Starting your first sweater customization and not sure where to begin?
This is the most common opening line. Whether you are a brand, cross-border e-commerce seller, or designer — as long as you haven't worked with a knitwear factory before, the "send a design → make a sample → bulk production" chain can feel daunting.
In reality, the process is not complicated — but every step has industry-specific details. This article walks through the entire process step by step. Just follow along, and you will help the factory understand your requirements accurately, reduce back-and-forth revisions, and save time and sampling costs.
Step 1: Pre-Customization Preparation — What Do You Need to Provide?
Whether you are sending a physical sample or a design drawing, the factory needs the following information before evaluating and quoting. The more complete your information, the more accurate the quotation, and the higher the chance of getting the sample right the first time.
For a first cooperation, the easiest approach: Send us your style images, tell us the quantity, target market, and budget — we will fill in the rest.
Step 2: The Full Process — From Design Submission to Delivery
Phase 1: Requirement Communication & Technical Evaluation
After you send the style image or physical sample, the factory will conduct the following evaluation:
- Technical feasibility — Can existing equipment produce it? Are the gauge, stitch structure, and pattern appropriate?
- Yarn matching — Recommend suitable yarn options based on your hand feel requirements and budget
- Cost estimate — Yarn cost + knitting labor + finishing treatment + packaging
You do not need to pay anything at this stage. After evaluation, you will receive: process recommendations, estimated unit price, sample fee, and lead time.
Phase 2: Sample Confirmation
Once cooperation intent is confirmed, the sampling phase begins:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Sample Lead Time | 6–10 working days (longer for jacquard/intarsia/multi-color styles) |
| Sample Fee | Charged based on process complexity, refundable upon formal order placement |
| Revisions | 1–2 free adjustments after receiving the sample; major redesigns may incur additional charges |
| Key Confirmation Points | Is the hand feel correct? Are the measurements accurate? Is the pattern placement precise? |
This is the most critical and often most underestimated step in the entire chain. The sample is the standard for mass production — the more accurate the sample, the more stable the bulk order.
Phase 3: Order Confirmation & Bulk Production Scheduling
After sample approval, sign the order / PI, pay a 50% deposit, and bulk production begins:
Production Flow: Knitting → Linking (sewing) → Washing & Finishing → Quality Inspection → Packaging
| Item | Lead Time Reference |
|---|---|
| Delivery After Deposit | 18–25 days (depending on quantity and process) |
| Rush Orders | Negotiable, requires advance scheduling |
| Bulk QC | In-house final inspection + optional third-party inspection |
Phase 4: Quality Inspection & Shipment
Before shipment, the factory conducts final quality inspection: size verification (±1.5cm tolerance), appearance defect check, color matching confirmation. Shipment is released after the balance payment.
The Difference Between Sample-Making and Custom Design
Many clients confuse these two terms. Here is a simple distinction:
| Mode | You Provide | Factory Does | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample-Making (Sample Processing) | An actual physical sample | Deconstruct the process, replicate the pattern, reproduce | STAR RATING 5/5 |
| Custom Design (Made-to-Order) | Style images / design drafts | Evaluate feasibility, make patterns, sample, produce | STAR RATING 4/5 (multi-angle images) |
Sample-making offers higher accuracy — with a physical garment in hand, the factory can directly measure dimensions, analyze the pattern, and match the yarn. If possible, sending a physical sample is the safest approach.
Custom design is more flexible, suitable when you don't have a physical sample yet. Multi-angle images with dimension annotations work best.
Both modes are supported. For a detailed comparison, refer to our OEM vs ODM comparison guide.
Full Timeline Overview
| Phase | Time | What You Do | What the Factory Does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement Communication | 1–2 days | Send designs + requirements | Evaluate process, recommend yarn, quote |
| Sampling | 6–10 days | Confirm yarn, pay sample fee | Make patterns, produce sample, send sample |
| Revisions | 3–5 days | Provide revision feedback | Adjust until satisfactory |
| Order Confirmation | 1 day | Sign PI, pay 50% deposit | Confirm production plan |
| Bulk Production | 18–25 days | Wait | Knit → Link → Wash → QC → Pack |
| Shipment | — | Pay balance, arrange logistics | Ship with documents |
Total Timeline: From design submission to receiving bulk goods, generally 35–50 days. For seasonal launches, we recommend starting 2 months ahead.
FAQ
Can you make a sample from just one image?
In most cases, yes. However, with only one image, pattern details (sleeve style, collar height, hem width, etc.) must be estimated, and accuracy depends on the image angle and clarity. Dimension annotations or multi-angle images produce better results.
How much is the sample fee?
It depends on style complexity: basic styles (plain knit/rib) are lower; jacquard/intarsia/multi-color styles are higher. Typically a few hundred to over a thousand CNY. Refundable upon formal order placement.
What if I'm still not satisfied after three sample revisions?
Minor adjustments (size fine-tuning, color tweaks) are usually within the free revision scope. For major redesigns (changing yarn, collar type, or completely altering the pattern), a new sample fee will be assessed. We recommend thorough communication before sampling to minimize major revisions.
Can bulk goods be guaranteed to match the sample exactly?
We produce a pre-production (PP) sample before bulk production to confirm yarn, process, and color match the approved sample. However, knitwear is subject to yarn batch variations, dye lots, and finishing factors — minor differences between batches are normal in the industry.
What should I pay attention to for repeat orders?
Using the same yarn, pattern, and process as the previous order will produce the closest match. However, yarn batches and dye lots may have changed. We recommend confirming yarn stock and color matching before placing a repeat order. See our production process guide for details.
Ready to Send Designs for a Quote?
Send us your style images, quantity, target market, and budget — we will respond with a process evaluation and preliminary quotation within the same day or the next day. No cost upfront.
TEL/WeChat: +86 13760815143 (Ms. Lin) E-mail: fwz.fan@gmail.com WhatsApp: +86 138 2312 2141
We recommend sending images directly — with visuals in hand, our advice will be more specific and our quotation more accurate.
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