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In the fashion and apparel industry, especially in knitwear design and planning, material selection—one of the most crucial factors for success—is no longer confined to trade shows or physical swatch books. yarnbank® is a global online platform developed by Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd., designed to connect designers, manufacturers, and yarn suppliers in one place. The service allows users to browse yarn collections, compare materials, and contact suppliers—all for free.
In the yarnbank® webinar featured in this article, the Shima Seiki team introduces practical ways to explore yarn information online and integrate it directly into your design and production workflow. Whether you are a knit manufacturer searching for sustainable alternatives or a designer looking for creative inspiration, this session offers insights into how digital transformation is reshaping the knit industry.
Table of Contents
The content of this article is based on the webinar “Mastering yarnbank®: Your Ultimate Guide,” the first of 3 sessions of the “Spinning the Future” presentation hosted by Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd. You can register to view the webinar recording and download related material from the following site.
Mastering yarnbank®: Your Ultimate Guide Webinar Archive Open
We are pleased to offer limited access to the archived "Spinning the Future" webinar, which delivers cutting-edge yarn innovations in three engaging sections.
View the site
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Global Community of yarnbank® Users and Yarn Suppliers
As of July 2025, more than 65 yarn suppliers specializing in flat knitting yarns have joined yarnbank®, sharing their latest materials and color books with users worldwide. The platform has also grown to include over 6,700 registered users—a diverse community of professionals and creators across the knitwear industry. Designers from leading apparel brands and knit manufacturers use yarnbank® as a trusted tool for researching and sourcing materials. At the same time, it has become increasingly popular among students shaping the next generation of knitwear professionals and young designers launching their own original brands. yarnbank® serves as a truly global platform where everyone involved in knitwear design and production can access valuable information, build connections, and engage in business matching that fosters new opportunities across the companies.
Find the Right Yarn by Material and Function
When you log in to yarnbank®, the latest color books and popular materials appear right away. New color books are added daily, while popular ones are updated monthly based on user activity such as views and inquiries. One of the greatest advantages is that even those who cannot attend trade shows can freely access the latest material trends anytime. Clicking on a color book opens detailed information such as yarn count, material, and gauge, along with swatch images and photos of knitted items using the same yarn. This is especially useful for mélange or fancy yarns, where it can be difficult to imagine how the finished fabric will look from yarn samples alone.
Each yarn supplier has its own dedicated page showcasing their full collection. Recommended materials are clearly labeled, making it easy to identify featured yarns. From these pages, users can also contact suppliers directly for inquiries—enabling smooth connections with new business partners.
Currently, about 3,500 materials are registered on yarnbank®. The advanced search function allows users to filter by fiber type (wool, cashmere, polyester), functional properties (machine washable, anti-pilling), price range, and sustainability features. Additionally, you can filter yarns by characteristics such as recycled or traceable materials, as well as by third-party certifications including Woolmark. Feedback from users often include those users "discovering new options," or "finding unexpected yarns," and "connecting with new suppliers."
Digital Transformation through Virtual Sampling Utilizing yarnbank® and Latest Knit Samples
Another major advantage of yarnbank® is the ability to view the latest knit samples created using yarns listed on the platform. Through SHIMA Datamall™, Shima Seiki’s knit sample search site, you can check detailed information about products knitted with yarnbank® materials. For each sample, you can confirm whether the yarn has been knitted on Shima Seiki machines, whether WHOLEGARMENT® technology is used, as well as practical production data such as knitting machine type, knitting time and sample weight. This makes it an invaluable resource when evaluating yarns for knit product development.
In SHIMA Datamall™, users can also search knit samples by conditions such as machine type, then check the detailed information of the yarn used in yarnbank®. You can also view other samples knitted with the same yarn, allowing you to efficiently gather and evaluate both yarn information and product images even for yarns you have never used before. In other words, by leveraging both yarnbank® and SHIMA Datamall™, you can reduce the uncertainty that often comes with adopting new materials.
For more detailed information about SHIMA Datamall™, you can also check the following article.
Have you heard of SHIMA Datamall™ the game-changing digital content web service for fashion planning? If you’re in the business of knitwear planning and design, SHIMA Datamall™ is a must-know digital tool.
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yarnbank® also includes a “Yarn Data Download” feature. The downloaded digital yarn data can be used in Shima Seiki’s SDS®-ONE APEX series design software for virtual sampling of knit fabrics and products. Designers can instantly visualize the results of complex yarns—such as loop, lamé, or other fancy yarns—and even simulate twisted yarns by adjusting twist count. These simulations enable teams to reduce time and cost during design planning. Using yarn data, users can also create stitch patterns like cables or jacquard patterns, visualize the final images of the products, and create colorway variations —all within the design software. By leveraging both yarnbank® and SHIMA Datamall™, you can seamlessly digitalize your entire knitwear production flow.
The SDS®-ONE APEX series also offers a subscription-based design software called APEXFiz® Design. If you’d like to learn more, you can register to view the demo video from the following page.
You can view a demo video of APEXFiz® in operation. By filling out the form, a URL to the demo video will be sent to your email address.
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If you’d like to learn more, you can register from the following link to view the full archive of the webinar and download the PDF guidebook “Mastering yarnbank®: Your Ultimate Guide.” In the session, you’ll find step-by-step guidance on how to register for a yarnbank® account, along with helpful tips on using the yarnbank® platform effectively. You’ll also have access to the other two sessions from the “Spinning the Future” presentation: A seminar introducing recommended materials from participating yarn suppliers; and a presentation by The Woolmark Company. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the full potential of yarnbank® for streamlining knitwear production!
Mastering yarnbank®: Your Ultimate Guide Webinar Archive Open
We are pleased to offer limited access to the archived "Spinning the Future" webinar, which delivers cutting-edge yarn innovations in three engaging sections.
View the site
Related Link
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