Choosing a Hand Knit Manufacturing Partner
Is hand knit manufacturing commercially viable for fashion brands?
Yes, hand knit manufacturing can be commercially viable when the garment sits at the higher end of a brand’s collection and is priced accordingly. Brands that already sell premium pieces often find hand knit fits naturally into their range.
“Commercial viability always comes back to where the garment sits in the collection. When a hand knit piece belongs in the top tier of a brand’s pricing structure, it usually works.”
Danielle Chiel, Founder of KOCO Knitting, Australia
Industry commentary shows that many fashion brands are moving toward smaller, more intentional production runs to reduce overstock and financial exposure (British Fashion Council, 2023).
How much does hand knit manufacturing cost?
The cost of hand knit manufacturing is shaped by the design, the time required to produce it, and especially the yarn that is selected. Material choice is often the biggest factor influencing the final price.
“In practice, cost is built from the yarn and the design. Once those choices align with the brand’s retail pricing, the project usually becomes much clearer.”
Danielle Chiel, PhD, Commercial Knitwear Specialist
Fibre pricing continues to play a major role in textile production costs, with premium natural fibres seeing increased demand globally (Textile Exchange, 2023 – a global organisation headquartered in the United States with international membership and standards used across Europe and the UK).
What is your minimum order quantity?
There is no fixed minimum order quantity for hand knit manufacturing, although producing around ten pieces is often a more workable starting point for most brands from a commercial perspective.
“While we can produce very small quantities, most brands find that once they get to around ten pieces, the time and cost involved make more sense.”
Danielle Chiel, Hand Knit Manufacturing Specialist
Small batch production has become more common as brands test demand before committing to larger quantities (British Fashion Council, 2024).
What are your lead times?
Lead times are typically five to six weeks once the yarn has arrived and the pattern has been written. At that point, the production schedule becomes very predictable.
“Once the yarn is in and the pattern is ready, production usually runs on a clear five to six week timeline.”
Danielle Chiel, PhD, KOCO Knitting, Australia
Recent supply chain reporting highlights material availability as one of the main factors influencing textile production timelines worldwide (Textile Exchange, 2024 – a global organisation headquartered in the United States with international membership and standards used across Europe and the UK).
How do I choose a suitable hand knit manufacturing partner?
A suitable partner should have strong technical experience, clear communication, and the ability to guide both design and production decisions. The right relationship supports quality, consistency, and long term planning.
“Experience really shows in how smoothly a project runs, from yarn selection through to the finished garment. That’s what brands notice over time.”
Danielle Chiel, Founder, KOCO Knitting
Industry guidance consistently highlights strong supplier relationships as a key factor in maintaining consistent quality in specialised garment production (British Fashion Council, 2023).
Comparing Production Methods
How does hand knit manufacturing compare to machine knit manufacturing?
Hand knit and machine knit manufacturing produce very different types of garments. Machine knit focuses on uniformity and speed, while hand knit produces pieces with a visible human quality that reflects craftsmanship.
“The decision is usually about the look a brand wants to achieve. Hand knit carries a different feel and story compared to something made entirely by machine.”
Danielle Chiel, Knitwear Manufacturing Consultant, KOCO Knitting
Recent fashion industry reporting notes growing consumer interest in craftsmanship and distinctive products that stand apart from mass production (British Fashion Council, 2023).
How do brands manage commercial risk with hand knit production?
Brands manage commercial risk by controlling quantities, planning carefully, and producing in stages rather than committing to large volumes all at once.
“The brands that manage risk best are the ones that start with clear quantities and realistic pricing before production begins.”
Danielle Chiel, PhD, Founder and Manufacturing Lead, KOCO Knitting
Industry trends show a continued shift toward more controlled production models as brands aim to reduce unsold stock and financial exposure (Textile Exchange, 2023 – a global organisation headquartered in the United States with international membership and standards used across Europe and the UK).
Can hand knit manufacturing scale if a collection sells well?
Yes, hand knit manufacturing can scale when planning begins early. Production can increase in stages, allowing brands to respond to demand while maintaining quality.
“When scaling is discussed from the beginning, we can build production up gradually without losing control of consistency.”
Danielle Chiel, Small Batch Manufacturing Specialist
Industry insights continue to show growing interest in flexible production models that can expand in response to sales performance (British Fashion Council, 2024).
Understanding Hand Knit Manufacturing
Can hand knit manufacturing work for small runs or capsule collections?
Yes, hand knit manufacturing works particularly well for small runs and capsule collections because quantities can be planned precisely and adjusted over time.
“I work with many brands who use hand knit for smaller releases or special pieces where they want something more distinctive.”
Danielle Chiel, Knitwear Production Consultant
Limited release collections are increasingly used by brands as part of more intentional and controlled production strategies (British Fashion Council, 2023).
