We have over 15 years of experience in knit design and development, and we boast a solid and streamlined process. If you're a small, new, or mid-sized brand, we can assist you in creating or expanding your clothing categories.
Initial Concept
The first step in the process as a knitwear designer is to come up with an idea or concept for a new design. This could be inspired by anything from art to nature to fashion trends. Once I have a clear vision in mind, I start to gather research materials.
design creation/ adoption
Using the research materials gathered, I then begin the design creation process, which includes sketching and developing concepts for the project. I brainstorm the design and create or adopt the necessary design style for the project, i.e., lace, cables, colorwork, etc.
tech packs, graphs
Once the design concept has been created, I create detailed tech packs and graphs to communicate the design with the production team. Tech packs and graphs include stitch patterns, measurements, and colorway details to ensure a consistent design throughout the production process.
yarn research
After I have selected the idea, I begin the process of selecting the best yarns for the project. I research yarns with the desired qualities and characteristics that will fit the design like the color, texture, and durability of the yarn.
swatch development
With the design and yarn finalized, I then develop a small swatch or test piece to ensure that the design fits within the proportions and gauge requirements to create a high-quality product. Swatching allows me to determine how the design looks and feels after it has been knitted up.
prototype development
Once I have completed the swatch, I create the initial prototype of the design. This prototype helps to identify and address any issues with the design early on, ensuring the final product meets the standards for quality and function.