Studio Aufschnitt sews large inflatables in Berlin. Our studio is located at Boxhagener Straße 32 in Berlin Friedrichshain. Here we design and manufacture custom inflatable objects for clients in Berlin and throughout Germany: for trade fairs, events, shop windows, and exhibitions. Since 2008, we have also been developing special textile objects, led by Silvia Wald, a clothing technology engineer.
What is an inflatable?
An inflatable is an air-filled object. There are two types.
Airtight inflatables They are inflated once and then sealed. They are made of foil or PVC and are welded together. Typical examples: air mattress, beach ball, helium balloon.
Inflatables with continuous blower They are not airtight. A blower constantly replenishes the air supply. They are durable, sewn from fabric, and usually custom-made for a customer. We build precisely these kinds of objects in our workshop.
A room-filling inflatable in the sports bag
A work of art that fits in a sports bag. And yet fills an entire room. That's precisely what has fascinated us about large inflatables for years.
Folded up, it's a bundle of fabric. A few kilos, a fan, a power outlet. A few minutes later, there stands an object that can't be missed. A giant sausage. A wheel of cheese as tall as the room. Whatever the place needs at the moment.
Air as a filling material: lighter than fiber and foam
We fill our cushions with polyester fibers or foam. For an object several meters long, that would be absurd. Cubic meters of filling material that would have to be produced, transported, and eventually disposed of.
Air, on the other hand, is simply there. It doesn't need to be produced. It weighs almost nothing. And when the exhibition is over, you simply let it out again.
The difference is most noticeable in transport: A filled object of this size would require a truck. An inflatable fits in the trunk of a car. All that's needed is a fan, which runs continuously and consumes electricity.
Material: tightly woven polyester
In our studio in Berlin Friedrichshain, we sew each inflatable ourselves. We use tightly woven fabrics, mostly polyester. The tighter the weave, the less air escapes.
Many manufacturers use PVC tarpaulin. It's robust, but heavy: large items can easily weigh several dozen kilograms and are welded rather than sewn. Sewn fabric is significantly lighter and can be folded down to a very small size. That's exactly what an item for a sports bag needs.
For trade fairs and interior spaces, flame-retardant materials (building material class B1) are often required. B1-rated materials are available from us upon request.
This is how an inflatable with a blower works.
A large inflatable is not a balloon. It is not inflated and sealed. Experts refer to them as cold-air inflatables. Each of our inflatables has a built-in continuous blower that runs on a standard 230-volt outlet. This constantly supplies air, ensuring that the shape and appearance remain stable even after many hours at a trade fair or event. Simply plug it in, wait a moment, and it's ready to go.
The rule is simple: More air must flow in than can escape through seams and fabric. A slight overpressure keeps the object taut. If the airflow fails, it slowly collapses in on itself.
That's why the seams are crucial. We double-stitch stressed seams to ensure they can withstand pressure and minimize air leakage.
Our materials are robust and weatherproof, so the objects also function outdoors. There, they are secured with ropes and ground anchors. They are taken down in strong winds.
Inflatables with digital printing and LED lighting
We digitally print the entire surface, usually using sublimation printing for polyester. The ink penetrates the fibers instead of sitting on top of them. This prevents cracking when folded and ensures the colors remain vibrant. Every marbling of a salami, every pore in cheese, every logo – photorealistic or graphic, exactly as the project requires.
Inside, we can install LED strips upon request. The fabric allows the light to shine through, so the object glows from within. By day, it's a sculpture. By night, it transforms into a room-sized lamp.
Why inflatable advertising works
An oversized object attracts attention. No one walks past a three-meter-high salami. The shape draws attention directly to the product or brand.
Added to this is its flexibility. An inflatable is quick to set up and take down and can be used again and again: at trade fairs, events, points of sale, in shop windows. One object, many locations.
And it strengthens the brand. Shape, size, color, and printing are all freely customizable. This creates a unique and memorable advertising medium.
This is how your inflatable is created
- Advice: We clarify the intended use, size, shape and material.
- Draft: You will receive a digital template and a 3D visualization of your object and can request changes.
- Cutting and sewing: After your approval, we will cut the object and sew it in our studio in Berlin.
- Pressure: Logos, colors and designs are applied to the fabric via digital printing.
- Test setup: Together with our cooperation partners, we check each object for shape, seams and blower.
- Delivery: We can ship the inflatable or you can pick it up in Friedrichshain. We'll help you with the initial setup.
Inflatables for trade fairs, events and shop windows
Trade fairs, shop windows, festivals, pop-ups: An inflatable brings impact to places that would otherwise require considerable effort to reach. Set it up, plug it in, and let it amaze. Then pack it away again.
Are you looking for someone to sew your inflatable in Berlin or anywhere in Germany? Contact us via aufschnitt.net or visit us at Boxhagener Straße 32, 10245 Berlin. We develop your project from the initial idea to the finished inflatable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inflatables
Where can I get an inflatable sewn in Berlin?
At the studio of Studio Aufschnitt, located at Boxhagener Straße 32 in Berlin Friedrichshain. We design and sew large inflatable objects to measure.
Do you also manufacture for customers outside of Berlin?
Yes, we work for customers all over Germany. When deflated, an inflatable fits into a sports bag and can be easily shipped.
What material is an inflatable made of?
Mostly made of tightly woven polyester. The denser the weave, the less air escapes. Sewn fabric is significantly lighter than the PVC tarpaulin commonly used by many suppliers.
How do you keep a large inflatable inflated?
A fan plugged into a standard 230-volt outlet constantly blows air in. It must supply more air than escapes through the seams and fabric.
Can an inflatable be printed and illuminated?
Yes. The entire surface is digitally printed, with a logo upon request. LED strips can be installed inside.
What is the difference between airtight inflatables and inflatables with a blower?
Airtight inflatables are welded, inflated once, and sealed, like beach balls. Inflatables with a continuous blower are sewn and constantly supplied with air. They are more durable and can be custom-made.
Are there flame-resistant inflatables for trade fairs?
Yes. Many trade fairs require materials of building material class B1. This is possible with us upon request.