Knitwear design is where fashion meets function, transforming loops of yarn into stylish, wearable fashion for the everyman. From cozy sweaters to runway-ready pieces, it includes items like sweaters, cardigans, scarves, hats among others thus answering the query of what is knitwear design. To enter into this career there is the requirement to complete a Knitwear design course. Knitwear design salary in India ranges from Rs. 1.8 LPA for freshers all the way to Rs. 12 LPA for experienced designers. The average salary for a Knitwear designer is at Rs. 4.8 LPA.
This Story also Contains
Individuals can take up roles in the industry as knitwear designers, textile/yarn developer, fashion illustrators, knitwear merchandiser and many others. Entry level may not pay as much but experience and design portfolios can add to the value.
We can look into the knitwear design definition as that which is the specialized process of creating fashion garments and accessories using knitting techniques, where yarns are looped together to form stretchable fabrics. It involves a blend of creativity, textile knowledge, and technical skills to develop items like sweaters, cardigans, and knitted dresses that combine style, comfort, and functionality. Furthermore, we will be examining the numerous aspects through an introduction to knitwear design.
The role of knitwear design in the fashion industry helps shape both functional and aesthetic aspects of fashion. It brings versatility, comfort, and innovation to the industry through stretchable, breathable garments suitable for all seasons. Knitwear also drives trends in casualwear, athleisure, and luxury fashion, offering designers endless possibilities for texture, silhouette, and sustainability.
When looking into the types of knitwear that are featured in the list below, we can come across several instances from day to day life. This also conveys the extent of the role played by knitwear in fashion. Knitwear can be divided based on construction and by garment type when it comes to the fashion industry.
By Category:
Weft knits – Stretchy, looped horizontally
Warp knits – Stable, looped vertically
By Garment Type:
Sweaters – Warm, cozy tops
Cardigans – Open-front knit layers
Dresses – Fitted or flowy knit styles
Tops/Tees – Everyday stretchy shirts
Scarves/Hats – Knit accessories
Skirts/Pants – Comfortable knit bottoms
The garment types use different types of knitted fabric that are exhaustive in their list and are relevant in their role as knitwear in fashion.
When looking further into the different knitwear designs, we come across differences between woven and knit fabrics. The primarily distinguishable differences are as follows:
Woven Fabrics:
Made by interlacing warp and weft yarns at right angles
Less stretch, more structured and stable
Ideal for formal wear, shirts, pants, and jackets
Wrinkles more easily and may require ironing
Knit Fabrics:
Made by interlooping yarns in a series of connected loops
Naturally stretchy and flexible
Common in t-shirts, activewear, and sweaters
More resistant to wrinkles and comfortable for movement
Also Read: Textile Designer Salary in India
As we approach the knitwear design process, we must also think of what does a knitwear designer do. A knitwear designer specializes in creating garments and accessories using various knitting techniques, yarns, and textures. Their role includes sketching designs, selecting materials, developing stitch patterns, and collaborating with technical teams to produce samples. They stay updated on trends, ensuring their collections align with market demands and seasonal fashion aesthetics.
At the junior level, designers assist in pattern development, sample creation, and technical documentation. Mid-level designers may lead small collections or coordinate with manufacturers. Senior knitwear designers oversee design direction, innovation in materials, and team management. They often collaborate with merchandisers and creative directors to align designs with brand identity and consumer trends.
The knitwear design process is also responsible for how knitwear design influences seasonal fashion. This is observed in the instances given below:
Introduces texture trends each season through cable knits, ribs, or lacework
Shapes silhouette preferences with oversized, fitted, or draped knit styles
Defines winter collections by being the staple fabric for warmth and layering
Drives innovation in materials like recycled yarns or tech-enhanced fibers
Enables seasonal color experimentation via dyed yarns and patterning
Supports transitional fashion with lightweight knits in spring/autumn lines
Promotes sustainable fashion cycles with slow-knit and made-to-order pieces
The knitwear design process also utilises modern technology in knitwear design with multiple options available and to serve different purposes.
CLO 3D – 3D garment visualization and simulation
Browzwear VStitcher – 3D apparel design and fit testing
Adobe Illustrator – Flat sketching and technical drawing
NedGraphics – Textile and knit design (jacquard, intarsia, etc.)
Lectra Modaris – Pattern making and garment design
Gerber AccuMark – CAD software for fashion and textiles
This constitutes the digital tools used by knitwear designers in their line of work for the knitwear design process
Also Read: Top Graphic Design Tools for Creative Professionals
Signing up for the knitwear design industry can be done with individual skill but a degree at the UG or PF level can help elevate that status. Knitwear design courses usually focus on the following aspects of study.
Introduction to Knitwear such as the history, market, and types of knitwear
Yarn & Fiber Study that include the properties of natural, synthetic, and blended yarns
Knitting Techniques such as hand knitting, machine knitting, weft and warp knitting
Stitch & Pattern Development in the forms of cables, ribs, lace, jacquards, and textures
Knitwear Illustration & CAD which requires sketching and using software like Shima Seiki, Stoll, and Adobe Illustrator
Garment Construction like pattern making, draping, and finishing techniques for knit fabrics
Sustainability in Knitwear with eco-friendly materials and zero-waste methods
There is also the question for many candidates as to why pursue a knitwear design course. Building a sustainable career requires plenty of commitment from candidates, here are some reasons why pursue a knitwear design course.
