Malaika Co., Ltd., a company based in Hachioji, Tokyo, has unveiled its newest establishment, the Malaika Knit Factory, located in T-FACE Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, set to open in late April 2026. This innovative store brings a unique concept to the table, allowing customers to create their own custom knitwear.
One of the standout features of the Malaika Knit Factory is its use of the 'Whole Garment®' technology, patented by Shima Seiki Manufacturing, which enables the seamless knitting of garments in three dimensions. Customers will get to witness the knitting process up close and personal, as they choose their own yarns to make a one-of-a-kind piece tailored to their style.
The store currently offers a selection of four styles: two types of pullover and two types of outerwear, available in two sizes. After deciding on the desired item, customers can select from a diverse palette of colors. This summer, the factory provides an impressive range of 25 colors, allowing for countless combinations thanks to the technique of combining two yarns, resulting in a staggering 625 color possibilities.
In addition, Malaika features its unique 'kasuri-dyed' yarn, where each strand is dyed in vibrant colors. This ensures that every knitted piece will have varying hues and patterns, making it impossible to find two identical knits.
The knitting process at the factory involves several steps:
1.
Choose Your Yarn: Customers select their preferred yarn colors to be set on the knitting machine.
2.
Start Knitting: The data for the desired garment is selected, and the knitting process begins on the Whole Garment machine.
3.
Complete Knitting: The garment is knitted in a three-dimensional form.
4.
Final Touches: The item undergoes finishing processes such as thread trimming, washing, drying, and labeling.
5.
Ready to Wear: The unique knitted piece is complete and ready for the customer.
At the Malaika Knit Factory, the entire knitting process takes as little as three hours from order to completion, depending on machine availability. This prompt service is ideal for customers looking to create something special on the spot.
This summer's collection showcases the extraordinary comfort of super extra fine merino wool, boasting a fiber length of 16.5 microns—akin to cashmere. Special spinning techniques minimize fluff and assure a soft, non-itchy feel. The temperature-regulating properties of this knitwear ensure comfort in both warm outdoor environments and cooler air-conditioned spaces, making it versatile for various summer settings. Furthermore, the garments are treated for shrink resistance, allowing for easy home washing.
Malaika Knit Factory is committed to sustainable practices by only producing what is ordered, minimizing excess inventory and waste. Additionally, by keeping distribution channels to a minimum and manufacturing directly in-store, they keep costs low, delivering high-quality items at reasonable prices.
Looking ahead, Malaika plans to gradually expand its offerings, introducing more styles to cater to a wider audience. Are you ready to find your favorite color and craft your very own unique piece?
Store Details:
Name: Malaika Knit Factory Toyota
Location: T-FACE Toyota, A Block 3F, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
Malaika is known for importing a variety of handicrafts, textiles, fashion items, Indian jewelry, and natural stones from Asia, Central and South America, and Africa. With 55 locations across Japan, including large stores like Malaika Bazaar and its sister store, GA-ON, it continues to expand, planning to open three new locations by 2026. Discover ethnic lifestyles filled with warmth and richness through the artistry of the world's traditional crafts at Malaika. For more information, visit
Malaika's website. Follow
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