#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/

RDJ 6/2 in E 32: Finesse in Motion

The appearance of sports and casual shoes is as diverse as their applications, ranging from sporty to stylish and from functional to fashionably practical. In particular, spacer fabrics produced on highly flexible KARL MAYER double needle bar raschel machines with Jacquard technology are in high demand for manufacturing these trendy shoes. These efficient production machines enable attractive designs with integrated multifunctional zones on one or both fabric surfaces, such as breathable mesh structures. Flexible in size and positioning, these features enhance both aesthetics and wearing comfort.

3D designs with a wow factor made on HKS 4-M EL ECO: When crepe, ruffles, and sheer fabrics redefine fashion

Seersucker, flip-flap items, Fırfır, or crepe materials: structured fabrics have long been more than just a passing trend. They lend timeless looks depth, dynamism, and an exciting tactile dimension. Whether classic striped patterns or modern solid-color interpretations, these versatile pieces pair perfectly with casual and business-casual outfits and effortlessly create a modern look.

SHIMA SEIKI to showcase flat knitting and digital design solutions at Egypt Stitch & Tex

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its sales representative in Egypt, TTS (EL MASRIA FOR TRADE & TECHNICAL SERVICES), will participate in the upcoming 24th International Exhibition for Textile & Carpet Machineries, Printing Technologies and Accessories (Egypt Stitch & Tex) to be held in Cairo, Egypt this month.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Première Vision Paris

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Première Vision Paris in Paris, France next month. The company will exhibit in the "Smart Creation" area, dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technologies that integrate sustainability and innovation. The knitting expert will be demonstrating solutions that optimize product development workflows and enhance sustainability through proposals in Digital Product Creation (DPC).

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.

HeiQ & Archroma and Lenzing & Armedangels win ITMF International Collaboration Awards 2026

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has named two industry partnerships as winners of the ITMF International Collaboration Awards 2026. The awards go to collaborations between HeiQ and Archroma as well as Lenzing and Armedangels, highlighting joint approaches to innovation and sustainability across different parts of the textile value chain.

180 years of TESTEX: From Zurich silk testing to global certification

For 180 years, TESTEX has developed alongside the textile industry while maintaining the same underlying purpose: creating trust through independent and reliable measurement. Founded in Zurich in 1846 as the Zurich Silk Conditioning Institute, TESTEX has grown from a local institution serving the silk trade into an international Swiss testing and certification institute for textiles and leather.

Moving Advanced Recycling from Innovation to Implementation

The Advanced Recycling Conference 2026 explores technologies, markets, financing and scale-up of innovative recycling solutions for waste streams including mixed plastic waste, textiles and PVC. Europe’s chemical and materials sector faces growing pressure to close carbon loops, strengthen raw-material safety and resilience and meet increasingly ambitious EU recycling targets. Against this backdrop, the Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) will bring together industry leaders, technology providers, researchers, innovators and policy-makers on 17–18 November 2026 in Cologne, Germany.

German textile industry and retailers form alliance to shape textile EPR system

Germany’s textile and fashion industry and retail sector have joined forces to establish the “Alliance for Textile Circularity” (Allianz für textile Kreisläufe). Initiated by the German Textile and Fashion Industry Association (Gesamtverband textil+mode) and the German Retail Federation (HDE), the alliance aims to contribute industry expertise to the development of Germany’s future Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for textiles and footwear.