Introduction
Custom knitwear is rapidly becoming a new premium category in the merch world. Once limited to large retail brands due to high minimum order quantities and long lead times, it’s now accessible to creators, artists, and small e-commerce brands — thanks to Knit On Demand platforms like Knitwise.
Instead of printing a design on top of a blank sweatshirt, custom knit sweaters knit your artwork directly into the fabric, loop by loop. In this article, we’ll explore how knitwear is made, how it compares to printed apparel, and why it might be the right next step for your brand.
Table of contents
What Is Custom Knitwear?
Custom knitwear refers to garments like sweaters, beanies, and blankets made by knitting yarn into fabric, not printing on top of a finished item. Each piece is made from scratch based on your design. Each shape or pattern is created by knitting colored yarns together as the sweater is made.
This method results in a textured, premium product.
With Knitwise, you can launch custom knit sweaters with no minimums, making it easy to test new designs or seasonal drops. That means more variety for your audience and less upfront risk for your brand.
How Knitwear Is Made
Understanding how knitwear is made gives you insight into why it’s so different from printed merch. Unlike printed apparel, which begins with a blank garment, knitwear is made from scratch for each order using Jacquard knitting technology. The process starts with a flatbed knitting machine that reads a pixel-based design and knits it loop by loop using up to four different yarns.
The garment is knitted to shape, so each panel (front, back, sleeves) is custom-formed, eliminating unnecessary fabric waste. After knitting, these panels are assembled using linking, a precise stitching method that ensures strength and structure. Finally, the sweater is washed and quality-checked to ensure softness and consistency.
The full process — knitting, linking, washing, and inspection — typically takes 7–14 days, depending on capacity. While it’s a longer lead time than printed sweatshirts, the craftsmanship and quality make it worthwhile.
Video : How Custom Knitwear Is Made ( Behind the Scenes at Knitwise)
Knitwear vs Printed Apparel
1. Design Differences
Printed apparel starts with a blank fleece or cotton sweatshirt and adds a design with ink. They can display highly detailed, full-color images, often applied only on the front chest area.
Custom knitwear, by contrast, is made from scratch. It is created with color blocks of yarn, typically 4 to 6 colors, and can feature all-over patterns that are knitted into the fabric itself.
Key differences include:
- Knitwear: tactile texture, woven-in design, pixel-style aesthetic
- Printed apparel: smooth surface, ink-on-fabric, highly detailed imagery
Each method has its strengths, but the appearance and feel are quite different.
2. Quality, Comfort & Durability
Custom knitwear is generally thicker and warmer than most printed apparel. The multi-layer yarn construction helps retain warmth and gives the garment structure and longevity. Knitwise uses a soft, breathable cotton/poly blend that balances comfort and durability. Each sweater is designed to be medium weight (around 1 lb), making it versatile enough for fall, winter, and spring, and even comfortable indoors during summer months with air conditioning.
Printed apparel can vary widely depending on the blank. They’re typically single-layer fleece with a softer drape, but the printed design may fade or crack with wash cycles. Knit designs won’t peel because the design is knitted into the fabric.
When it comes to comfort:
- Knit sweaters feel substantial, cozy, and structured
- Printed sweatshirts are smooth, flexible, and casual
3. Cost & Merch Strategy
Yes, custom knitwear generally costs more upfront, but it also sells higher retail prices and stronger perceived value. For example, custom knit sweaters typically cost between $38–$45 to produce and often retail for $60–$100+, depending on design complexity and brand positioning.
In comparison, printed sweatshirts usually cost $20–$30 to make and sell for $40–$60, making them ideal for high-volume, lower-cost merch strategies.
Smart creators often use both:
Printed sweatshirts for broad appeal, fast drops, or giveaways
Custom knitwear for premium seasonal collections and standout hero products
| Product |
Typical Product Cost | Average Retail Price | Typical Profit Range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knit Sweater | $38 – $45 | $60 – $100 | $22 – $55 |
| Printed Sweatshirt | $18 – $25 (e.g. Printful, Printify) | $33 – $60 | $15 – $35 |
*Profit varies by shipping, branding extras, and audience.
4. Summary: Knit vs Printed Comparison Table
| Feature | Custom Knitwear | Printed Apparel |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Method | Jacquard knit, loop by loop | Ink on pre-made blank |
| Colour Limit | Up to 4 yarn colours | Unlimited print colours |
| Design Area | All-over pattern | Usually front (or back) |
| Texture | Tactile, woven | Smooth, flat |
| Warmth | Thicker, insulating | Light–mid weight fleece |
| Durability | Design never peels | Ink may fade or crack |
| Lead Time | 7–14 days | 2–5 days |
| Product Cost / Retail | $38–$45 / $60–$100+ | $18–$25 / $33–$60 |
When to Choose Custom Knitwear
Custom knitwear is perfect when you want to create standout merch with a premium feel. They’re ideal for fall/winter collections, special-edition drops, or all-over pattern designs where visual texture matters. With up to four yarn colors and a tactile look, knit sweaters help your brand feel elevated, thoughtful, and one-of-a-kind.
Printed apparel is great when you need fast, affordable, and flexible options for full-color artwork, quick launches, or budget-conscious fans. You can achieve vivid photo prints and detailed design, perfect for everyday wear.
The best strategy? Don’t choose just one. Use printed apparel for your staple merch and add knitwear to unlock a new tier — a perfect way to differentiate your brand while offering cozy, gift-worthy apparel.
Conclusion
This growing interest in knitwear reflects a broader shift toward comfortable, long-lasting clothing — something custom knitwear delivers exceptionally well. By offering knit products in your store, you tap into an expanding market with pieces that stand out and justify a higher price point.
And sweaters are just the beginning. Knitwise offers a wide range of custom knit products , including:
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Cardigans
- Vests
- Beanies and more
All powered by on-demand jacquard knitting and made loop by loop with care. Whether you're a creator, brand builder, or designer, there's never been a better time to level up your merch.
Ready to try custom knitwear for your brand?
- 🔗 Browse the Knitwise Knitwear Catalog
- 🔗 Explore How Knit On Demand Works
- 🔗 Learn How to Design Custom Knitwear Step by Step.
Explore our styles and start designing today. Let your merch stand out and stay memorable.