New knitting technique adds bulk to WHOLEGARMENT knitwear

Japanese knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki announces a new knitting technique that offers more bulk to WHOLEGARMENT knitwear and offers additional versatility. By combining two different yarns between outside and inside, the company says that it is able to achieve multi-functional garments depending on the yarns used.

Using Japanese paper yarn on the outside and antibacterial deodorizing cotton yarn on the inside, Shima Seiki created a lightweight but bulky fabric. The AiryPique knit technique enhances design capability by changing yarn colors on the inside and outside, allowing for a reversible design. The garments were made on the Japanese company’s MACH2XS15L machine in a 15-gauge texture. 

“The AiryPique knit technique was recently developed on our WHOLEGARMENT machines to improve the thickness and bulk of fabric whilst being lightweight,” explains Shima. “We differentiated colors between the sleeve and body and used 52 percent upcycled cotton and 48 percent recycled polyester yarn to propose a sustainable garment.”

The knitting technique with the right yarn also allows for increased heat retention. When knitting with wool, the AiryPique structure tested 34 percent warmer compared to a traditional single jersey in the exact same yarn.