Unlock creative potential in a fast-evolving fashion field
Gain industry-relevant skills for a stable and rewarding career
Open doors to global opportunities in fashion and textiles
Enjoy the flexibility to freelance or launch your own label
Be part of sustainable fashion movements for a meaningful impact
Build a unique professional identity in a niche design sector
Achieve financial independence with specialized, in-demand expertise
If this convinces potential applicants to try their hand at knitwear design we can also guide you through the Knitwear design admission process 2025. As it stands there are two modes of admissions
1. Merit-Based Admission
Register online on the college website
Fill out the application form with accurate details
Pay the application fee and submit the form
Colleges release a merit list based on 12th-grade scores
2. Entrance-Based Admission
Register on the official exam portal (e.g., NIFT, AIEED, CEED)
Fill out the application form correctly
Appear for the entrance exam
Cut-off list is released; seat allotment based on exam score
Some institutes may conduct personal interviews or group discussions
Final admission offered after fulfilling all criteria
People Also Look for Top Knitwear Design Colleges in India
Some of the top knitwear design universities that applicants can consider are as follows
Looking for career opportunities in knitwear design is certainly worthwhile given the possibility of extensive individual growth. Candidates can build sustainable careers with the mentioned salaries in the table below:
| Career Opportunities in Knitwear Design | Salary Range |
|---|---|
Knitwear Designer | Rs. 3 LPA to Rs. 6 LPA |
Merchandiser Designer | Rs. 4 LPA to Rs. 9 LPA |
Product Developer | Rs. 5 LPA to Rs. 12 LPA |
Design Lead | Rs. 9 LPA to Rs. 16 LPA |
Creative Director | For senior and experienced candidates Rs. 25 LPA |
Having a certification in Knitwear design, candidates can sign up for jobs in some of the knitwear design top recruiters:
Arvind Limited
Monte Carlo Fashions Ltd.
KM Knitwear Pvt Ltd
Meko Studio
Peoli
JM Knitwear
Best Knitting Mills Pvt Ltd
Genesis Luxury Fashion
Sabyasachi Couture
Looking forward to starting a career in these organizations are set to provide great dividends in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Knit fabrics are generally categorised into two main types: weft knits and warp knits. Weft Knits have yarn run horizontally across the fabric in weft knitting. Warp Knits have the yarn run vertically along the length of the fabric.
While woven textiles are formed by weaving yarns at right angles to generate structure and durability, knit fabrics are made by interlooping yarns to provide stretch and flexibility.
Knitwear designers create initial designs using both traditional hand-drawing techniques and digital tools like Adobe Illustrator. These sketches serve as blueprints for the final garment.
The future of India's knitted fabric industry looks promising. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to create innovative fabrics. Trends like sustainable production, smart textiles, and advanced customization will shape the industry's growth.
The estimated total pay range for a Knitwear Designer is Rs 24K – Rs 26K per month. The Knitwear Designer average salary is Rs 25K per month.
On Question asked by student community
Here are top BDes (Fashion Design) colleges in Bangalore:
National Institute of Fashion Technology , Bangalore – Top choice
JD Institute of Fashion Technology
Vogue Institute of Art and Design
IIFA Multimedia
Army Institute of Fashion and Design
Taking a second drop is not an issue if you clear the required entrance exams or meet the eligibility criteria.
FLAME University Pune is a good option for B.Des if you’re looking for a creative and interdisciplinary learning environment . The university offers a well-structured design program combined with liberal arts, allowing students to explore multiple interests It has a beautiful and modern campus with strong academic support and personalized attention due to smaller batch sizes. However, it is more know liberal arts and business programs, so if you want a purely design-focused education, you might also consider institutes like MIT-WPU or Shiv Nadar University. Overall, FLAME is suitable for students who want a broad, flexible design education and can afford the higher fees.
CUET qualifies BDes Fashion Designing students.
The basis for admission is the CUET score.
Hello,
No, for B.Des Fashion Designing , CUET is not always needed.
Some colleges take admission through CUET, but many top fashion institutes like NIFT have their own entrance exam. So, it depends on the college you are applying to. Always check the admission process of that particular college.
Hope it helps !
yes, Indeed, CUET qualifies BDes Fashion Designing students.
Admission CUET score is very important.
NAAC A+ Grade | Among top 100 universities of India (NIRF 2024) | 40 crore+ scholarships distributed
Ranked amongst top 3% universities globally (QS Rankings)
India's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | 2200 Recruiters | 45.98 Lakhs Highest Package
100+ Industry collaborations | 10+ Years of legacy
Avail upto 100% Merit Based Scholarships
Management Conclaves | Industrial visits to eminent companies | Celebrated guest speakers
