Santoni, a leading Italian manufacturer of a wide range of circular knitting machines and a pioneer in seamless technology collaborates with Lenzing Fibres, a producer of Tencel branded fibre in a new denim project.

The new project concerns the knitting of an innovative denim double-face quilted fabric produced by Santoni’s double jersey circular knitting machine, the Mec-mor CMP, and Lenzing’s Tencel fibre. The Mec-Mor CMP, with open variable panel (Variatex technology) is a circular knitted garment length machine complete with rib border separation.

It offers both high quality finished items, and superb productivity with its large number of feeds. One single machine can produce all sizes without wastages, thanks to the variable width of the fabric panels that allows the exact number of working needles to be selected for the required size of product. Now available up to 20” GG, it is the only more efficient and profitable alternative to the flat-bed knitting machine, the manufacturer reports.

The totally reversible quilted jacket knitted on the Mec-Mor machine provides superb comfort due to its Seamless characteristics. The border is not sewn as it is integrated into the fabric panel, as well as incorporating the pockets. It is a double-faced jacket that can have various patterns and logos directly knitted into it by the machine. These designs have a very high resolution thanks to the fine inherent GG 20 characteristics.

The new totally-reversible seamless denim quilted jacket produced on the Santoni machine aims to provide greater comfort due to its dedicated areas of increased fit and well-being as determined by the use of embedded indigo Tencel fibre and elastomers to give higher elasticity and flexibility.

The multi-layered seamless knitted panel consists of three layers of different yarns with a reverse use. The resulting quilting effect is obtained directly on the machine by specific stitches that hold the two layers of fabric, together this produces a thickness in the fabric, so creating a quilting effect which increases the profile of the relief when compared to the rest of the fabric, giving a unique change in its texture.

Extra decorative patterns may be added to the surface to create unlimited 3D technical effects and design. Separate reinforced points can be inserted as well. Each side of the panel can be the front layer, allowing for either an active or a smart-classical denim jean look.

Tencel is the sustainable lyocell fibre derived from wood pulp. According to the manufacturer, only wood from certified or controlled sources is used to make Tencel using a closed loop production system. This fibre production process is eco-friendly and has received numerous certifications and awards including the European Award for the Environment and Oeko-Tex

Textiles made of Tencel are not only sustainable, but also soft and comfortable. Garments can undergo the same traditional indigo dyeing process used for denim fabrics, made by Unitin, and can be smoothly knitted on our seamless knitting machines. Indigo garments obtained with this innovative and alternative process will fade with wear and wash. They will have unique appearance exactly like all indigo garments.