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#Knitting & Hosiery

Body mapping re-thought

At KARL MAYER a sportswear collection made from highly innovative warp-knitted textiles was produced punctually for ITMA since, as Gabriela Schellner, Head of the Textile Product Development at the well-known global player, says, “The sportswear sector wants to know what is happening in the machine building sector because this will determine textile developments for the next five to ten years.”

Inspired by Flyknit, Gabriela Schellner and her team focused on a fabric having integrated functionality when developing innovative textiles. “Young people and active people in particular are looking for tops and briefs that they can wear for sports as well as leisure activities.” At the same time, the raw edges and seams should be incorporated directly into the panels. Designs having few seams minimise the making-up processes and reduce chafing during wear. The RSJ 4/2 RASCHELTRONIC® is perfect for working a wide range of pattern constructions in a single fabric. Possible lappings, structures and elastic moduli were incorporated into a library in the first stage. Bogart in Hong Kong, with all its experience with meeting the needs of the customer, then came into the game.

This lingerie specialist produced a design with the required functional zones, which was then produced on the RSJ 4/2, E 28. 4-way-stretch fabrics with a breathable mesh design, stable areas, and zones having different elastic moduli to provide support and a perfect fit were produced – seamlessly next to each other and in those areas where they are needed. For example, a high force absorption is created in the zones around the bottom and muscles. In this case, a higher percentage of elastane was integrated into the fabric by means of the pattern. “The items produced are inspired by a sporty look, but the technology can also be used to produce feminine designs,” says Gabriela Schellner when speaking about the future outlook.

(c) 2019 KARL MAYER
(c) 2019 KARL MAYER


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#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.

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#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

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Latest News

#Europe

European textile industry calls for €10 handling fee on ultra-fast-fashion imports

The introduction of the €3 customs duty on low-value imports marks an important milestone in Europe’s efforts to address the challenges created by the rapid growth of ultra-fast-fashion imports. Together with the abolition of the €150 customs duty exemption, it demonstrates that policymakers are willing to act when market distortions become impossible to ignore. However, the European textile and clothing industry considers this a first step rather than the final destination.

#Research & Development

From smart jackets to laser technology: Mona Neubaur explores Textile Factory 7.0

As part of her summer tour, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Mona Neubaur, visited Textilfabrik 7.0 in Mönchengladbach to experience the project’s innovations first-hand. Under the motto “smart and clean”, the visit focused on innovative technologies and sustainable alternatives for textile production - from smart jackets to the decolourisation of textiles using fungal cultures.

#CINTE Techtextil China 2026

Cinte Techtextil China 2026 has opened today, bringing global innovations and resources to Shanghai

As Asia’s premier platform catering to the evolving needs in technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China has opened today at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, gathering over 300 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. Across Halls W3 to W5, this edition will create chances for fast-growing sectors and emerging trends – such as Mobiltech, Medtech & Protech, Indutech and more. The curated zones, pavilions, and fringe programme are designed to better connect exhibitors with targeted buyers from across China, Asia-Pacific, and further afield. Meanwhile, the Association Village will gather international industry associations to foster even more global collaboration.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris opens with focus on AI, circularity and new sourcing regions

More than 1,000 exhibitors from around the world are gathering at Paris-Le Bourget as Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris opens its doors from August 31 to September 2. With around 500 textile manufacturers and a similar number of apparel and accessories suppliers, the trade fair reflects the ongoing transformation of global sourcing and the growing diversification of supply regions.

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