Product Guide

Custom Knitwear Design: How to Turn Your Sketches Into Samples

Felix Zheng
#custom#design#sampling#ODM#sketch-to-sample

Quick Summary

A step-by-step guide to the custom knitwear design process, from initial sketches to production-ready samples.

Turning your design ideas into finished knitwear samples is an exciting process. Here is how to navigate it successfully. This guide walks through the custom design process from sketch to sample.

Step 1: Design Communication

What We Need

The More You Share, The Better

Even rough sketches communicate direction. Don’t wait for perfect drawings — share ideas early and refine through discussion.

Step 2: Technical Translation

Once we understand your design, our team translates it into technical specifications:

Step 3: Yarn and Color Matching

Color Options

Yarn Library

We maintain a library of commonly used yarns for quick sampling:

Step 4: Sample Production (7-10 Days)

Stage 1: Pattern Programming

Your design is converted into machine instructions using computerized design systems.

Stage 2: Sample Knitting

Garment pieces are knitted on our partner factory machines.

Stage 3: Linking and Assembly

Pieces are joined using specialized linking machines for clean seams.

Stage 4: Finishing

Washing, steaming, and pressing to achieve final dimensions and hand feel.

Stage 5: Quality Check

Your sample is inspected against specifications before delivery.

Step 5: Sample Review

Check These Points

  1. Fit and measurements: Compare to spec sheet
  2. Fabric hand feel: Does it match expectations?
  3. Color accuracy: Against PANTONE reference
  4. Stitch quality: Consistent tension and pattern
  5. Overall appearance: Does it match your vision?

Providing Feedback

Be specific in your revision requests:

Step 6: Revisions and Final Approval

Most designs require 1-2 sampling rounds:

Common Design Requests and Solutions

”I want a chunky knit but lightweight”

Solution: Use hollow-core yarn or loose tension at 5GG-7GG

”I want a smooth, refined look”

Solution: Fine gauge (12GG-14GG) with tightly twisted yarn

”I want an oversized fit but not too heavy”

Solution: Relaxed tension on 7GG with lightweight yarn

”I want colorblocking without bulk”

Solution: Intarsia knitting creates clean color transitions

Our Custom Design Service

Our ODM team works with emerging and established brands to develop exclusive knitwear collections. From initial concept through production, we manage every step.


Ready to turn your sketches into samples? Contact our design team.

Interested in discussing your knitwear sourcing needs?

Contact Us

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about product guide.

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.
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