Shima Seiki Italia S.p.A., the Italian subsidiary of the leading Japanese computerized knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., will exhibit at the 96th edition of the Pitti Immagine Filati exhibition in Florence, Italy. The company will once again participate in the CustomEasy section, which focuses on various aspects of customization through the integration of textile machinery and design software. This section will feature SHIMA SEIKI’s lineup of computerized flat knitting machines and the APEXFiz® design software.

SWG-XR®
As SHIMA SEIKI celebrates the 30th anniversary of its pioneering WHOLEGARMENT® seam-free complete garment knitting technology, it’s worth recalling that this innovative technology—introduced in 1995 at the ITMA exhibition in Milan—has gained significant recognition among knitwear brands and manufacturers in the Italian market. In today’s industry, where the shrinking workforce of skilled sewing and linking personnel poses challenges, WHOLEGARMENT® has become increasingly relevant, particularly for high-quality fine-gauge items that are growing in popularity.
To address these industry needs, SHIMA SEIKI will showcase its next-generation flagship SWG-XR® WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine in 22LL gauge. First displayed as a prototype at ITMA Milan 2023, the production version of the SWG-XR® makes its Italian debut at Pitti Filati. The SWG-XR®, initially available in 22LL, features 4 needle beds utilizing the company’s original SlideNeedle™ at a 22-gauge pitch, enabling the production of WHOLEGARMENT® products with exceptionally high-quality 18-gauge fabric. Additionally, the machine boasts a redesigned sinker system, a compact lightweight carriage with 4 systems, and automated yarn carriers, contributing to a more than 25% productivity increase over previous models.
The SWG-XR® expands the range of yarns and fabrics that can be used, supporting versatile seasonal designs and innovative silhouettes. It includes advanced features such as punch-lace patterns, variable stitch knitting, and intarsia knitting, setting new benchmarks for sustainable, waste-free WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology.
N.SIR®183SP
The N.SIR®183SP computerized knitting machine, designed for intarsia knitting, features a specialized loop presser bed that produces hybrid inlay fabrics combining knit and weave characteristics. Displayed in an 18-gauge configuration, the machine incorporates the i-Plating option, allowing the alternation of yarn colors in any pattern, enabling jacquard-like designs using a plain jersey stitch. This capability is enhanced by plating within the same course and for individual needles. In combination with its loop presser and spring-type movable sinker system, the N.SIR®183SP offers unparalleled diversity in knit design. Its wider needle bed allows for the production of larger items compared to the previously displayed N.SIR®123SP.
N.SSR®072
The N.SSR®072 computerized jacquard collar machine efficiently produces shaped collars based on computer-generated designs. Built on the reliable N.SSR®112 garment shaping machine, the N.SSR®072 offers similar cutting-edge technology in a compact, economical, and dependable package. With its Made-in-Japan quality, productivity, and user-friendliness, the machine satisfies the high standards of the global fashion industry.

APEXFiz®
APEXFiz®, a subscription-based design software, supports the creative process from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation, and 3D virtual sampling. By replacing physical samples, APEXFiz® minimizes waste and reduces time and costs, helping to achieve sustainability and accelerate the digital transformation of the fashion supply chain.
SHIMA Online
The APEXFiz® platform’s capabilities are further enhanced by SHIMA SEIKI Online Services (SHIMA online). These include the SHIMA Datamall™, a digital content web service enabling users to search, browse, and purchase data for streamlining fashion planning and production, and yarnbank®, a digital yarn sourcing service offering downloadable yarn data from global yarn companies for virtual sampling.
Collaborative Efforts
The Shima Seiki Italia booth will also host several collaborating companies, including specialty yarn manufacturers, linking machine manufacturers, and design and production firms. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the potential of SHIMA SEIKI knitting technologies through WHOLEGARMENT® and other knit samples, some of which were designed in collaboration with fashion academy students.
Exhibition Details
Name: Pitti Immagine Filati 96
Date: Tuesday, 28th – Thursday, 30th January 2025
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Final Day: until 5:00 PM)
Location: Fortezza da Basso, Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1, Florence, Italy
Tel: +39 055 49721
Organizer: Pitti Immagine S.r.l.
Booth No.: Padiglione Centrale, Piano Inferiore, CustomEasy Section, C/4-8
Exhibited Technology
- SWG-XR®144 22LL WHOLEGARMENT® Knitting Machine
- N.SIR®183SP C18G Computerized Flat Knitting Machine
- N.SSR®072 14G Computerized Flat Knitting Machine
- APEXFiz® Design Software Subscription Service
- SHIMA Datamall™ Digital Content Web Service
- yarnbank® Digital Yarn Sourcing Web Service
- WHOLEGARMENT® and Other Knit Samples