3D-knitting: A Close Look at How Jently’s Towels are Made
One of the many questions we’re often asked had to do with how we bring Jently Towels to life. Many of our customers assume that they’re 3D-printed, but they’re are actually 3D-kintted-and while those processes may sound similar, there are few important differences between the two. Confused? Don’t worry. We are here to walk you through it.
3D knitting is a new term, but not a new technology. “Whole Garment” knitting has been a feasible concept for over 20 years. While knitting machines originally were meant to mimic the quality of a hand-knit garment, they have taken on a set of capabilities that are unique and could not be accomplished by the human hand. 3D knitting has increased in popularity as of late, particularly because of the mass manufacturing of sneakers made using 3D knitting techniques.
The technology also proves itself from an environmental perspective: no waste products are created and, in the case of some knitting techniques, further steps in the production process become superfluous, for example sewing parts together. As the fibers of the textile shaft are already woven with each other, the flat knitted towel does not need any seams, for example.
3-D knitting will revolutionize the customer experience, providing a luxury product that’s personalized and sustainable. Plus, the knitwear segment is far larger than people imagine, everything from yoga pants to T-shirts to hats, socks, sweaters and everything in between is knit.
The possibilities are endless. On-demand manufacturing is a huge, game-changing shift, with the waste currently in clothing manufacturing. Seamless knitting massively simplifies the supply chain. Yarn goes in the machine, a whole garment comes out. Done.
The biggest challenge facing 3-D knitting seems to be a shortage of expertise. There’s a dearth of people who know how to design, write and run the programs that generate product
At Jently, we are excited about a future when a custom knit is considered standard rather than an oddity — and it arrives at speed.
