Finding a Manufacturer
Where to find knitwear suppliers, what to check before sampling and how to run a video audit.
Knitwear Insights
Guides on choosing a manufacturer, OEM vs ODM, the production process, quality control, MOQ, yarns, certified materials, jacquard, vintage styles and trade fairs, from a team with 30 years in knitwear.
Quick answers: buyer FAQ on MOQ, samples, lead time and payment →
Working with a factory
Where to find knitwear suppliers, what to check before sampling and how to run a video audit.
China’s knitwear clusters, the types of supplier you will meet and how to shortlist one.
The steps from design brief and sampling to bulk knitting, inspection and shipment.
The checks and standards to agree from yarn to shipment.
How style, colour, size and yarn affect minimums.
When to go, what to ask at a knitwear booth and how to follow up.
Which route fits your brand, and where private label comes in.
What to include, page by page, and what to send if you do not have one yet.
Product and materials
Construction, necklines, stitches, gauge and yarns: every type of sweater explained.
Match hand-feel, performance and budget to the product.
GRS, RWS, OCS and GOTS: what each proves, and what is changing.
Wool, cashmere, cotton, viscose, blends, fancy and certified yarns.
Constructions, colour limits, artwork and common mistakes.
Eras, classic patterns and how to develop a vintage-style collection.
Jacquard, intarsia and cable knitwear made to your artwork.
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