#Knitting & Hosiery

2023-02-27

More lapping variety, more shape power

At the end of last year, KARL MAYER added the HKS 2-SE PLUS to its range of products for processing elastane; the first trials were completed shortly afterwards to test the new patterning possibilities it offered. Thanks to a modified knitting motion, the newcomer can not only implement conventional elastic locknit and 1 x 1 counter lappings, but twill stitch variations too. The ground guide bar GB 2, which processes elastane, may work the two-needle-overlap.

New HKS 2-SE PLUS twill stitch fabrics are adding power to the lingerie and sportswear business

Incorporating the elastic material as a two-needle-overlap produces a fabric with a high modulus, a plump feel and a silky surface, as tests carried out by KARL MAYER’s textile product developers have demonstrated. The textile specialists produced various articles on the new HKS 2-SE PLUS with a twill stitch 1 x 2 lapping and a 2 x 1 lapping as combination partners. A polyamide filament yarn was used to implement the 2 x 1 lapping through the GB 1. The twill stitch 1 x 2 lapping was made with open and closed loops, and worked in equal lapping in the underlap and in counter lapping in the overlap, and vice versa for the 2 x 1 lapping.

When comparing the resulting variants with a standard locknit structure – also produced on the HKS 2-SE PLUS and with the same yarn – clear differences can be seen. With a weight per unit area of between 243 g/m² and 253 g/m², the twill stitch 1 x 2 articles are noticeably heavier than the standard elastic fabric, and the elastane content is also higher. The difference is around 12%. The new elastic twill fabrics are extremely powerful and resistant to elastic deformation. They are soft against the skin, drape well and dry quickly. Thanks to this performance, fabrics featuring this modelling stretch are a promising innovation, particularly for the manufacturers of shapewear and sportswear, swimwear and lingerie articles. What’s more, the product range of the HKS 2-SE PLUS is effectively expanded. To produce the fabrics, the guide bars simply need to be adjusted using predefined settings options.

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.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.

TM WEFT, 270" – More width, more design freedom for the fashion world

KARL MAYER is expanding its successful TM WEFT series with an innovative model that opens up new possibilities, particularly in the fashion & apparel sectors. With a working width of 270", this new machine with weft-insertion not only offers significantly higher output than its narrower counterparts but is also specifically tailored to the demands of dynamic clothing market – particularly in China and Türkiye. A well-thought-out upgrade also ensures even greater design versatility.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

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.

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

Mongolia: Workshop on Italian textile technologies kicks off in Ulaanbaatar

The workshop dedicated to Italian textile technologies will kick off in Ulaanbaatar from 21 to 23 June 2026. Focused on the most advanced innovative solutions for the textile industry, the initiative will bring together 13 Italian textile machinery manufacturers, confirming the growing interest in strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries and highlighting Mongolia’s strategic importance for Italian textile machinery producers.

The textile industry in transition

Recycling, traceability, eco-design and digitalisation are among the key future challenges facing the European textile industry. The Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity, involving 21 partners from twelve countries, is investigating the skills required to address these challenges. As the German industry partner, the Industry Association for Finishing – Yarns – Fabrics – Technical Textiles (IVGT) is bringing the industry’s perspective to the project.