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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Knitwear Specialist Intern

💰 $ - $

FashionDesignInternshipTextilesApparel

🎯 Role Definition

The Knitwear Specialist Intern is a dynamic and foundational role within a fashion design ecosystem, acting as the primary support for the Knitwear Design and Technical teams. This position is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the complete knitwear lifecycle, from initial concept and yarn sourcing to technical development and final sample approval. The intern will be immersed in the creative and technical processes, contributing directly to the development of seasonal collections while building a strong understanding of knit structures, garment construction, and industry best practices. This role is crucial for maintaining the organizational flow of the department and ensuring that key development milestones are met.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Undergraduate or Graduate Student (Fashion Design, Textile Design)
  • Recent Graduate from a Fashion or Textile focused program
  • Showroom or Retail Assistant with a strong interest in product development

Advancement To:

  • Assistant Knitwear Designer
  • Associate Knitwear Designer
  • Junior Knitwear Technologist / Garment Technologist

Lateral Moves:

  • Textile Designer or Color & Material Designer
  • Assistant Technical Designer
  • Product Development Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Support the Knitwear Designers in the seasonal design and development process, from initial concept research to final product hand-off.
  • Assist in creating and updating detailed technical packages (tech packs) in PLM or Excel, including construction details, stitch information, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
  • Help prepare for key milestone meetings by organizing presentation boards, laying out samples, and ensuring all necessary materials are available.
  • Manage and organize the physical and digital yarn library, including labeling new yarn cards, updating inventory, and pulling options for the design team.
  • Meticulously track the progress and location of all knitwear samples, from initial proto-samples to final production approvals, communicating status updates to cross-functional teams.
  • Participate in and document fit sessions, taking detailed notes on fit, quality, and construction comments to be relayed to vendors.
  • Assist in preparing and sending sample packages to overseas vendors, ensuring all necessary components and instructions are included.
  • Create and maintain knitwear swatch developments, documenting stitch structures, yarn qualities, and tension information for future reference.
  • Conduct market research and trend analysis focused on knitwear silhouettes, stitches, and finishing techniques to contribute fresh ideas to the team.
  • Assist the design team in creating flat sketches and technical drawings using Adobe Illustrator for use in tech packs and presentation materials.
  • Support the sourcing of new and innovative yarn qualities, trims, and materials from global suppliers, maintaining organized records of all sourced items.
  • Liaise with cross-functional partners in Production and Merchandising to ensure alignment on sample status and development timelines.
  • Maintain the organization and cleanliness of the knitwear design area, including sample racks, yarn storage, and supply closets.
  • Assist in reviewing lab dips and yarn strike-offs for color and quality accuracy against seasonal standards, providing clear comments for any rejections.
  • Help create digital colorways and stitch mockups in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to visualize design concepts before sampling.
  • Update and maintain development tracking charts and work-in-progress (WIP) reports to ensure all data is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Photograph and digitally archive all incoming knitwear samples, maintaining a clear and organized visual library for the team.
  • Support the creation of detailed hand-off packages for bulk production, ensuring all final comments and specifications are clearly communicated.
  • Assist in measuring garments and comparing them against spec sheets to identify any discrepancies in fit or measurement.
  • Prepare and process invoices and cross-charges related to sample development and material purchasing.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc requests for yarn consumption data or historical style analysis to inform future design decisions.
  • Contribute to maintaining the accuracy of data within the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system and digital material libraries.
  • Collaborate with other design interns and assistants to ensure a cohesive workflow and shared understanding of seasonal collection goals.
  • Participate in team brainstorming sessions and contribute to the creative dialogue around new knitwear concepts and innovations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Illustrator for creating technical flat sketches and Photoshop for creating mockups and colorways.
  • Knitwear Fundamentals: Strong foundational knowledge of knit structures (jersey, rib, jacquard, intarsia), yarn types, and knitting techniques.
  • Technical Sketching: Ability to create clear, accurate, and proportioned flat sketches that communicate design intent.
  • PLM/PDM Software: Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management systems (e.g., Centric, FlexPLM) for data entry and tech pack management.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Strong skills in Excel for creating charts and managing data, and PowerPoint for presentations.
  • Garment Construction: Understanding of how knit garments are constructed, including linking, seams, and finishing.
  • Spec Measurement: Ability to accurately measure garments and compare them to technical specifications.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and highly organized, with a keen eye for accuracy in both creative and technical tasks.
  • Proactive & Eager to Learn: A self-starter with a strong desire to learn all facets of the knitwear development process.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for liaising with internal teams and external vendors.
  • Time Management: Ability to multitask, prioritize tasks effectively, and manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Collaborative Spirit: A positive, team-player attitude with the ability to work well with cross-functional partners.
  • Problem-Solving: Resourceful and able to think critically to find solutions to development challenges.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program or a recent graduate.

Preferred Education:

  • Actively pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or similar degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Fashion Design
  • Textile Design
  • Apparel and Textile Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-1 years.

Preferred: Previous internship experience in a fashion design or product development environment is highly advantageous. A portfolio showcasing knitwear projects, technical sketches, and a strong design sensibility is expected.

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