The End of an Era: Stoll Flat‑Bed Knitting Machines Are Officially Discontinued

For decades, Stoll flat‑bed knitting machines have been a benchmark of precision, reliability, and German engineering in the global knitwear industry. From fully‑fashioned sweaters to intricate textures and technical structures, Stoll shaped how factories produced high‑quality knitwear and how designers imagined it.

But as of late 2025, the Stoll flat‑bed machine line has officially been discontinued — marking the end of one of the most influential chapters in modern knitwear manufacturing.

Why Stoll Mattered

Stoll machines earned their reputation for three key reasons:

• Exceptional knitting accuracy — consistent tension, clean shaping, and stable fabric quality.

• Versatility — from fine‑gauge luxury knits to heavier structures, Stoll handled a wide range of yarns and designs.

• Industry‑standard programming — M1/M1plus software became a universal language for technicians worldwide.

For many factories, especially those producing premium knitwear, Stoll wasn’t just a machine — it was the backbone of their production capability.

What Led to the Discontinuation

The parent company, Karl Mayer, announced a strategic shift in 2025, choosing to focus on warp knitting, warp preparation, and technical textiles. As part of this restructuring, the entire Stoll flat‑bed knitting machine business was phased out.

Key milestones included:

• 31 October 2025 — closure of the Reutlingen (Germany) Stoll factory

• December 2025 — end of Stoll production in China

• No further manufacturing of new flat‑bed machines under the Stoll brand

While service and spare parts will continue for now, the era of new Stoll machines has officially come to a close.

What This Means for the Industry

The discontinuation has several implications:

1. Stoll machines will become increasingly rare

Small and medium‑sized factories that relied on Stoll will find it harder to replace or expand their machine fleet.

2. Existing machines gain value

Well‑maintained Stoll machines may become prized assets, especially in factories producing high‑end knitwear.

3. Technical expertise becomes more important

Technicians trained on Stoll programming and maintenance will remain in high demand as the installed base ages.

4. Brands may see more variation in production

As factories transition to other machine brands, differences in knitting behaviour, tension control, and shaping may become more noticeable.

A Moment of Reflection

For many in the industry — technicians, designers, and factory owners alike — Stoll represents more than a machine. It represents a standard of craftsmanship and engineering that shaped the modern knitwear landscape.

Its discontinuation marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter as the industry adapts, innovates, and evolves.