#Knitting & Hosiery

2026-07-30

The new RDJ 7/3 defines the design footprint of modern athletic shoes

KARL MAYER launches Jacquard Double Needle Bar Raschel Machine with three jacquard bars for maximum design flexibility

Shoe with fabric produced on a RDJ 7/3 © 2026 KARL MAYER

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.

Three Jacquard bars for unique design options

At the heart of the RDJ 7/3 are three split Jacquard bars with the option for working counter-lapping – a configuration that offers significantly greater design potential. The main new features are:

Mesh designs with nearly perfectly round and even larger holes

Integrated patterns and functional zones that can be realized with significantly more varied contours and variations.

As before, the mesh structures continue to be manufactured on one or both sides of the fabric.

More color, more dynamism, more attention

The RDJ 7/3 also sets new standards in coloring. Equipped with three Jacquard bars, it enables freely designed Jacquard patterns with two-color effects and creatively colored pattern variations. Up to six different colors in a wide variety of combinations and design areas ensure maximum versatility and exciting visual effects.

Multidimensionality and embossing effects directly into the fabric faces

Another highlight of the machine is the ability to integrate subtle raised and recessed structures and embossing directly into the surface. To create these innovative 4D effects, the third Jacquard bar incorporates an extra yarn into the pile area in accordance with the pattern, in addition to the monofilament. The additional yarn provides as a core variant with elastane fibers stretch, or thanks to its special structure greater shrinkage. Wherever it is placed, the high between the fabric sides is reduced, creating a variety of multi-layer designs that open up new applications for the fabric.

A total of eight bars for pile formation ensure a high degree of structural and material flexibility in the creation of the spacing area.

Fabric produced on a RDJ 7/3 © 2026 KARL MAYER

Versatile applications – From shoe uppers to mattresses

Thanks to its wide product range, the RDJ 7/3 is ideal for producing spacer fabrics for shoe uppers and mattress covers. The machine truly shines wherever comfort, breathability, different mesh structures on the face and back, or attractive embossed effects are required.

Technical specifications and practice-oriented features

The RDJ 7/3 is available with a working width of 138" and a gauge of E 24. The trick plate distance can be easily and flexibly adjusted between 2 and 5 mm, enabling the production of fabric thicknesses for a wide range of applications.

The wireless Jacquard system provides additional ease of use. It simplifies handling, improves visibility, and contributes to efficient machine operation. High ease of use – and thus reduced labor requirements – along with a long service life are key selling points of the RDJ 7/3 in the market.

The most important performance highlight, however, is the machine‘s unbeatable design flexibility.

Thanks to its high production speed and fabric quality, it is ideally suited for high-volume business.

Warp knitting elements oof the RDJ 7 3 © 2026 KARL MAYER

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.

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.

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.

More Jacquard. More functionality. More fashion.

Expansive innovations converge in Shanghai as Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 opens doors next week

With just days to go, industry enthusiasm is building for the opening of Yarn Expo Autumn, Asia’s premier yarn and fibre trade fair, running from 25 – 27 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2, buyers will find nearly 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, spread across seven specialised zones that range from cutting-edge man-made and regenerated fibres to time-honoured cashmere and silk. Beyond the extensive sourcing options, a fringe programme of trend showcases, presentations and product launches rounds out the three¬day event with design, innovation and market intelligence.

DOMOTEX Southeast Asia 2026 - Building the Gateway to ASEAN's fast-growing flooring market

From 11–13 November 2026, the inaugural DOMOTEX Southeast Asia will take place at BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre) in Bangkok, Thailand. Jointly organized by GLOBUS Events Limited and Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd., with Worldex G.E.C. Co., Ltd. as the local partner, the exhibition marks the expansion of the internationally recognized DOMOTEX brand into Southeast Asia. As the newest addition to the global DOMOTEX portfolio, the exhibition has been developed specifically to serve the rapidly evolving ASEAN market, creating a dedicated business event for the flooring and interior finishing industry.

Execs help steer Cascale’s consumer goods agenda in Athens

The 2026 Cascale Annual Meeting, taking place September 15–17 in Athens, Greece, will convene leaders from across the global consumer goods value chain to tackle one of the industry’s defining questions: how to accelerate meaningful, system-wide transformation. Guiding those conversations as this year’s co-chairs are Sean Cady, vice president, global sustainability, responsibility, trade, and government affairs at VF Corporation, and Dr. Delman Lee, vice chair at TAL Apparel Limited.