University of the Arts receives digital flatbed knitting machine

The University of the Arts Bremen (HfK) receives a positive decision on the application for a digital flatbed knitting machine from the project manager Prof. Ursula Zillig, professor for fashion design, unique items and programs at the HfK. The German Research Foundation (DFG), as the reviewing body, makes its recommendation.

"Apart from the actual purchase and its far-reaching effect on the HfK, the successful completion of this process at the DFG alone is a substantial milestone for us," said Dr. Gollwitzer-Oh, Head of the Research Development and Funding Department. This forward-looking investment will bring an important key technology to the university.

A digital knitting machine opens up new possibilities not only for the fashion design course of study. It provides opportunities for experimentation and variation, which would not be possible in any case in terms of depth and scope in cooperation with external service providers. The knitting machine allows the production of individual textiles in a texture and form that would otherwise hardly be achievable with any other technique or technology. Knitwear is suitable for future-oriented work on design issues relating to the long-term trends "sustainability", "convenience", "crafts", "customization" and "sports". This diversity in production also fits into the interdisciplinary curriculum of the HfK and will have a positive influence on the project work of all courses of study in the Department of Art and Design. Digital knitting machines are complex in operation and handling. Working on the digital knitting machine places high demands on the students, but enables them to acquire know-how that is increasingly in demand on the job market.

Since 2007, the DFG has been working closely with the federal states in the „Großgeräte der Länder“ ("large-scale equipment of the states") program and, at their request, evaluates applications for state-financed equipment at universities. In this investment program, the DFG provides scientific quality assurance, which is the basis for the states as financiers to support the procurement of large-scale equipment.