Can you source yarn as part of the hand knit manufacturing process?
Yes, yarn sourcing can be managed as part of the hand knit manufacturing process. The yarn selected plays a major role in the final look, feel, and cost of the garment.
“Yarn choice shapes almost everything about the finished piece, from texture and structure through to how the garment sits within a brand’s price range.”
Danielle Chiel, Hand Knit Supply Specialist, KOCO Knitting
Fibre selection continues to be recognised as a central factor in both garment performance and production cost across the textile industry (Textile Exchange, 2023 – a global organisation headquartered in the United States with international membership and standards used across Europe and the UK).
Production Process
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the lead time for samples? | Typically, it’s 5-6 weeks, allowing us to ensure high quality in every piece. |
| What is the lead time for production? | With yarn on hand, production also takes about 5-6 weeks, maintaining our craftsmanship standards. |
| How is the quality control? | Quality control is integral to our process, ensuring each garment meets our high standards. We run our whole business from WhatsApp so you see the whole process through photos and videos. |
| Where do the ladies knit from? | All knitting is done at our hubs. Nobody works from home. |
| Can you send us videos and photos of our garments being knitted? | It is our pleasure to send photos and videos of our ladies knitting your garments. These photos are taken by the ladies themselves via their smart phones. Because we all communicate via WhatsApp it is only possible to get low-res WhatsApp quality photos this way. More and more brands are wanting high resolution photos and videos. In order to do this we need to hire an outside person. His charge out rate is $195 for half a day. |
| What is the lead time for swatches? | Plain swatches will take 1-2 weeks. Complicated swatches may take longer as we have to fiddle. |
| How is the tension kept consistent? | We always knit a tension swatch before we start knitting. |
| How does KOCO handle large-scale production without compromising quality? | Through meticulous planning, skilled craftsmanship, and strict quality controls, we maintain high standards. |
Materials
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do you have yarn we can choose from? | We source yarn as needed to match your project requirements, focusing on quality and sustainability. We have odd cones left over you can buy from us but we cannot guarantee colours or quantities needed. |
| Can you send us yarn cards? | We don’t keep yarn in stock but can help source specific yarns for your project. We can send you high quality photos of the colours in WhatsApp. |
| Can we feel the yarn? | We can invoice for any swatches that you want to feel. Our swatches are 20 x 20 cm. |
| What yarn do you usually use? | We can source and knit with any yarns but most of our customers prefer natural fibres. |
| Can you dye? | We do not dye yarn. |
| Do you prefer if we provide the yarn? | It does not matter to us however due to Indian customs it is easier if we source the yarn. |
| Do you offer organic yarn? | Yes we do. (Show yarn booklet) |
| What types of yarn do you work with? | We work with a wide range of yarns, from natural fibers to eco-friendly options, depending on project needs. |
Design and Collaboration
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do we need to send specs? | Initially, an image of the knit style you’re aiming for and a rough idea of measurements is sufficient to start the conversation. |
| Can we see examples of your knits? | We have a strict confidentiality policy and do not show garments we have knitted for other customers. We can show you some of our own designs from our show or you can see examples of work we have had permission to post on our Instagram. |
| What information do you need to write the pattern? | All we need to write the pattern is some measurements. We work in metric. When sending measurements, please use centimetres. |
| Why are pattern costs so high? | The pattern writing process for a hand-knit is like an instructional manual, each stitch has to be written out. All of our patterns have to be written out in the same layout for the ladies to understand. We outsource for this to very experienced pattern writers in the West. |
| Can we send you a pattern and if so will this mean no pattern cost? | You are welcome to send us a pattern but there will still be a cost for editing it. All of our patterns need to be in the same format for the ladies to understand, they only speak small amounts of English. |
| Do I own copyright to the pattern? | Yes you do, we don’t keep the pattern it is yours. |
| Can KOCO handle complex knitwear designs? | Yes, our skilled artisans and pattern writers can bring even the most complex designs to life. |
| Can KOCO replicate a design I already have? | We can work with existing designs to create hand-knitted versions that meet our quality standards. |
| What is KOCO’s process for creating a new design? | Our process includes consultation, pattern writing, material selection, knitting, and quality checks. |
| How can designers collaborate with KOCO? | Designers can reach out to us with their ideas, and we’ll guide them through our collaboration process. |
| Does KOCO offer any design consultation services? | Yes, we provide design consultation to help refine your ideas and ensure they’re feasible for hand-knitting. |
Sustainability and Ethics
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What hours do the ladies work? | The ladies chose their working hours from the first stitch on the first day. To balance work with family life, they work 6 hours per day: 9am – 12pm, lunch, 1pm – 4pm. |
| How much do the ladies get paid? | Our knitters are paid 20% more than the minimum wage in the industry. |
