Unlike printed apparel, which is produced by adding ink to a blank garment, knitwear is created from scratch —from yarn to finished product. This makes the knitwear production process time a bit longer, but also far more meaningful.

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

After the knitting machine receives your design file, a technician carefully selects the correct yarn colors based on your design. These yarns are then threaded onto the machine—this manual setup step ensures the machine is ready to knit your design accurately.

Once yarns are loaded, the knitting process begins. Panels (like the front, back, and sleeves) are knitted one by one using flatbed knitting machines. Each panel takes about 50–90 minutes to complete, depending on size and complexity. The entire sweater takes about 120-180 minutes to complete the knitting process. Your design is embedded directly into the fabric using colored yarns, not printed on top.

After all panels are knitted, they’re joined together using a technique called linking. This is a detailed process where technicians align the edges of each panel and stitch them loop by loop using a linking machine. Linking is slower than sewing, but it creates smoother, stronger seams that preserve the stretch and integrity of the knit. It’s especially important for sweaters, where shape and comfort matter.

Once assembled, each garment goes through washing and drying to soften the fibers, remove any residue, and help the sweater “settle” into its final shape. This step is essential, especially for cotton or blended yarns. After washing, garments are laid flat or gently dried to avoid stretching or distortion. This process can take 1–2 days. It’s one of the reasons the timeline for custom knitwear production time can’t be rushed. It ensures the item arrives ready to wear and true to size.

Before shipping, each piece is carefully inspected. QC teams check for yarn issues, panel misalignment, color accuracy, and stitching flaws. Any imperfections are corrected on the spot. Once approved, the sweater is folded and packaged. This final step ensures your customer gets a polished, professional product that reflects your brand’s quality.

In short, every one of these steps contributes to the final custom knitwear production time, and each ensures your product stands out in craftsmanship, comfort, and durability.

At Knitwise, we’ve designed our entire Knit-On-Demand (KOD) process to be as efficient and scalable as possible, without compromising quality. In fact, our average custom knitwear production time is among the fastest in the KOD industry.

Here’s what a typical Knitwise order looks like from production to delivery:

So, when customers ask:

“How long does it take to get my custom knitwear?”

The answer is typically 2 to 4 weeks , depending on your shipping choice.

Compared to traditional knitwear timelines—which can take 4–8 weeks or longer in bulk production—Knitwise is leading the way in offering high-quality custom knits with a fast, made-to-order turnaround.

We're also continuously expanding our network of ethical knitting partners , improving logistics, and investing in supply chain scalability and stability . Our goal is simple: to deliver premium knitwear quickly, consistently, and sustainably—no matter the season.

Waiting a little longer means delivering something your customers will truly value. If you’re used to quick print-on-demand turnarounds, custom knitwear production time might feel slower at first, but it’s a purposeful tradeoff. The custom knitwear manufacturing timeline is designed to prioritize quality, comfort, and lasting impact.

Here’s how you can communicate that value to your audience:

• The Design Is Woven In: Your artwork isn’t printed on top—it’s knitted directly into the fabric using colored yarns. That means no peeling, cracking, or fading—ever.
• Crafted for Quality: Each panel is carefully linked and finished for a seamless look and durable construction. The result is a premium garment that rivals high-end retail knitwear.
• Comfort They’ll Feel: After knitting, every piece is washed and dried for softness, shape retention, and a clean, ready-to-wear finish. Customers will feel the difference the moment they try it on.
• Made to Order, Made to Last: With Knit-On-Demand, every item is produced only when ordered—no overproduction, no excess inventory. Fully-fashioned knitting minimizes waste from the start.
• Responsibly Made: All products are created in ethical factories. We’re continuously improving our supply chain to reduce lead times while scaling sustainably.

Helping your customers understand this not only adds perceived value—it builds long-term trust in your brand. You’re not just offering merch. You’re offering a thoughtful, limited-edition piece they’ll actually want to wear.

👉 “This isn’t just another drop—it’s a made-for-you piece, crafted with care.”

Yes, custom knitwear takes a little longer —but your customers receive something better: a product they’ll keep, love, and show off with pride.

Whether you're a content creator launching new merch or a small brand prepping for seasonal sales, planning ahead is key. Because of the custom knitwear lead time, giving yourself a longer runway ensures a smooth, successful drop.

Here are a few tips to help:

• Holiday Delivery Tip: Since custom knitwear takes more time to produce than standard printed merch, you’ll want to get ahead of the holiday rush. At Knitwise, our cutoff for guaranteed Christmas delivery is typically mid to late November. That means you should aim to launch your campaign by mid-October for the best results.

• Use Preorders Strategically: Running a preorder campaign can help build hype and encourage early orders. It also gives you flexibility to align production with real demand.

• Express Shipping Available: For faster delivery, opt for air express shipping— typically 3–5 days after production. Check our shipping page for the details.

Proactive planning allows you to meet your audience’s expectations while delivering a premium experience they’ll rave about.