The year is 1956. Elvis Presley makes his first television appearance, superglue is invented, Morocco gains independence, and experts in knitting technology meet and found the IFKT.
From 30th of July to 1st of August 1956, the Trade and Export Fair took place in Dornbirn, during which a textile fair was also held. It was there that Prof. Ernst Prusa organised the first-ever meeting of knitting experts from various countries, as well as from industry and research. The main reason for this gathering was the desire for a standardised technical notation in the knitting industry, as differing systems often led to misunderstandings and confusion.
Prof. Prusa hoped that, through international exchange and collaboration, a technically standardised notation with international recognition could be established. Furthermore, he aimed to strengthen networking among experts and create a platform for discussions on innovations and current issues facing the industry.
As the first meeting was seen as a great success, it was decided to hold another conference the very following year. The group met again in 1957 as part of the Dornbirn Trade and Export Fair, where the decision was finally taken to found an official federation.
In the winter of 1957, around christmas time, Hans Keller (Switzerland), Robert Aicher (Switzerland), Hermann Mundel (Germany) and Herrmann Kirchenberger (Austria) came together to formally establish the organisation. Hans Keller was elected President and Robert Aicher Vice-President, which is why Switzerland became the registered office. Hermann Mundel took on the role of Secretary General, whilst Herrmann Kirchenberger was made responsible for press relations.
With this step, the IFKT was officially founded as an association and began organising regular international conferences from then on. The statutes drawn up at the time of the foundation remain valid to this day. The focus is on friendly and professional cooperation across national borders, as well as mutual exchange for the further development of the knitting industry. The promotion of young talents is also of particular importance, which is why young professionals are deliberately involved in the work of the IFKT.
Although the international conferences are now held every two years, the IFKT can look back on a remarkable record of continuity. This long-standing consistency is the reason why the 52nd International Conference is being held this year.
July 30, 1956
1st Meeting
Ernst Prusa organises the first meeting at the trade and export fair in Dornbirn
1957
2nd Meeting
Ernst Prusa organises the second meeting and the decision is taken that an official organisation should be founded
Winter 1957
IFKT Officially founded
Hans Keller, Robert Aicher, Hermann Mundel and Herrmann Kirchenberger set the formal establishment.
1957
IFKT France
The founding coincided with the founding of the IFKT and had 26 members at this time.
IFKT Great Britain
J.C.H. Hurd, School of Textiles, Leicester College of Technology founded the IFKT UK section. The secretary was J.T. Millington, the editor of the „Knitting International“ magazine. In short time the section had seventy members already.
IFKT Italy
Attilio Tremelloni was one of the first participants in 1956 and was involved in the idea of founding the IFKT. He established the Italian section.
IFKT Spain
Prof. Jordi Palomer Pons from Arenys de Mar was the first president. The section was founded with six members.
1960
IFKT USA
Founded in 1960 with 59 members in the initial years . Charles Reichman, the editor of the magazine „Knitting Times“ functioned as secretary.
1961
IFKT Hungary
Originally as the Hungarian Society of Textile Technology (TMTE), all members became the official national section of Hungary.
1960s
IFKT Belgium
Founded in the early sixties with four members.
IFKT Czech Republic
Founded in the early sixties with nine members
IFKT Israel
Founded in the early sixties with 24 members.
IFKT Sweden
Founded in the early sixties with 13 members. First president was Bengt Edberg and secretary Nils Modig.
IFKT Bulgaria
Participating since the very beginning, the section was founded in the sixties and hosted several conferences with the first in 1969.
1963
IFKT Germany
Western german national section was founded
1964
IFKT GDR
Eastern german national section was founded.
1967
IFKT Japan
Participating since 1967 the national section had 27 members in 1972.
1972
IFKT India
Founded with three members, all members at that time came from companies making socks, stockings and hosiery.
1974
IFKT Romania
Since the very beginning participating in the IFKT, Romania became 1974 an official member of the IFKT.
1975
IFKT Poland
The Central Knitting Laboratory and the Chair of Knitting at the Technical University of Lodz became the member of the IFKT.
1993
IFKT Croatia
16. June the founding conference was held
1994
IFKT Lithunia
The section was founded with six members and the president was Vydas Damalakas
1998
IFKT Netherlands
Since 1967 the netherlands have been participating in the international conferences. 1998 the section was founded with six members. The president was Daaf Zwiers.
2002
IFKT Slovenia
The national section was established at the Department of Textiles, Graphic Arts and Design of the University of Ljubljana
2004
IFKT Russia
In order to intensify professional contacts between the Russian and foreign Knitters, the IFKT Russia was founded.
2008
IFKT Ukraine
Founded at the Knitting Technology Department of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design.
2010
IFKT Korea
IFKT Korea was founded at the Korea High Tech Textile Research Institute
IFKT Türkiye
The Turkish Section started with the participation of three members from Ege University, Department of Textile Engineering