#Knitting & Hosiery

2026-07-02

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

New machine variants boost productivity and open up additional applications – from smart casual to bedding

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.

With its unmatched precision, efficiency, and reliability, the HKS 2-SE leads the market; two new variants now offer additional benefits for customers: A 312"-model complements the existing offering with working widths of 130" (expandabel by 4") and 156", thereby ensuring even greater productivity and application versatility. New use and fabric qualities are also made possible by the HKS 2-SE TWO two-in-one machine with the new E 40 gauge.

HKS 2-SE TWO in E 40 for hybrid classics

The HKS 2-SE TWO is the first model in a fresh line of two-bar tricot machines from KARL MAYER that sets new standards for efficiency with double the output. With a working width of 2 x 134", this two-in-one model simultaneously produces two fabric panels of identically high quality – all at an impressive speed and with an easy operation.

The HKS 2 SE TWO is now – and this is new – available not only in gauge E 36 but also in gauge E 40. This makes the machine, which is ideally suited for producing durable fabrics with smooth textures, particularly appealing for polo shirts and pants.

HKS 2-SE now also available for bedding

Another new addition is an HKS 2-SE with a working width of 312". The increased width and a working speed of 3,800 min-1 set new productivity standards for large-format applications such as bedding. In particular, duvets made from supple fabrics with a satin finish and a smooth, cool feel against the skin are in extremely high demand during the hot summer months – and expand the HKS 2-SE’s range of applications to include home textiles in addition to sportswear, swimwear, and lingerie.

The machine is available in E 36 and E 40 gauges, operates with an N-pattern gear drive, and is equipped with KAMCOS® 2.

KARL MAYER invites the Global Textile Industry to celebrate its 90th anniversary at its German Headquarters in 2027

KARL MAYER is turning its anniversary year 2027 into a milestone for the textile sector. To mark its 90th anniversary, the industry leader is inviting customers, partners, and experts from around the world to a unique event series in September aimed at pushing boundaries, unlocking new opportunities, and jointly setting the course for a new era in textiles – just as KARL MAYER has done throughout its history. The company’s headquarters in Obertshausen, near Frankfurt, is the place to be.

RDJ 6/2 in E 32: Finesse in Motion

The appearance of sports and casual shoes is as diverse as their applications, ranging from sporty to stylish and from functional to fashionably practical. In particular, spacer fabrics produced on highly flexible KARL MAYER double needle bar raschel machines with Jacquard technology are in high demand for manufacturing these trendy shoes. These efficient production machines enable attractive designs with integrated multifunctional zones on one or both fabric surfaces, such as breathable mesh structures. Flexible in size and positioning, these features enhance both aesthetics and wearing comfort.

SHIMA SEIKI to showcase flat knitting and digital design solutions at Egypt Stitch & Tex

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its sales representative in Egypt, TTS (EL MASRIA FOR TRADE & TECHNICAL SERVICES), will participate in the upcoming 24th International Exhibition for Textile & Carpet Machineries, Printing Technologies and Accessories (Egypt Stitch & Tex) to be held in Cairo, Egypt this month.

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

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.

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).

ITMF names three winners of the Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026

Three projects from the UK, Korea and China have been selected as winners of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026. The projects address textile-to-textile recycling, chemical recycling for automotive textiles and a regenerative approach combining silk production with ecological restoration.

Durak Maxibalance thread supports users’ movement and balance comfort

Durak Tekstil, a leading brand in its industry, has developed Durak Maxibalance, a new product engineered with bio-ceramic and FAR IR technology. Ushering in a new era for sportswear, activewear, and medical textiles, this technology offers features designed to support balance and movement comfort by reflecting the energy absorbed from the body back into it.