KARL MAYER Expands Fashion Possibilities With Upgraded TM WEFT
KARL MAYER will present a new collection of WovenLike warp-knitted fabrics and upgrades to its TM WEFT weft-insertion warp knitting machine at ITMA ASIA 2026, highlighting opportunities to combine fashion versatility with efficient manufacturing.
Developed at the company’s TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER, the collection combines the appearance of woven fabrics with warp knitting’s advantages, including high production efficiency, ease of care, freedom of movement and wrinkle resistance. WovenLike fabrics can be produced on two- and three-bar tricot machines and the TM WEFT, which is particularly suited to processing challenging materials such as effect yarns, linen and acetate fibres.
The collection features two contrasting fabric ranges: dense, textured constructions for autumn and winter, and lightweight, chiffon-style fabrics with applications including Muslim womenswear.
The heavier fabrics combine warmth and comfort with distinctive surface effects. A crêpe fabric incorporating LYCRA® T400® offers freedom of movement and improved fit, while metallic yarn creates accents in a delicate bouclé construction. Another fabric uses a burnout technique to partially open the surface, producing a floral design reminiscent of naïve painting.
The lightweight range features crêpe-like textures, flowing drape and varying degrees of semi-transparency, with the lightest fabric weighing just 63 g/m². Acetate provides sheen and a cool, smooth feel, while viscose offers a soft shimmer and a natural feel against the skin. The range also includes a cotton-blend fabric with a clean, linear striped pattern.
Alongside the collection, KARL MAYER has further developed the TM WEFT for fashion and apparel applications. A new E 36 gauge enables the production of finer fabrics, while an EL pattern drive increases patterning flexibility and speed. Continuously regulated thread tension simplifies handling and supports consistent fabric quality.
Visitors can explore the collection and discuss manufacturing methods, design possibilities and applications at KARL MAYER’s booths at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai: Hall 4.1, Booth C18 for WARP KNIT, and Hall 3, Booth A24 for WARP PREP.
The collection will also feature at a product show at KARL MAYER (China) in Changzhou during the exhibition, where the upgraded TM WEFT will demonstrate its capabilities for demanding fashion and apparel applications.
