With its M1plus, flat knitting machine manufacturer Stoll already boasts a tried and tested system for creating knitting designs and knitting patterns. With the new GKS, a tool has now been developed for the production and grading of cutting templates that is said to be user-friendly and easy to learn.

The GKS integrates originals that are already fully dimensioned and functioning, for all typical pattern variants. Using these as a basis, Stoll says, a first prototype can be realized in no time at all and then changed as much as desired.

Therefore, the company says, it is guaranteed right from the start that the linking edges of all cut parts in all sizes fit together perfectly. “It’s also worth mentioning the fact that the dimension formulas are accessible and adjustable in the GKS itself. This is a decisive advantage when creating individual cuts,” Stoll adds.

According to Stoll, a particular highlight is that all information necessary for pattern generation, such as shape modules, is already integrated into the cut and is definable in advance. A lot of information, such as the type of start, narrowing specifications and more, can be defined or changed for all sizes at once. This is unique to the GKS from Stoll, the company claims. Cut variants of every sort can be realized and the important task of realizing size sets can be carried out swiftly and simply.

In addition, the GKS does not necessarily have to be installed via the M1plus pattern software – it can also be used as a stand-alone solution.

Compatibility with M1plus

The GKS works together closely with the M1plus. As the cuts produced in the GKS already bring all the necessary knitting information with them, these can be passed on to the M1plus for pattern generation without having to be reworked. For complex patterns with Intarsia or Jacquard, GKS cuts can be used as an alternative to the classic cut for pattern generation in the M1plus.

Speed is the clincher

According to Stoll, cut creation via measuring tables corresponds to the usual process and is therefore easy to learn - the integrated cut definition via measurements and formulas as well as the variety of different originals means a quick result.

Grading takes place with the push of a button. Inserting colour or structural stripes is done directly in the cut. The position and height of the stripes can also be dimensioned so that these are adjusted in all cut pieces and sizes when changes are made to the measurements.

Workflow

The GKS supports the pattern development workflow perfectly, Stoll says. It can be used by both knitting experts and knitting technicians and enables intelligent, seamless and electronic handover. This means that sources of error due to manual import and export processes or typing mistakes are eliminated. The knitting panels in all sizes are all put together in one file and there are various possibilities for adding different item information.

Overview of further functions:

• Automatic width transition
• “Doubling” for the start is automatically calculated.
• Horizontal stripe pattern (color and/or structural):
• Graphical definition and visualization.
• Stripe position and height are dimensionable, whereby the coloured stripes will adjust via various pattern elements and grow with the size sets.
• Real curved shapes
• There is a large selection of pre-defined curved shapes available that are ideally approximated in every size with no need to rework.
• Realization of size sets
• This is achieved by grading the measurements.
• Formulas and assigned curves are newly calculated in every size, with little need to rework in the created sizes.
• Dimensioned strip areas grow automatically with the size sets.
• Linking information
• In the Linking View, connection points and further information on the linking process can be stored.
• Fields of application
• Quick pattern generation for garment measurements.
• Quick cut realization and size sets, even for complex patterns.

H. Stoll GmbH & Co. KG is a globally active and renowned manufacturer of flat knitting machines based in Reutlingen (Baden-Württemberg, Germany). The traditional company was founded in 1873 and employs around 1,000 people worldwide.

The “Stoll” brand’s portfolio includes flat knitting machines and pattern software, which are used for producing fashionable, technical and medical textiles. Products are delivered to over 70 countries around the world. Stoll is able to provide a comprehensive service program thanks to its subsidiaries, sales and service centers, and numerous agencies. Innovative technological developments and a largely German-based production system enable Stoll to create the necessary conditions for many knitting trends, which, in turn, are underpinned by Stoll’s in-house trend collection.

www.stoll.com