Flat knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki is collaborating with one of the oldest and most respected department stores in Japan, Takashimaya Department Stores, to take in-store orders for custom knitwear using its latest Wholegarment knitting technology. The company’s ‘Ordermade’ Wholegarment knitwear project is running at the Takashimaya Yokohama store from 7th to 19th October, and at the Tokyo main store from 21st October to 3rd November.

“The enormous potential behind Wholegarment knitting technology and its on-demand production capabilities allow mass-customization scenarios in which knitwear can be produced according to individual size, shape and design. Because the entire knitwear can be produced in one-piece in a single process, ideally this can be performed in a matter of hours, if not minutes”, said Shima Seiki’s Creative Head, Masaki Karasuno.

In popularizing this concept for more widespread use, such a scenario would consist of a preset variety of designs and size templates to simplify the ordering and programming processes, not unlike the ‘Easy-Order’ made-to-measure system that has been a standard for semi-tailored business suits and shirts for some time now in Japan, the company says. According to Shima, Wholegarment technology allows the knit version of this system to make delivery within a fraction of the time required for cut-and-sewn suits and shirts.

Shima says that such quick turnaround relies not only on cutting-edge machinery, but the capability of its design system as well. At the heart of the made-to-order concept is the company’s Ordermade software which is featured on its SDS-ONE and SDS-ONE APEX apparel design systems. Ordermade software features an extensive database of patterns and designs as well as pre-programmed templates for size-grading, including irregular body sizes and shapes.

“Super-realistic knit simulations and 3D virtual sampling functions allow accurate visual confirmation of the customer's selection. Furthermore, easy operation without the need for extensive knowledge and experience in knit programming allows retail workers to easily adopt the system in their daily routine”, says Mr Karasuno.

Ordermade software is already in use at the company’s Factory Boutique Shima, Shima Seiki’s retail site for real-world applications of Wholegarment technology, in its hometown of Wakayama, Japan. Through its collaboration with Takashimaya Department Stores, Shima Seiki takes this application a step further by catering to a much larger and discerning metropolitan audience. By demonstrating the Ordermade system to Takashimaya customers Shima intends to increase public awareness of Wholegarment knitwear, giving consumers the chance to experience the quality and benefits that Wholegarment knitwear provides. In addition Shima hopes that the demonstration will serve as a business model for knitwear producers interested in developing new markets for Wholegarment production.