Woolmark's 3D Merino knitwear method creates patterned areas by controlling where felting can occur. A transparent polyurethane polymer is printed onto selected parts of the knit and fixed. During subsequent washing, untreated areas consolidate while printed areas resist the same milling effect.

Raised Merino Knit Patterns Can Come From Selective Felting

The contrast creates a raised or puckered surface without making every part of the effect through knitting alone. For fabric identification, that means texture may reflect finishing as well as stitch structure. The method can produce subtle differences or stronger seersucker-like effects when felting is taken further.