Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Knitting Designer

🎯 Role Definition

The Knitting Designer is a pivotal role within our creative team, responsible for driving the entire design process for our knitwear category, from initial concept and trend research to final sample approval. This individual will blend artistic talent with technical expertise, collaborating closely with cross-functional partners to ensure our knitwear is commercially successful, on-brand, and produced to the highest quality standards. You will be the visionary and technical authority for all things knit, shaping a core part of our brand's product offering.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Associate Knitwear Designer
Textile Designer
Technical Designer (Knitwear)

Advancement To:

Senior Knitting Designer
Knitwear Design Director
Head of Design

Lateral Moves:

Yarn & Materials Developer
Concept Designer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conceptualize and design seasonal knitwear collections, translating brand identity and trend research into commercially viable and innovative products.
Conduct in-depth market and trend research, analyzing runway shows, competitor landscapes, and cultural shifts to identify key knitwear silhouettes, stitches, and yarn directions.
Create and maintain detailed, accurate technical packages (tech packs), including flat sketches, stitch diagrams, garment construction details, and bills of materials (BOMs).
Source, select, and develop new yarns and trims in partnership with the materials team, maintaining an organized library and staying current on sustainable innovations.
Develop original knit stitch structures, jacquards, and intarsia patterns using both hand techniques and digital software like Adobe Illustrator or specialized CAD programs.
Manage the entire design and development lifecycle for all knit garments, from initial sketch through to production-ready sample approval.
Lead and participate in all knitwear fittings, providing clear and concise comments on fit, drape, and construction to technical designers and factory partners.
Communicate daily with overseas vendors and factories to manage sample development, troubleshoot issues, and ensure design integrity is maintained throughout the production process.
Create compelling design presentations and mood boards to effectively communicate seasonal concepts and product strategies to cross-functional teams.
Partner with the merchandising team to build a balanced and strategic assortment that meets both commercial targets and brand aesthetic goals.
Ensure all knitwear designs are engineered to meet target costs and margin requirements without compromising quality or design intent.
Travel domestically and internationally for market research, inspiration, and to work directly with factory partners on new developments and techniques.
Maintain and adhere to the seasonal design and development calendar, ensuring all deadlines for sketches, tech packs, and sample reviews are met.
Review all incoming knitwear samples (proto, SMS, TOP) for quality, execution, and adherence to design specifications.
Generate detailed artwork and layouts for engineered prints, jacquards, and complex stitch patterns to guide factory development.

Secondary Functions

Foster innovation within the knitwear category by exploring new technologies, machinery capabilities, and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Mentor and guide junior designers or assistants, providing constructive feedback and fostering their professional growth within the team.
Collaborate with the Technical Design team to establish and maintain consistent fit and quality standards across all knitwear product categories.
Prepare and pass off all final design information and approved samples to the production team for bulk manufacturing.
Analyze past season's sales data and customer feedback to identify opportunities and inform future design decisions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator for flat sketching and Photoshop for presentations.
Deep technical knowledge of knitwear construction, including fully-fashioned, cut-and-sew, various stitch types (jacquard, intarsia, cable), and linking.
Strong understanding of yarn properties, gauges, and their application in garment design and performance.
Ability to create highly detailed and accurate technical packages (tech packs) that are clear for factory execution.
Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software for managing product data and development.
Proficiency in or familiarity with knitwear-specific CAD software (e.g., Shima Seiki Apex, Stoll M1+).
Excellent hand-sketching and visual communication abilities to quickly articulate design ideas.

Soft Skills

Exceptional organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail, especially in spec sheets and design communication.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present concepts clearly and collaborate effectively.
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
A highly collaborative and team-oriented mindset, with experience working cross-functionally with merchants, technical designers, and production teams.
Creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot design and development challenges effectively.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree or specialized certification in Knitwear Design.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Fashion Design
Textile Science
Knitwear Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of professional experience in knitwear design within a contemporary or luxury brand environment.

Preferred:

Direct experience working with overseas factories and a proven track record of bringing successful knitwear products to market. A strong portfolio showcasing both creative vision and technical expertise is required.