#Knitting & Hosiery

2021-09-15

A gentle kiss on the skin

The restrictions on our freedom of movement due to the coronavirus pandemic has had far-reaching consequences – including physical ones. Trousers no longer do up, skirts no longer fit perfectly and T-shirts stretch over stomachs. Those still keen to cut a good figure of course have the option of hitting the gym, but shaping underwear can also help.

New RASCHELTRONIC® fabrics with discrete shaping power to sculpt figures

Chic warp knitted textiles can be produced for this purpose on the RASCHELTRONIC® in particular. KARL MAYER’s product developers used the latest model of high-performance jacquard raschel machine – the RSJ 4/1EL, 195?, to create a new collection of on-trend items offering exceptional performance.

But the fashionable fabrics can also be produced on all other models of the RASCHELTRONIC® series. They feature a high-impact all-over pattern with subtle sculptural motifs, are soft to the touch, comfortable to wear and offer a gentle shaping function thanks to their particular stress-strain behaviour. Reason for the ideal lingerie properties are well-thought-out lapping and material combinations. For production, a textured polyamide high filament yarn and elastane were processed – the latter in a relatively high proportion and by means of a 2 needle overlap instead of the usual one by one lap.

This lends the fabric more strength and enhances the plastic effects of the pattern. What’s more, the elastane fixing in the textile structure is supported, thus improving the possibility to cut freely, and the fabric can easily be used without seams. Despite the two-needle-overlap, the fabrics are relatively lightweight: the surface weight is approx. 180 g/m².

The new RASCHELTRONIC® fabrics were presented to the public for the first time at ITMA ASIA + CITME in June 2021. At the launch, they attracted great interest and were the subject of numerous enquiries, some of which were highly targeted.

More Jacquard. More functionality. More fashion.

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.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.

Footwear innovation enabled by warp knitting technology– insights from New Balance

The future of the athletic shoe is increasingly being shaped on warp knitting machines. For KARL MAYER, the footwear industry is one of the most important growth markets – and one of the sectors where innovative textiles can realize their full potential. In his keynote address at the opening of KARL MAYER’s TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER in Obertshausen in April, Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy, Senior Textile and Materials Engineer at New Balance, explained the opportunities that warp knitting technology opens up for performance, sustainability, and faster development processes, and why textile manufacturers are transitioning from suppliers to development partners.

ITM 2026: Mayer & Cie. Global presents itself successfully at international industry trade fair

Mayer & Cie. Global has used ITM 2026 in Istanbul for its first major international appearance since the restart. Together with the Turkish representative Mayer Mümessillik, the company presented its premium circular knitting machines "Made in Germany", explained its future positioning within the group of companies and held talks with customers and representatives from numerous markets. The response to the restart was positive. The clear orientation of the company, the reliable worldwide network of representatives and the resumption of service and spare parts supply were welcomed by customers.

STOLL: Agreement signed for the divestiture of selected assets

In early 2025, KARL MAYER announced its strategic decision to focus on its core business areas of WARP KNITTING, WARP PREPARATION, and TECHNICAL TEXTILES. As part of this move, the flat knitting machine business under the STOLL brand was discontinued and the production site in Reutlingen was closed in October 2025.

Contactless measurement of coating for Technical Textiles with PLEVA AF 310 and AF 120

Textiles used for protection and defense must perform reliably – whether they are protective garments, tents, tarpaulins, covers, or technical carrier materials. Properties such as flame resistance, water repellency, weather resistance, or defined air permeability are often only achieved through precise coating, finishing, or printing processes.

EFI Reggiani and Danitech Group announce strategic multi-year agreement for Mezzera textile finishing machinery

Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFI), through its subsidiary EFI Reggiani (Reggiani Macchine S.p.A.), together with Danitech Engineering and Solutions Srl (Italy) and Suzhou Danitech Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd (China), announces a multi-year license and manufacturing agreement covering the Mezzera and Jaeggli textile finishing machinery portfolio.

The Woolmark Company showcases Australia's commitment to India's textile industry at Bharat Tex 2026

Reinforcing more than five decades of commitment to India's wool textile and apparel industry, The Woolmark Company, alongside Austrade and the Australian High Commission, marked a strong presence at Bharat Tex 2026, one of the world's largest textile and apparel trade platforms. Through industry engagement, strategic collaborations, technical innovation and knowledge exchange, the participation underscored Australia's continued commitment to supporting the growth and transformation of India's textile ecosystem while highlighting the versatility and value of Australian Merino wool.