MEPION

Creating a tech pack for knitwear is a vital phase in transforming an artistic concept into a consistently manufacturable garment

Knitwear’s inherent flexibility, elasticity, and texture require more nuanced specifications than traditional woven materials

A meticulously crafted tech pack acts as the definitive blueprint for manufacturers, ensuring seamless alignment across design, sampling, and production teams

The purpose and target market directly shape material selection, stitch complexity, and construction techniques

Your target demographic will influence everything from yarn weight to finishing details

Include precise flat sketches from all critical angles: front, back, side, and optional detail views

Each sketch should meticulously show stitch lines, edge treatments, and any ornamental knitting techniques

Accurately detail the yarn blend: synthetic fiber sweater content, count, grams per skein, and ply structure

Example: 80% organic cotton, 20% spandex, 200g per ball, single-ply

Always reference the vendor or mill to ensure consistency across production runs

Knitwear performance hinges on yarn behavior—even minor shifts in fiber type or ply can dramatically impact drape, stretch, and hand feel

Specify the knitting machine type and its gauge—5-gauge yields a loose, open knit, while 12-gauge creates a tight, dense fabric

Include needle count and bed configuration when relevant to the design

If your design incorporates varied stitch patterns—ribbing, jacquard, Fair Isle, or intarsia—mark exactly where each begins and ends, using centimeters or inches

Always include a measurement table with all key dimensions: bust, waist, hip, armhole depth, and total length

Indicate clearly: "Measurements taken flat, un-stretched" or "Measured with 10% stretch applied"

Tolerance thresholds must be explicitly stated per dimension to avoid costly deviations

A half-centimeter shift in shoulder width can make a sweater feel too tight or too loose

Specify joining techniques to ensure durability and aesthetic consistency

Define seam finishes with intent: "Flatlock for minimal bulk," "Coverstitch for clean edge," "Hand-sewn for luxury detail"

Detail all edge treatments: double-fold hems, picot edges, elasticized bands, or tubular finishes

Label placement is critical—specify exact locations for care labels, size tags, and brand logos

Mention special packaging requirements: tissue paper, polybags, hangtags, or anti-snag guards

Add quality control benchmarks: acceptable levels of pilling, shrinkage, color fading, or dimensional change

Reference relevant industry standards like ASTM, ISO, or AATCC where applicable

A robust tech pack eliminates ambiguity, prevents misinterpretation, and minimizes costly production errors

Always get feedback from an experienced knitter or technical consultant prior to sending to production

Feedback at this stage can prevent weeks of rework, delays, and wasted materials

In knitwear, the difference between good and great lies entirely in the documentation’s accuracy