[pageLogInLogOut]

#Knitting & Hosiery

Bubble Up Your Style

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

Advanced Bubble Fabric blouse © 2026 KARL MAYER
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.

KARL MAYER’s textile product development team demonstrates just how exciting it can be to rethink structure with a collection of innovative Advanced Bubble fabrics. With their original and striking 3D effects, these extraordinary fabrics are sure to turn heads and transform even simple silhouettes into true statement pieces.

A defining feature is the vertical ruffled stripes that seem to float above a delicate, transparent background. The unique look is created by the sophisticated interplay of different structures: an airy, lightweight ground with a subtle ribbed texture sets the stage for textile stripes in a trendy crinkled look, which appear on the surface like artfully appliquéd ribbons. The result is an exciting interplay of transparency, texture, and movement.

Advanced Bubble Fabric © 2026 KARL MAYER
Advanced Bubble Fabric © 2026 KARL MAYER
Advanced Bubble Fabric © 2026 KARL MAYER
Advanced Bubble Fabric © 2026 KARL MAYER


These trendy outerwear fabrics can be produced on an HKS 4-M EL ECO. The ground bars GB 3 and GB 4 create separate wide and narrow fabric strips using a special yarn threading and targeted lappings – GB 3 pillar stitch and GB 4 inlay lap under three needles. GB 2 connects these segments using a zigzag pattern created with a polyamide-elastane corespun yarn. In this process, part of the narrow fabric strip is folded over to the loop head side, creating the characteristic ruffle effect. GB 1 decorates the wide fabric strip with flexible designs. This ground bar uses the same yarn as GB 2 to create three-dimensional effects and the same thread count to minimize warping efforts.

A particular highlight was the presentation of these innovative bubble fabrics at ITM 2026 in Istanbul. There, the HKS 4-M EL ECO impressively demonstrated how creative crepe-on-crepe effects and transparent lightness can be combined to achieve fabrics with genuine runway potential.

HKS 4-M EL ECO © 2026 KARL MAYER
HKS 4-M EL ECO © 2026 KARL MAYER




More News from KARL MAYER Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH

#Knitting & Hosiery

Small stitches, big impact

KARL MAYER machines enable the highly efficient production of mosquito net fabrics with maximum protective performance.

#Weaving

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

#Knitting & Hosiery

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.

#Knitting & Hosiery

Driving footwear innovation

How innovative spacer fabrics are transforming the athletic footwear market, and why KARL MAYER’s new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER is set to become a driving force behind the next generation of performance footwear.

More News on Knitting & Hosiery

#Knitting & Hosiery

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).

#Knitting & Hosiery

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.

#Knitting & Hosiery

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.

#Nonwoven machines

Groz-Beckert highlights nonwovens and knitting innovations at Cinte Techtextil China

From September 1 to 3, 2026, Groz-Beckert will present its latest innovations and solutions across the product areas of Nonwovens and Knitting at CINTE Techtextil China (Hall W5, Booth A01).

Latest News

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

IFCO Istanbul strengthens international reach with 12,550 trade visitors

The tenth edition of Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO), held from 19 to 21 August 2026, attracted 12,550 trade visitors from 117 countries to the Istanbul Expo Center. More than 200 exhibitors presented collections, manufacturing expertise and sourcing solutions across womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim, eveningwear, lingerie, hosiery, accessories and homewear.

#Spinning

Greater efficiency for tomorrow’s textile industry

From September 24 to 27, 2026, Barmag, together with BB Engineering (BBE), will present innovative solutions for the efficient and sustainable production of synthetic yarns at the Egy Stitch & Tex Expo in Cairo, Egypt. Under the motto “A New Era. Powered by Innovation.,” experts from Barmag and BBE will present technologies spanning the entire textile value chain — from melt to yarn — at the ATAG Ltd. booth (Hall 1, Booth C1).

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Asia's premier fashion event CENTRESTAGE officially has kicked off

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s annual premier fashion event and a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, officially opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Running for four consecutive days until 5 September, the exhibition is open free of charge to both industry buyers and the public, and invites all to immerse themselves in the unique allure of Asia's fashion capital.

#Raw Materials

Global cotton production projected to outpace consumption, but risks remain

Global cotton production is projected to reach 26.2 million tonnes in the 2026/27 season, marginally outpacing estimated consumption of 25.9 million tonnes. However, early-season production risks — including weather volatility and pest pressures — could narrow that buffer as the crop progresses, according to the September 2026 issue of Cotton This Month, published by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

TOP