Category Archives: How-to

Color reduction for jacquard knitting

Color reduction is the process of reducing the number of colors in an image. This can be useful for reducing the file size of an image or simplifying the color palette for artistic purposes. Also it is needed for jacquard knitting, where a defined number of colors can be used in the knit, thus the knit design / image also has to be color reduced.

There are several techniques for color reduction, including:

Dithering: Dithering is a technique that uses patterns of small dots to simulate additional colors. This can create the illusion of more colors in an image than are actually present.

Posterization: Posterization is a technique that reduces the number of colors in an image by dividing the color space into a smaller number of discrete color ranges. This can create a stylized, poster-like effect.

Quantization: Quantization is a technique that maps the colors in an image to a smaller number of colors. This can be done using a variety of algorithms, including k-means clustering and octree quantization.

Median Cut: Median cut is an algorithm that divides the color space into smaller regions based on the median values of the colors in those regions. This can be an efficient way to reduce the number of colors in an image while preserving color fidelity.

Color Space Conversion: Converting an image to a different color space can reduce the number of colors in an image. For example, converting an RGB image to a grayscale image will reduce the number of colors to shades of gray.

Each of these techniques has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of technique will depend on the specific requirements of the application or knit.

In the Wildemasche Online Designer, you can adjust color reduction options, and see how this affects the image outcome. Try it out at Wildemasche.com

How does jacquard knitting work

Jacquard knitting is a technique that allows for the creation of complex patterns and designs in knitwear. It uses a specialized machine, called a jacquard knitting machine, which can produce intricate designs using different colored yarns.

The basic process of jacquard knitting involves the use of a series of punched cards or electronic patterning devices, which control the movement of the needles on the machine. Each card or electronic pattern corresponds to a specific design or pattern. The cards or electronic patterning device are fed into the machine, and the needles are then raised and lowered according to the design on the card, creating the desired pattern in the fabric.

For creating a custom design, the designer will have to create a chart with the design, it is called a jacquard chart, the chart is then transformed into a punch card or electronic device, which the machine reads. The punch card or electronic device is fed into the machine, and the needles are raised and lowered according to the design on the card, resulting in a custom designed knitwear.

Jacquard knitting allows for a high degree of control and precision when creating patterns, which makes it well-suited for creating intricate designs such as logos, images, or even photographs on knitwear.

Photoshop sweater with transparency

Creating designs for hoodies and sweaters in Photoshop, we came across the idea to use the look of transparency in Adobe Photoshop or other graphics software as part of the actual knitsweater design.

Transparent areas in photoshop are usually checkered in light grey and white.

Using this background together with a cropped stock image gives a nice transparent effect. Please note the preview is rather low res, the actual knit sweater does look better, although only 4 colors can be used at a time.

Transparency sweater: design and sweater preview

You can use or rebuild this effect for your custom sweater design. Upload a partly transparent image in the Online Designer, and flood fill / tile the background with a two color clipart. Set the colors of the clipart to light grey and white.

When aligned correctly, image will merge with the background. If there is a 5th color in the image, replace / fill it with a pattern, and use colors that already exist.

Click here to edit the transparency sweater design

Knitted with your custom design and no minimum order quantity, Wildemasche is the one stop source for custom knitwear. See all sweater specs here, and choose between fine knit cotton and regular knit acrylic sweater.

Online Designer: How to remove the background

When uploading photos or images in the Online Designer, you can have the background removed with a single click.
Start the Online Designer with desired product resp material / size option.

Then upload your image in the Online Designer (“Image” button top left).

Click button “Background”

Image with white background

Image with background removed:

Pick border color and border thickness. This way the image will stand out better on a background with pattern or changing colors.

Use “Remove background” on all products in the Online Designer. So not just with the custom sweater, but also when creating designs for scarves, blankets, beanies and fabric panels.

Sweater mockup generator

Get your sweater mockup action with the sweater mockup generator from Wildemasche.

Custom knit sweater mockups are done in no time in this industry leading jacquard knit factory online offer.

Create custom designs for free, either for fine knit cotton knitshirt, or standard acrylic sweater. Use loads of sweater templates and randomly created designs. Upload stock photos for your best sweater designs, or cliparts from the searchable clipart database. Upload your photos and generate a preview of the design you have made.

For even more options, go pro and send the design you have created with photoshop and use advanced effects.

This is Wildemasche, this is the onlineshop for crewneck sweaters with your design on front, back and sleeves. Everything is knitted in, allover, always.

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