British furniture designer Isomi has introduced the Knit One Chair, a new modular lounge system that applies 3D knitting technology to radically reduce waste in furniture manufacturing. Building on techniques widely adopted in the sportswear and footwear sectors, Isomi’s design rethinks traditional upholstery to align with circular design principles.

3D knitting transforms a single spool of yarn into a complete, three-dimensional textile shape directly on the flat knitting machine, eliminating the need for cutting, stitching or excess trimming. In contrast to conventional upholstery methods that require foam, multiple fabric layers, adhesives and stapling - often making products difficult to recycle - Knit One features a fully engineered knitted sleeve made from recycled yarns and monofilament structural fibres.

This single sleeve gives the chair both form and function, referencing traditional ribbed upholstery while offering transparency in how the product is made. The sleeve fits over a lightweight metal frame, without glue or waste, and is entirely reversible and recyclable.

“Knit One reimagines how we make furniture,” the company said. “Rather than using foam, we use air. Rather than layering, we use a single knitted piece. It’s not just more efficient - it’s more intelligent.”

Isomi also highlights the digital advantage of 3D knitting. The process allows for local, on-demand production, reducing the need for bulk stockpiling and excess inventory. The flat-pack frame is easy to assemble with minimal tools, and the lightweight knitted cover reduces shipping impacts. At the end of its use cycle, the chair can be disassembled with ease, aiding material recovery.

The modular system includes a lounge chair, straight and angled seating modules, and a solid wood bolt-on table. Designed for adaptability and longevity, Knit One encourages dynamic space planning without excess resource use.

“Knit One is more than a product,” Isomi added. “It’s a statement of how contract furniture can shift towards smarter, leaner manufacturing and genuine circularity - with less waste, less weight, and more material integrity.”

www.isomi.com