What is the MOQ for knitwear production?

JIERQI offers a 100-piece MOQ per design, significantly lower than the industry standard of 500-1000 pieces. This makes it ideal for emerging brands, capsule collections, and market testing.

How can I start sourcing knitwear from China?

Contact us with your design specifications or tech pack. We'll recommend yarn, gauge, and construction options. Sampling takes 7-10 days. Once approved, bulk production takes 30-45 days. Get started.

What is the difference between OEM and ODM?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing): you provide complete designs, we produce exactly. ODM (Original Design Manufacturing): our design team helps develop your collection. Choose OEM for proprietary designs, ODM if you need design support. Compare OEM vs ODM.

Sweater Manufacturing 101: Types, Styles, and Production Considerations

The sweater is the foundation of any knitwear collection. Understanding the different types and their production requirements helps you design better and source more effectively. This primer covers the fundamentals of sweater manufacturing.

Sweater Types by Silhouette

Crewneck

The classic pullover sweater with a round neckline.

Production complexity: Low
Best yarns: All gauges
Market: Universal
Considerations: Ribbing at neck, cuffs, and hem must be consistent

Turtleneck

Features a high, rolled collar.

Production complexity: Medium
Best yarns: Fine to mid-gauge (7GG-14GG)
Market: Autumn/Winter
Considerations: Collar height and fold require precise finishing

V-Neck

V-shaped neckline, often with a ribbed collar band.

Production complexity: Medium
Best yarns: All gauges
Market: Year-round
Considerations: V-point alignment requires careful linking

Polo Neck

Buttoned collar placket, often with a ribbed collar.

Production complexity: Medium-High
Best yarns: Fine to mid-gauge (7GG-14GG)
Market: Smart casual
Considerations: Button placket adds labor steps

Sweater Styles by Construction

Cut and Sew

Fabric is knitted in panels, then cut and sewn together.

Pros: Fabric-efficient, less waste
Cons: Seams less durable than fully fashioned
Best for: Basic styles, budget-conscious production

Fully Fashioned

Each piece is knitted to shape on the machine.

Pros: Better fit, more durable, cleaner finish
Cons: More expensive, slower production
Best for: Quality-focused collections

Seamless

Entire garment knitted in one piece on specialized machines.

Pros: No side seams, very comfortable
Cons: Limited design flexibility, specialized machinery
Best for: Fine gauge, base layers

Key Production Considerations

1. Stitch Patterns

Stockinette: Smooth, basic knit stitch
Ribbing: Stretchy, used for cuffs and hems
Cable: Interlocking stitch pattern, requires more yarn
Jacquard: Multi-color pattern, increases production time
Links-links: Creates textured, reversible fabric

2. Neckline Finishing Options

Ribbed collar band (most common)
Facing (clean finish inside)
Binding (contrast color or fabric)
Raw edge (fashion-forward, requires anti-ravel treatment)

3. Shoulder Construction

Set-in sleeve (classic, fits most body types)
Raglan sleeve (athletic look, easier to produce)
Drop shoulder (relaxed, oversized fit)

Cost Impact by Style

Style	Relative Cost	Production Time
Basic crewneck	1.0x	30-35 days
Cable crewneck	1.2-1.4x	35-40 days
Jacquard sweater	1.3-1.5x	35-45 days
Polo with placket	1.2-1.3x	35-40 days
Fully fashioned	1.3-1.6x	35-45 days

Our Sweater Production

Our partner factories produce sweaters across all these categories, with particular strength in fully fashioned and jacquard constructions.

Ready to develop your sweater collection? Contact us to discuss your designs.