German textile machinery manufacturer KARL MAYER has unveiled a breakthrough in lace technology at ITM 2026, introducing a TEXTRONIC® eyelash lace featuring a previously unattainable four-way stretch, expanding design possibilities for premium fashion and lingerie applications.
Presented at the company’s booth at the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center in Istanbul, the innovation combines the characteristic fringed appearance of traditional eyelash lace with elasticity in both directions, overcoming the limitations of conventional lace structures that could only be produced as rigid fabrics or with one-dimensional stretch.
The development highlights KARL MAYER’s continued focus on textile innovation and advanced machine technology, reinforcing its position as a key supplier to high-end textile manufacturers worldwide.
The new fabric has been designed for garments that require a close fit, enhanced comfort and long fringed eyelash edges. According to the company, the increased elasticity allows the lace to adapt more naturally to body contours while providing greater freedom of movement. The technology can also eliminate the need for zippers in certain figure-hugging garments.
Beyond comfort and aesthetics, the fabric offers improved durability. KARL MAYER said the lace possesses significantly higher burst resistance compared with conventional alternatives, thanks to its unique manufacturing methodology and an unconventional machine configuration.
The fabric is produced on the MT 84/1/40 S, a TEXTRONIC® Multibar Jacquard Raschel machine developed for manufacturing both elastic and rigid lace. The machine employs a distinctive bar configuration and specialized ground bar lapping movements that enable the creation of complex and highly elastic lace structures.
Available in gauges E24 and E28, the machine has a working width of 134 inches and incorporates two split Jacquard bars, one guide bar responsible for stitch formation and two rear guide bars capable of counterlapping movements. These features allow manufacturers to produce intricate patterns while maintaining production efficiency.
KARL MAYER said the machine also offers a strong price-performance ratio, operational reliability and ease of use, making it an attractive option for producers targeting the premium lace segment.
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The textile innovation has already inspired fashion applications. Designer Sara Linke created an extravagant, body-contouring pencil dress using the new material, demonstrating the lace’s flexibility and decorative appeal. The dress is among the highlights of KARL MAYER’s textile show at ITM 2026.
The launch comes as apparel brands and consumers increasingly seek fabrics that combine comfort, performance and sophisticated aesthetics. Stretch lace has become an important material for lingerie, evening wear and other body-conscious fashion categories, where fit and freedom of movement are essential.
By introducing four-way stretch to eyelash lace, KARL MAYER is addressing a long-standing technical challenge in lace manufacturing and creating new opportunities for designers and brands to develop innovative products.
The unveiling at ITM 2026 also underscores the company’s strategy of pairing high-performance machinery with continuous textile innovation, enabling manufacturers to respond to evolving market demands while maintaining quality and efficiency.
As the textile industry continues to pursue materials that deliver both functionality and luxury, KARL MAYER’s latest TEXTRONIC® development marks a significant advance in warp knitting technology and opens new possibilities for premium apparel design.
