3D knit creation and simulation

YX KNIT Platinium is software for 3D knit creation and simulation, enabling textile designers and stylists to work in closer collaboration

Knit creation and simulation is specific because of the way yarns are tied together. Knitting is based on passing a yarn loop through another loop, which produces a curvilinear interlocking unlike weaving, where interlocking is generally rectilinear and perpendicular. The vast choice of interlocking patterns when knitting yarns is a boon for artists, who are offered an infinite variety of shape and colour combinations. Up to now, the simulation software available was based on false 3D which restricts creation to the compilation of a data base of knitting pictures and symbols, and precludes fancy-yarn simulation with no possibility to see front and back size at the same time. Sampling was the only way to validate the artistic value of a promising idea or a brand-new technical and/or colour combination.

As for creation from zero by the textile designer, there was no way to check and validate it technically or artistically on a monitor. This cramping of creativity was a serious hindrance to the growth of the whole knitting sector. The introduction of YX KNIT Platinium was aimed to address this problem, according to YXENDIS.

The company's 3D simulation on a computer monitor can test a creation artistically and to alter it swiftly without stopping a single machine or buying a single yarn reel. In few seconds, the user can test technical aspect and also colours with fancy yarns (chine, mouline, multico, space, etc.) taking into account gauge, tension, finishing effects, fibre lengths. Sampling is still necessary, but at a much later stage, with already selected and pre-validated creations.

Textile designers and stylists working together

Technical creation and colouring require completely different skills. While one is more technical, the other is more artistic. The creative performance of a company relies on the satisfactory interactions between the two teams, working on the same project with the same software. The software must be simple enough for the team members, who need fast and easy access to CAD software.

With 3D visualisation, both teams can work in perfect harmony.They can work side by side in front of the same monitor for comprehensive exploration of matchings, yarn selections and colour series, or use the network to alter the knitwear on their own and to make matching and colour selections to suit their own artistic choices.

Creation

YX KNIT Platinium can be applied for jacquard, intarsia and structured knitwear (single jersey, rip, interlock, every kind of structured, etc.) with plain or fancy yarn.

Jacquard and intarsia knit creation

The first stage: insert a picture from a scanner or a digital camera, then reduce the number of colours and work dot by dot on the dot-card or draw the design directly on the screen. Then select all kind of pre-recorded jacquard type or intarsia, the yarns, gauge, tension...and simulate instantaneously.

Structured knit creation

YX KNIT Platinium has been devised for both the sophisticated requirements of textile designers as well as for stylists. Structured knit creation can be handled in two different ways: - inserting motifs and/or technical symbols by non-technical designers. One click and the motifs and symbols are transformed into 3D simulations. - applying traditional knitting techniques: simple knit one, pull one, welt, tuck, transfer and various cables stitches. It can be visualised at once and validated both technically and artistically. With the rotation and zooming capabilities, both sides of the knitwear can be viewed for technical and artistic validation.

A folder can be studied at first by a style designer then a technical designer to take into account production constraints or some technical improvements and back to the style designer to do some yarns and colours tests. In the two modes, the knitwear can be seen from all angles.

The software allows pictures files to be exported to standard formats and newly-designed knitwear or variants can be sent directly to partners or customers via the Internet.