Shima Seiki has developed a new knitting technique called AiryPique, which adds bulk to Wholegarment products which were previously naturally thinner due to its single-layer construction. By combining two different yarns between outside and inside, the R&D team at Shima Seiki USA says it has been able to achieve multi-functional garments depending on the yarns used.
The AiryPique knit technique is said to enhance design capability by changing yarn colours on the inside and outside, allowing for a reversible design. The short sleeve pullover (pictured above) was made on Shima Seiki’s MACH2XS15L machine in a 15G texture. Developers used Japanese paper yarn on the outside and antibacterial deodorizing cotton yarn on the inside, for a lightweight but bulky fabric. Shima Seiki’s Wholegarment technology is renowned for its environmental credentials, producing knitted items in their entirety on the machine thereby significantly reducing waste.
As with all Wholegarment technology, the MACH2XS15L features the company’s original SlideNeedle on four needle beds offering high-quality Wholegarment production in all needles, at high speeds thanks to quick carriage returns with the R2CARRIAGE combined with a maximum speed of 1.6m/sec for high productivity. i-DSCS+DTC Digital Stitch Control System with Intelligence and Dynamic Tension Control allows consistent, high-quality production with a variety of yarns.
The AiryPique knit technique was recently developed on the WHOLEGARMENT machines to improve the thickness and bulk of fabric whilst being lightweight. This long-sleeve pullover (pictured right) was made on the MACH2XS15L machine in a 15G texture with developers differentiating colours between the sleeve and body and used 52 per cent upcycled cotton and 48 per cent recycled polyester yarn to propose a sustainable garment.
The AiryPique knit technique with the right yarn also allows for increased heat retention as well. When knitting with wool, the AiryPique structure tested 34 per cent warmer compared to a traditional single jersey in the exact same yarn, Shima Seiki said.
A long-sleeve pullover was also made on the MACH2XS18L machine in an 18G ultra-fine texture made use of wool on the outside and extra-long-staple cotton on the inside, for a more comfortable touch, while providing more heat retention through the lofted AirPique structure.
