Combed Cotton Contrast-Collar Knit Polo
100% Combed Cotton · 12-gauge
Combed Cotton Contrast-Collar Knit Polo is a women’s knitwear style in 100% Combed Cotton. A 12-gauge knit creates a fine, even texture,…
Custom Sweater Manufacturer · OEM & ODM
Custom sweater manufacturer — OEM from your design or ODM from ours
From a sketch, a tech pack or one of our existing styles, lpknit develops custom sweaters, cardigans and knit tops and produces them in our Dongguan factory for fashion brands and labels worldwide.
Overview
Two ways to make a custom sweater
Custom knitwear is different from cut-and-sew clothing: the fabric and the garment are created at the same time on the knitting machine. Stitch structure, gauge, yarn and shaping are decided together, which is why a clear brief and a well-run sample stage save the most time and money.
OEM (original equipment manufacturing) means we produce your design exactly to your specification. ODM (original design manufacturing) means you start from one of our developed styles and make it yours with colour, yarn, fit and trim changes. Many brands use ODM for a first collection and OEM as their own design team grows. Both routes are available from the same factory and the same team.
Buyer Guide
What to include in a custom sweater brief
A good brief saves at least one sampling round. Start with the basics: style name, target retail price, quantity per colour and the delivery window you are working towards. These four facts tell a manufacturer which yarns, gauges and constructions are realistic before any knitting starts.
Next, describe the garment. A flat sketch with front and back views, a measurement chart for your base size and notes on neckline, rib depth, sleeve shape and closures are enough to start. If you do not have a measurement chart, send a reference garment or a photo of one you like; we can measure and build the chart with you.
Then define the fabric: fibre or blend, preferred gauge or desired weight, stitch structure and colour references (Pantone codes or physical swatches work best). If you are unsure, describe the handfeel and season you want, for example "lightweight layering for spring" or "warm, textured winter knit", and we will propose options.
Finish with branding and packing: label artwork, care label content for your selling market, hang tags and how you want garments folded and packed. Including these early lets us quote accurately and apply them on the sample, so the approved sample is a true preview of the bulk order.
Capabilities
Custom options we develop
OEM from tech pack
Send measurements, construction notes, yarn targets and artwork. We confirm feasibility, cost and timeline before sampling.
ODM from our styles
Choose a style from our catalogue and adjust colour, yarn, length, neckline or trims for your label.
Sketch to sample
No tech pack yet? We can work from sketches and reference photos and build the measurement chart with you.
Stitch and pattern
Cables, pointelle, rib, jacquard, intarsia, links-links and textured stitches developed as knit swatches first.
Fit and grading
Proto fit sample, then grading to your size range on EU, UK or US measurement charts.
Trims and decoration
Buttons, zips, embroidery, appliqué and hand finishing applied in-house during production.
Specification
Decisions that shape a custom sweater
Gauge
The number of needles per inch. Higher gauges (12–16) make finer, lighter fabric; lower gauges (3–7) make thicker, textured knits. Gauge is fixed at sampling because it changes weight, cost and knitting time.
Yarn
Merino wool, cashmere, wool, cotton, mohair and blends. We recommend qualities that fit your retail price and care expectations.
Construction
Fully fashioned panels linked together, or knitted panels cut and sewn. Each suits different silhouettes and price points.
Finishing
Washing, steaming and pressing set the final handfeel and measurements, so they are approved on the sample, not left to bulk.
Process
From brief to bulk production
01
Inquiry
Share your design files, quantities and target delivery. We reply within one business day.
02
Development
Yarn proposal, knit swatches and a sampling quote.
03
Proto sample
First sample for fit, handfeel and construction; catalogue-based ODM samples take about 7 days.
04
Size set and approval
Corrections, grading and colour approval before bulk is booked.
05
Bulk production
Knitting, linking, finishing, inspection and export packing.
Custom MOQ
100 pieces per style for custom designs, with colour splits discussed per order.
Catalogue MOQ
From 1 piece per colour on existing styles — a low-risk way to test demand.
Timeline
Catalogue samples in about 7 days. MOQ orders, catalogue or custom, are ready to ship within 15 days after sample approval (sampling not included); catalogue styles can be faster.
Customisation
What you can customise
- Yarn composition and colour
- Neckline, sleeve, length and fit changes
- Stitch structure and surface texture
- Brand labels, hang tags and packaging
- Size range and grading rules
Quality Control
How we check quality
- Approved sample kept as the production reference
- Measurement checks after knitting and after washing
- Seam, linking and finishing inspection
- Final inspection before packing
- Production photos shared on request
Styles
Example styles
Cashmere-Silk Striped Crewneck Sweater
77% Cashmere / 23% Mulberry Silk · 7-gauge
Cashmere-Silk Striped Crewneck Sweater is a women’s knitwear style in 77% Cashmere / 23% Mulberry Silk. Constructed in a 7-gauge machine knit,…
Pink Wool Blend Fine-Knit Polo Sweater
31.9% Wool / 22.3% Acrylic / 39.4% Polyester / 6.4% Nylon · 16-gauge
Pink Wool Blend Fine-Knit Polo Sweater is a women’s knitwear style in 31.9% Wool / 22.3% Acrylic / 39.4% Polyester / 6.4%…
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between OEM and ODM sweater manufacturing?
OEM means we produce your own design exactly to your tech pack. ODM means you start from one of our developed styles and customise colour, yarn, fit and trims. Both are produced in the same factory.
Can you make a custom sweater from a sketch?
Yes. Send sketches and reference photos; we help build the measurement chart and construction details, then knit a proto sample for your approval.
What is the minimum order for a custom sweater?
Custom designs start from 100 pieces per style. Existing catalogue styles can be ordered from 1 piece per colour.
How long does a custom sweater sample take?
ODM samples based on catalogue styles take about 7 days. Fully custom developments are quoted with a sampling timeline once we have your brief.
Which yarns can I choose?
Merino wool, cashmere, wool, cotton, mohair and blends. We recommend options that match your price point and care needs.
Do you grade sizes?
Yes. After fit approval we grade to your size range using your size chart or standard EU, UK or US measurements.
Related services: Cashmere sweaters · Private label sweaters · Women's knitwear · Men's sweaters · Merino wool sweaters · Low MOQ boutique OEM · Our factory
Send an Inquiry
Tell us about your project
Share your styles, yarns, quantities and timeline. We reply within one business day with feasibility, sampling cost and lead time.