular can benefit enormously from these new 4D-KNIT fabrics. The low weight and soft feel guarantee a high level of wear comfort, and the yarn material in the spacing also offers good insulating properties with extremely low discharge of microplastic particles, since we do not use brushing or raising processes,” explains the textile specialist.

You can find more information on the pattern in KARL MAYER’s virtual showroom under:

https://www.karlmayer.com/en/support/textile-consulting/virtual-showroom/smart-and-stylish/

The new RJ 4/2 EL revolutionizes body mapping and expands creative possibilities – from smart lingerie to sporty athleisure designs

With the addition of another member to its successful RASCHELTRONIC® family, KARL MAYER is opening up new possibilities for creative product development for warp knitting mills and brands. The RJ 4/2 EL offers with two stitch-forming Jacquard bars entirely new design options for functional sportswear and bi-elastic lingerie. Available in gauges E 28 and E 32, this new model helps manufacturers set their collections apart from the competition. The fine E-32 gauges, in particular, impress with their clean surface, a pleasantly soft feel, and an exceptionally elegant look.

The new RDJ 7/3 defines the design footprint of modern athletic shoes

Stylish, functional, and efficient to produce – spacer fabrics are the all-arounders among textile materials. These versatile fabrics are particularly in demand in the sports and casual footwear sector, as they combine comfort, breathability, and design freedom. At the same time, this industry is trend-driven, dynamic, and price-sensitive like few others. Innovations are therefore a decisive factor for success. With the RDJ 7/3, KARL MAYER offers a solution specifically tailored to these requirements. The particular strength of the new double raschel machine: its exceptional flexibility, thanks to its three jacquard bars.

SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

More Jacquard. More functionality. More fashion.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.

Febratex 2026 to be the largest edition of the leading textile trade fair in the Americas with 10 exhibition halls

Febratex 2026 will be the largest edition in the history of the leading textile trade fair in the Americas. Dedicated to the textile and apparel manufacturing industries, the event will take place from August 18–21, 2026, in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil, with a strong focus on technology, sustainability, and business generation.

Cotton Brazil Dialogues field trip brings international stakeholders closer to Brazil’s cotton production chain

How do you build trust across the global textile value chain? By opening the farm gates. This is the principle behind the Cotton Brazil Dialogues. At the end of July, the programme welcomed its first group of international participants for a five-day immersion into Brazilian cotton production, combining field visits with technical workshops to showcase the quality, sustainability, innovation and traceability behind one of the world’s leading cotton origins.