#Knitting & Hosiery

2026-08-06

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.

In addition, visitors will be able to explore a wide range of knit samples demonstrating the potential of advanced knitting technology for industries beyond fashion apparel, including technical textiles and industrial applications.

The flagship SWG-XR® WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine features the company's original SlideNeedle™ on four needle beds supporting a wide range of high-quality WHOLEGARMENT® knitting in all needles. N.SVR®183 is a conventional V-bed machine capable of WHOLEGARMENT® knitting in every other needle.

In addition, the SWG®091N2 “Mini” machine provides opportunities in WHOLEGARMENT® knitting across a wide range of items in a compact, economical package. The N.SSR® series, SHIMA SEIKI’s global standard in shaped knitting, features a brand-new model, which will be shown for the first time in Brazil at FEBRATEX. The N.SSR®132 features a 52-inch (132 cm) knitting width to accommodate larger sizes, offering the flexibility required for responding to diverse customer and market needs at an economical price-range, all while maintaining Made-in-Japan SHIMA SEIKI quality and reliability. N.SSR®072 is the new global standard machine that specializes in knitting of jacquard collars. Made-in-Japan quality, reliability, productivity, user-friendliness and cost-performance combine to satisfy high expectations placed by the world's fashion industry. N.SIR®123SP features a special loop presser bed with inlay capability and is capable of producing unique knit-weave hybrid fabrics as well as technical textiles. The SVR®202 features tandem knitting capability whose twin carriages can be used together for double-system knitting, or used separately for single-system knitting of two identical pieces in tandem. The SFG®-I glove knitting machine rounds out SHIMA SEIKI's comprehensive knitting machine exhibit.

In addition to machine technology, presentations will be made on SDS® KnitPaint-Online knit software, the proven software used by knitting companies across the globe to create knitting data for programming SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting machines. Also demonstrated will be APEXFiz® subscription design software that supports the creative side of knitting from planning and design to realistic textile simulation and 3D virtual sampling of products. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. When a design is approved for production, knitting data which is automatically generated can be easily transferred to SDS® KnitPaint-Online for converting into machine data, digitally bridging the gap between design and production. APEXFiz® and SDS® KnitPaint-Online therefore help to realize sustainability while digitally transforming the supply chain.

Dedicated car seat model of SHIMA SEIKI’s P-CAM® R Cutting Machine unveiled

Leading Japanese textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, showed a special version of its P-CAM® R multi-ply computerized cutting machine dedicated to the production of car seats for the first time, at a private exhibition held over two days on Thursday, July 2nd and Friday, July 3rd at the Kariya City Industrial Promotion Center in Aichi Prefecture.

SHIMA SEIKI to show complete knitting and cutting workflow at ITM 2026

Leading computerized flat knitting technology provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Turkish representative TETAS IC VE DIS TICARET A.S., will participate in the ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye this month with a full product lineup. In addition to flat knitting machines and design software, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the full range of SHIMA SEIKI textile machinery with its automatic cutting machine exhibit, all geared toward the fashion apparel market as well as non-apparel related businesses.

Shima Seiki showcases WHOLEGARMENT® and 3D knitting solutions for technical textiles at Techtextil 2026

Leading textile technology solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will be participating in the Techtextil 2026 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany next month. On display will be WHOLEGARMENT® and other advanced three-dimensional knitting applications across a wide range of industries besides fashion apparel that are not typically associated with knitting, such as technical textiles using industrial materials and advanced three-dimensional knitting.

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.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

Trützschler’s latest spinning and card clothing innovations at CAITME 2026

From September 8 to 10, 2026, Trützschler will present its latest innovations in spinning and card clothing for state-of-the-art fiber processing at CAITME in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Visitors are invited to meet the experts at Pavilion 2, Booth D50 and explore solutions designed to increase productivity, streamline processes, and ensure consistently high yarn quality. Key topics include the next-generation card TC 30i, the integrated draw frame IDF 3, the high-performance comber TCO 21XL as well as Trützschler Card Clothing’s new flat top series STEELTOP®.

BICO BCF yarn delivers impressive performance in field testing

In a joint development project with other partners, Barmag and Object Carpet have successfully tested BICO BCF yarn in the carpet manufacturing process. The results show that this innovative yarn technology offers significant performance advantages and opens up new possibilities for recycling-oriented carpet constructions.