Starting a knitwear line usually begins with defining the concept of the collection and the types of pieces you want to develop. From there, the process typically moves into design sketches, yarn research, knitdowns or sampling, and technical development before production.

Because knitwear has its own technical structure and development process, many brands work with a knitwear designer or development studio to guide the project from the early concept stage through factory-ready production.

A knitwear design studio helps fashion brands design and develop knitwear collections. This can include concept development, knit design, yarn sourcing, knitdowns, technical design, and preparing tech packs for manufacturers.

Since knitwear behaves very differently from cut-and-sew garments, brands often collaborate with specialists who focus specifically on knit development.

While every project is different, knitwear development usually follows a few core stages:

• concept development and research
• knit design and silhouette development
• yarn sourcing and testing
• knitdowns and sampling
• technical development and tech packs
• factory production

Each stage helps ensure that the design works both creatively and technically before it moves into manufacturing.

Most brands develop knitwear designs before approaching a factory. Once the design and technical specifications are prepared, the factory produces samples that allow the brand to test the yarn, construction, and fit.

After sampling and revisions are complete, the style can move into production. Designers or development studios often help coordinate communication between the brand and the manufacturer throughout this process.

A knitwear tech pack provides the technical information a factory needs to produce a garment.

It usually includes:

• technical sketches or flat drawings
• measurements and sizing specifications
• yarn information and materials
• stitch structures and construction details
• finishing and trim instructions

Clear technical documentation helps ensure the factory can accurately reproduce the design.

Development timelines vary depending on the complexity of the design and the factory’s schedule. In many cases, the process from initial design to an approved production sample can take several months.

Sampling rounds, yarn sourcing, and revisions can all influence the timeline, which is why planning knitwear development early in the design cycle is important.

Yes. Many fashion brands collaborate with freelance knitwear designers or development studios when they want to introduce knitwear into their collections but do not have in-house expertise.

A specialist can help guide the design and development process while coordinating with yarn suppliers and manufacturers.

Brands usually begin by sharing their vision for the collection, timeline, and production goals. From there, a knitwear designer can help develop concepts, create knit designs, source yarns, coordinate sampling, and prepare the technical documentation needed for manufacturing.

Working with a knitwear specialist helps translate creative ideas into garments that can be successfully produced.

Some knitwear designers and studios focus specifically on sustainable or small-batch production approaches. This often involves working with responsible yarn suppliers, producing smaller collections, and developing garments designed to last.

Studios like Thomé Studio collaborate with brands that are interested in thoughtful production and long-term product development rather than fast seasonal turnover.