Stoll
Stoll (H. Stoll GmbH & Co. KG) was a German manufacturer of flatbed knitting machines, founded in 1873 by Heinrich Stoll. Alongside Shima Seiki, Stoll was historically one of the two dominant global manufacturers of computerized flat knitting machines used in industrial knitwear production.[1]
History[edit]
Founded in Reutlingen, Germany, Stoll produced mechanical flatbed knitting machines for over a century, transitioning to computerized electronic models in the late 20th century.[2] In 2020, Stoll was acquired by the Karl Mayer Group, another major German textile machinery manufacturer.
In 2025, Karl Mayer announced a strategic discontinuation of the Stoll flatbed knitting machine product line to focus on warp knitting and technical textiles. The Reutlingen assembly factory closed on October 31, 2025, and production of Stoll machines in China ceased in December 2025.[1]
Technical Specifications[edit]
Stoll flatbed machines use latch needles on a flat bed, utilizing computerized carriage movements to knit fully-fashioned garments, shaped panels, and technical textiles.
Programming Software[edit]
Stoll developed proprietary programming systems, including the M1 and M1plus software suites (later succeeded by the CREATE family of software). These tools allow technicians to program structural knitting instructions, stitch transfers, racking, and color changes, which are then transferred to the machine control panel.[3]
Key Features[edit]
Modern Stoll electronic machines (such as the CMS series) incorporate the following features:
- PTS (Power Tension Settings): Electronic control allowing different stitch lengths to be programmed within a single knitting row.[3]
- STOLL-multiflex® Take-Down: An adjustable fabric take-down system using roller segments and a take-down comb to start knitting on empty needles.[3]
- Friction Feed Wheels: Units designed to feed yarn to the carriage at a constant, low tension.[3]
- Clamping and Cutting Device: Mechanism on the side of the needle bed that holds and cuts yarn tails automatically during color changes.[3]
- Pelerine Spring-Transfer Needles: Specialized transfer needles designed to reduce safety failures during double-bed stitch transfers.[3]
- CAN-OPEN Interface: A communication bus protocol connecting auxiliary devices (such as electronic storage feeders) to the main controller for row-by-row parameter changes.[3]
Notable Models[edit]
Stoll categorized its modern models under the CMS line:
- CMS 503 ki / CMS 503 ki L: Flatbed machines with 3 knitting systems, typically available in gauges from E5 to E18. The 'L' version features a wider working width of 50 inches (127 cm).[3]
- CMS 703 ki knit and wear: Designed for seamless or finished-garment ("knit and wear") applications, featuring a 72-inch (183 cm) working bed and three knitting systems.[4]
- Other Series: Older electronic series include the CMS 400, CMS 330, and various heavy-gauge flatbeds (CMS 822/830).[2]