At Knitwise, we get to work with some of the most passionate creator brands out there—but one of our favorite stories is our ongoing collaboration with NASASpaceflight (NSF) .
If you don’t know them yet, NSF is a beloved voice in the space community. Through their YouTube channel (1.3M+ subscribers) and website, they offer 24/7 live coverage of rocket launches, deep-dive engineering commentary, and on-the-ground updates from Starbase and Cape Canaveral. Their audience is passionate, technical, and deeply engaged, making them an ideal example of how creators can turn a niche into a thriving business.
From Surprise Launch to Strategic Drop
In 2023, NSF discovered Knitwise and quietly installed our Shopify app. Without any hand-holding, they designed and launched their first knitted holiday sweater collection —all on their own. Their team brought a sharp visual identity and technical precision to their designs, which were not only space-themed but rich with inside jokes and community references.
And when they launched? Orders started flying in.
With Knitwise’s made-to-order model , NSF didn’t have to pre-buy inventory or guess sizing. Every unit was produced on demand, eliminating risk while offering their fans premium, fully knitted apparel.
In 2024, we took it a step further. This time, NSF reached out early, and we coordinated on launch dates, production timelines, and fulfillment windows. They brought the vision—we helped them scale it.
And once again, their audience showed up. In two holiday seasons, they’ve sold over 2,500 units of knitwear and accessories.
Livestreams as a Merch Engine
NSF’s most powerful merch tool wasn’t a fancy funnel. It was their livestreams.
Rather than traditional marketing, they promoted their sweaters during live rocket broadcasts. Their hosts wore the products on camera, dropped links in the chat, and talked directly to viewers about the designs. For a fan tuning in to watch a Falcon 9 launch or a Starship test, seeing their favorite space commentators repping the gear felt natural and compelling.
It was a perfect loop: content drove commerce, and merch revenue helped fund more content.
The Knit Collection That Took Off
NSF didn’t go the generic route. They leaned into quality, detail, and fun. Here’s a look at the lineup:
Crew Dragon Holiday Sweater
A festive knit design featuring SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, astronauts, and a cascade of snowflakes. A holiday favorite among their fans.
Starbase Knitted Sweater
A tribute to the iconic Texas launch site, available in four distinct colorways. The pattern features launch towers, rockets, and even the word “STARBASE” woven in.
EVA-Dragon Sweater
Celebrating the Polaris Dawn mission with a bold, tech-forward design that merges holiday motifs with mission visuals.
“Hoppy Holidays” Blanket
A warm throw featuring NSF’s signature blend of space references and humor—yes, Raptor engine jokes included.
Raptor Beanies
Clean, cozy, and mission-approved. These beanies were often seen on NSF’s crew during chilly stream segments.
Each item was custom-knitted—not printed, resulting in elevated, long-lasting merch that fans could proudly wear.
What Creators Can Learn from NSF
NSF’s success wasn’t accidental. It’s a playbook any creator can adapt:
- Design merch that reflects your brand’s DNA. NSF’s pieces are unmistakably “them”—not off-the-shelf.
- Build a connection through context. Livestreaming while wearing and referencing your merch creates authentic exposure.
- Think seasonal, think timely. Both of their collections launched during the holiday gifting window—a key driver of volume.
- Use knit-on-demand to remove barriers. No upfront costs. No inventory risk. No guesswork.
We Power the Production—You Power the Brand
At Knitwise, we exist to make premium merch accessible to creators. With no minimums , zero inventory , and fully automated fulfillment , we empower creators to offer unique, on-brand products without operational overhead.
NSF didn’t need a merch team. They needed a reliable engine, and we were proud to be that engine.
If you’re a digital creator wondering how to sell merch without inventory , take a page from NASASpaceflight’s playbook. Their knit-on-demand product line proved you don’t need warehouses or guesswork to succeed. You just need the right idea, the right timing—and the right partner.
Because the best merch isn’t just about style. It’s about identity.
And hey—if you’re not already a fan of rockets, I strongly recommend watching a launch on NASA Spaceflight’s YouTube channel. That’s how I got hooked. Trust me, one stream is all it takes.
Want to Build Your Own Knit Merch Success Story?
Whether you’re launching your first drop or scaling up, Knitwise gives creators the tools to sell premium knitwear — with no inventory, no risk, and no hassle.
Start designing your knitwear here
Or explore the Knitwise platform to get started with custom Jacquard-knit apparel.