3D designs with a wow factor made on HKS 4-M EL ECO: When crepe, ruffles, and sheer fabrics redefine fashion
Seersucker, flip-flap items, Fırfır, or crepe materials: structured fabrics have long been more than just a passing trend. They lend timeless looks depth, dynamism, and an exciting tactile dimension. Whether classic striped patterns or modern solid-color interpretations, these versatile pieces pair perfectly with casual and business-casual outfits and effortlessly create a modern look.
KARL MAYER’s textile product development team demonstrates just how exciting it can be to rethink structure with a collection of innovative Advanced Bubble fabrics. With their original and striking 3D effects, these extraordinary fabrics are sure to turn heads and transform even simple silhouettes into true statement pieces.
A defining feature is the vertical ruffled stripes that seem to float above a delicate, transparent background. The unique look is created by the sophisticated interplay of different structures: an airy, lightweight ground with a subtle ribbed texture sets the stage for textile stripes in a trendy crinkled look, which appear on the surface like artfully appliquéd ribbons. The result is an exciting interplay of transparency, texture, and movement.
These trendy outerwear fabrics can be produced on an HKS 4-M EL ECO. The ground bars GB 3 and GB 4 create separate wide and narrow fabric strips using a special yarn threading and targeted lappings – GB 3 pillar stitch and GB 4 inlay lap under three needles. GB 2 connects these segments using a zigzag pattern created with a polyamide-elastane corespun yarn. In this process, part of the narrow fabric strip is folded over to the loop head side, creating the characteristic ruffle effect. GB 1 decorates the wide fabric strip with flexible designs. This ground bar uses the same yarn as GB 2 to create three-dimensional effects and the same thread count to minimize warping efforts.
A particular highlight was the presentation of these innovative bubble fabrics at ITM 2026 in Istanbul. There, the HKS 4-M EL ECO impressively demonstrated how creative crepe-on-crepe effects and transparent lightness can be combined to achieve fabrics with genuine runway potential.
