Tsuri Ami 吊り編み; Wakayama Japan 和歌山県

The Loopwheel or Tsuri Ami fabric is slow and carefully knitted using vintage Tsuri Ami Ki (machineries) which at this point in time sees only two companies left in the world that still sustain this craft. Tsuri-Ami Ki is a term referring to the traditional type of knitting machines that were first used in Japan during the beginning of the 20th century. Referred to as hanging-knitting machines in english, or commonly known as Loopwheel machines. These machines use a special type of 'bearded needles' , which draw in air for gentle knitting. They do not pull and stretch the fabrics unlike most modern machineries. These factors result in a softer and more responsive fabric made just like a hand-knitted. A relatively slower process, this method of knitting produces superior texture and quality fabric thats comfortable to the skin. As we learnt more the fabric through our design process, we were inspired by its rich history and story to want to share with you more.

 

Kanekichi FactoryImage Source: Kanekichi

 

Kanekichi FactoryImage Source: Kanekichi

 

Kanekichi FactoryImage Source: Kanekichi

 

Kanekichi FactoryImage Source: Kanekichi

 

The restoration of a "Tsuriami-ki" - Kanekichi Industries Ltd from masatalow on Vimeo.