#Knitting & Hosiery

2025-12-11

More speed. More patterns. More profit: two new HKS machines secure the lead

The newcomers HKS 3-M EL ECO and HKS 4-M EL ECO set new standards in the tricot market

Short development cycles, frequent pattern changes, and maximum efficiency – even with small batch sizes: Today's global fashion and apparel market demands more flexibility than ever before. High-performance warp knitting machines with compound needles (HKS) and EL pattern drive are KARL MAYER's answer to this challenge.

“The HKS brand made by KARL MAYER stands for the best warp knitting machine in the world, regardless of model and manufacturing location,” says Michael Ahrendt, Product Owner Global Tricot at KARL MAYER.

The electronic guide bar control system guarantees unlimited repeat lengths, easy adjustments, and pattern changes at the touch of a button – and has been doing so for 35 years now. All three- and four-bar HKS machines that are equipped with it have been bearing only an EL in their designation since fall 2025. KARL MAYER is also expanding its successful platform: the recently launched HKS 3-M EL ECO and HKS 4-M EL ECO set new standards in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness.

HKS 3-M EL ECO – the economical gateway to the EL world

The new three-bar midrange warp knitting machine is the economical alternative to the HKS 3-M EL, formerly HKS 3-M ON. It opens up attractive volume segments and sets new standards: as the first three-bar HKS EL, it is available in working widths of up to 370″.

Thanks to the proven HKS core components, it offers the reliability, user-friendliness, and fabric quality of the high-performance machine – but at a significantly lower cost. Its working speed ensures high profitability in practice; in the future, the difference between it and the premium model will be most noticeable in terms of production speed.

HKS 3 M EL ECO right Side Low © 2025 KARL MAYER

When it comes to patterning, the HKS 3-M EL ECO Next Generation offers a wide range of options: EL guide bar control, optional multi peed, and an extended shogging distance from 9 to 34 mm enable larger motifs, coarse structures, wide repeats, and greater intervals between design spots such as dots – e.g. for plissé patterns with more striking 3D effects or plush fabrics with longer pile.

The target markets for the new ECO variant are primarily automotive interiors, outerwear, sportswear, upholstery fabrics, and velour, as well as coatings and advertising textiles. The first machines have already been successfully sold to South America.

HKS 4-M EL ECO – ideal for applications with constantly changing designs and a wide variety of variants

The new HKS 4-M EL ECO made a strong impression at ITMA ASIA 2025, winning over visitors with its efficiency, flexibility, and attractive price point. One of its strengths is its ability to respond quickly to demand trends. Differentiation into several variants, a shogging distance of 2″ for all four guide bars, multi speed as an option, and the EL guide bar control enable highly efficient production of popular items for a wide range of applications. The fashion industry in particular showed great interest in Singapore in the high response speed to new styles and material requirements.

HKS 4 M EL ECO at ITMA ASIA © 2025 KARL MAYER

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.

EU ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear now in force

The European Union's ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear has entered into force. Since July 19, 2026, large companies across the EU have been prohibited from destroying unsold textile products, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030.

Eastman Naia™ brings its inside-out denim vision to Kingpins New York

Following its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam, Eastman Naia™ brings the next chapter of its denim story to Kingpins New York, taking place July 22–23. At Booth Green 7, Naia™ presents its denim proposition built around three complementary design directions: Performance Denim, Fashion Denim and Authentic Denim.