Gateway to 3D knitwear innovation

Category: FABRICS

Country: Germany

By Haydn Davis
05 February 2024

Obertshausen: Flat knitting machine builder Stoll and digital solutions provider KM.ON, both part of the Karl Mayer Group, have been working together to further develop Create Design, the software system that can be used for the creation of sophisticated, high quality knitwear.

Described as a 'game-changing design tool in the realm of knitwear', Create Design is a cutting-edge 2D software tool for knitwear development that provides data such as DXF shapes, textures and maps that can be used for simulation in any external 3D software.

The foundation for any knitwear development can be either the structure or the shape. Create Design therefore offers the unique flexibility to choose between the structure and the shape as the foundation, allowing designers to tailor knitwear designs and explore a wide range of possibilities.

According to Stoll, Create Design works to go beyond standard shape design, taking knitting parameters into consideration. It seamlessly converts centimetres into stitches (meshes), and these conversions are dynamically updated if users change their stitch density. This knitwear-centric approach allows for precise and realistic designs.

When it comes to Stitch Development, the system's major benefit lies in the software's ability to provide a real-time preview of how the knitwear structure will look. This allows the customer to see the design come to life as it is created, ensuring that every stitch is in its right place.

In addition to the structure preview in real time, there are other useful features. These include:

Versatile tools for structure creation - Create Design offers a wide array of tools to create intricate and unique knitwear structures. Whether crafting delicate textures or complex patterns are in mind, the software provides the flexibility to explore various design elements.

Transforming images into jacquard or intarsia designs - one of the standout advantages of Create Design is the ability to import images and seamlessly transform them into jacquard or intarsia designs. This feature enables users to infuse knitwear creations with personalised images and patterns.

Stitch and yarn simulation - a further key aspect is its ability to simulate stitches and yarn, enhancing the visualisation of designs. The software facilitates digital yarn creation based on optical parameters, giving a realistic representation of how the design will look in the final product. The customer can then export these simulations as textures or maps, making it easier to integrate designs into the 3D software for a lifelike rendering.

After creating knitwear designs, the software can then export the designs into a range of popular 3D software programs, allowing users to visualise knitwear in a lifelike environment.

Advantages
The system offers designers a number of advantages including:

Save time through fast digital design development - the software significantly speeds up the design development process, allowing the customer to create stunning knitwear designs with greater efficiency.

Reduction of physical samples - by providing detailed simulations and design previews, Create Design helps the customer reduce the need for physical samples, saving costs, labor, and time.

More sustainable - less reliance on physical samples means less waste in production, making the design process more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Improved Communication - the software enhances communication between designers and technicians, ensuring that the designers' visions are accurately translated into final products.

“Create Design can offer a basis for communication with suppliers thanks to the ability to create designs digitally," said KM.ON product owner Sophie Neff. "It offers the possibility to create many variations of shapes, structures, yarns and colours through a realistic stitch simulation. In this way, the software can support the design process and minimize the number of physical samples.

"A large number of users can benefit from the comprehensive advantages offered by Create Design. Fashion brands using 3D software can seamlessly integrate Create Design into their workflow to enhance their knitwear offerings, independent designers can use the software to unleash their creativity and bring their unique knitwear creations to life, knitwear manufacturers can streamline their design process, reduce costs, and produce high-quality knitwear; and educational institutions can use it to train the next generation of fashion and textile designers, providing them with cutting-edge tools to excel in the industry.

"In a rapidly changing world, embracing technology like Create Design is essential for those who want to remain innovative and competitive in the knitwear market."

Courtesy: Knittingtradejournal.com