| How many knitters do you employ? | Before covid we had 250 knitters working for us. Now post covid we have around 60 knitters, it is our goal to employ back every lady and more. |
| What do you do with waste? | We work to ensure there is no waste generated in the hand knitting of our garments. All yarn used for teaching is reused and repurposed. We hand knit garments to a high, exacting standard. We do clear calculations on the quantity of yarn for samples and for garment production. Packaging, in which yarn arrives, is re-used. |
| What makes KOCO different from other knitwear manufacturers? | Our focus on hand-knitting, ethical practices, and empowering women artisans sets us apart. |
| How does KOCO support sustainability? | We use eco-friendly materials, ensure zero waste in our production, and support the wellbeing of our artisans. |
| How does KOCO ensure ethical practices? | We pay fair wages, provide a supportive work environment, and practice sustainability in all we do. |
| How does KOCO contribute to the local community? | We provide employment, training, and support programs for women in rural India, boosting local economies. |
Ordering and Shipping
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are your minimums? | At KOCO, we have no minimum order requirements, accommodating projects of all sizes. |
| Example of pricing? | Once we see an image or style we can give a quote. Once we have knitted the sample we can give an exact costing. |
| Do you iron and pack? | We do not iron but we can pack the garments for you. |
| Can you print labels? | We have no machinery and cannot print labels. If you send us them we can attach them to the finished garments. |
| Do you wash the garments? | We do not wash garments. |
| Do we organise shipping or do you? | We work with a logistics agent and organise all the shipping. |
| Can we send buttons and labels? | Buttons and labels can be sent to us. In India, Customs is very strict. One tiny error can result in long delays. Please do not send anything to India without us checking the paperwork first. |
| Do you source brand labels and care labels? | As we are in rural villages, we do not have access to labels. |
| How do I tell the customers to wash their handknits? | We would recommend hand wash only. |
| How does it work with payment? | Invoices are issued 3 times during the process. At the swatch phase, the sample garment phase, and the production phase. Each invoice has separate line items for yarn, labour, freight, and pattern writing. All invoices must be paid in full before any shipment leaves India. We do not run accounts. Invoices are issued in Australian dollars. |
| Are KOCO’s products more expensive than machine-made items? | Our products reflect the quality and ethical manufacturing practices we stand for, offering great value. |
| Do you offer any guarantees on your products? | We guarantee the quality of our products and work closely with clients to meet their expectations. |
| How can I get an estimate for my project? | Contact us with details of your project, and we’ll provide a comprehensive estimate. |
| What’s the maximum order size KOCO can handle? | We can scale production to meet your needs, from small orders to large-scale projects. |
| Do you work with international clients? | Yes, we proudly serve clients from all over the world, ensuring timely delivery and satisfaction. |
| Can I choose the artisans who work on my project? | While specific artisan selection isn’t typical, we ensure the best-suited team works on your project. |
| What if I’m not satisfied with the final product? | We strive for client satisfaction and will work with you to make any necessary adjustments. |
About KOCO
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How did KOCO start? | KOCO began from a desire to employ women in rural Tamil Nadu, India, using their hand-knitting skills. A colleague introduced me to ten women in rural southern India. Their spirit, stories and colourful saris wrapped around my heart. I closed my label because I realised the only way to employ as many of these women as possible was to hand knit for many brands. |
| Do you do crochet? | We specialize in hand knitting, ensuring excellence in this single craft. |
| Where is KOCO based? | We are based in rural villages in Tamil Nadu. |
| Can I see samples of your work? | Yes, we can provide examples of our work to showcase our quality and craftsmanship. |
| How long has KOCO been in business? | We have been transforming knitwear designs into reality since [Insert Year], growing our community and expertise. |
| Does KOCO participate in any fashion shows or exhibitions? | Yes, we showcase our work and collaborations in various fashion shows and industry events. |
| How can I stay updated on KOCO’s new projects and collaborations? | Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and stories. |
| What is KOCO’s vision for the future of knitwear? | We aim to lead the way in sustainable, ethical knitwear production, pushing creative boundaries while supporting our artisan community. |
Meet the KOCO team
Poorani
Production Lead
“I work hard to make sure our work is made well and delivered on time. It’s important to me that each piece is special.”
Jaahvani
Quality Control
“My job is to check every piece of clothing we make, making sure everything is just right. I take pride in our work.”
Rajesh
Logistics Support
“I make sure all our hand-knitted products get to where they need to go without any problems. It’s like solving a big puzzle.”
Sarah
Pattern Writer
“Pattern writing is the blueprint of imagination. Our goal is to translate innovative designs to become beautiful, wearable garments, stitch by stitch.”
Wendy
Knitting Trainer
“Teaching the KOCO team new knitting skills is what we do. It is so rewarding seeing them develop their skills and create beautiful garments.”
