Swiss flat knitting machine builder Steiger has developed a new flat knitting machine which is capable of knitting coarse gauge complete garments in a single piece.

With two-systems, the machine is equipped with between 8 and 24 motorized yarn carriers and in its current guise, has been specially developed for coarse gauge knitting – Steiger’s E2.5-2 free gauge.

On show as a prototype model at ITMA Asia + CITME, the Swiss firm shared a booth with its parent company Cixing, the knitting of complete garments is made possible by the use of Steger’s existing compound needle and slider technology.

According to Steiger’s chief executive officer, Pierre-Yves Bonvin, neither of these technological features are brand new, it is the first-time combination of them together that makes complete garment knitting possible.

Currently known as the C2.185.SCP, the 73 ins wide machines is still at the prototype stage but Steiger hopes to have it commercially available by ITMA Milan 2015.

Steiger, with more than 60 years of experience in the building of flat knitting machines, is today recognized internationally for their advanced high quality knitting machines.

Steiger has always aimed at satisfying the needs and requirements of their customers and has directed its research activities towards developing highly innovative technologies and to build flat knitting machines which are able to anticipate and satisfy the ever changing fashion trends in the world’s market.