Wakayama, Japan—
FUTO – Loopwheel cotton knit

Traditional loopwheel knitting machines in Wakayama
rely on the pull of gravity to slowly knit fabric
that is exceptionally soft and enduringly supple.

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Qualitätsmerkmale Was macht es so besonders?

  • A one-of-a-kind knit

    Throughout the world, loopwheel knitting machines are preserved only in Wakayama. These old machines knit slowly using the pull of gravity, creating fabric that is exceptionally soft and enduringly supple. Knit top pieces made from this material offer exceptional comfort.

  • Texture unique to loopwheel knitting

    Loopwheel machines knit yarn in a relaxed state, without applying tension, while gently incorporating air into the fabric. As a result, the material does not stiffen even after repeated washing, retaining its fullness and softness.

Materialgeschichte Der Prozess hinter dem Produkt

  • 01Wakayama and the craft of knitting

    Known for the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, Wakayama grew into a hub of knit production after World War II. At that time, many factories used loopwheel machines to produce fabric. However, as efficiency became the priority, faster machines such as sinker knitting machines took over. Today, only a few makers in Wakayama continue to operate loopwheel machines.

  • 02Preserving the loopwheel tradition

    Each loopwheel machine has its own character, and operating it requires practiced skill. While many factories abandoned loopwheel machines in favor of efficiency, the maker creating Futo’s fabric gathered old machines from across the country to preserve traditional techniques.

  • 03Knitting with gravity

    A loopwheel machine is suspended from the ceiling, letting the knitted fabric fall naturally into a tub below. Because the yarn is never forcibly stretched but instead knitted in a relaxed state, it yields fabric that is soft and supple, yet highly durable.

  • 04Legacy of old machines

    Loopwheel knitting is extremely inefficient, producing only about a meter of fabric per hour. Yet craftspeople devote the time and care to continue working with these old machines, because the rich texture of the fabric, almost like hand-knitting, is truly one of a kind.

  • 05Bringing out the fabric's character

    The carefully knitted fabric goes through a series of processes, from dyeing to sewing. At every stage, we work with highly skilled makers to enhance the natural qualities of the fabric without compromising its texture.

Produktpalette Aus diesem Material hergestellte Produkte

    FUTO loopwheel cotton knit long sleeve top

    €165.00

    The minimal, neutral long sleeve knit top showcases the fabric’s naturally soft feel. Its simplicity brings out the comfort of wearing it, settling against your skin with natural ease.

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