Knitwear Design
Sharp Pencil Design Studio
What is Knitwear Design
A Knitwear Design course deals with wools, yarns and other materials needed for making final knitted apparel. They learn how to use technology, machines and tools in producing specific designs and garments. The Knitwear Design course stresses acquiring skills and knowledge about pattern innovation, sewing and knitting, making full-length apparel and illustrating fashion trends via media.
Moreover, technology is changing the game for every industry, including fashion and Knitwear. 3D Printing, virtual fashion and new kinds of fabric- the challenge has changed for all in the fashion industry. A more updated, curious to learn and high-spirited designer would only be able to make a mark in this dynamic and exciting career field, by spinning some creative wool and weaving innovative yarns.
Fashion designing is a skill-based course and so is one of its branches of Knitwear design. It is an established field of designing at graduation and post-graduation levels. It is comparatively a newer domain of study which focuses on knitted apparel. Now, knitted clothes do not restrict themselves to woolen clothing, but also includes – sportswear and intimate clothing.
Degree
Duration
B.Des (4 years)
M.Des (2 years)
B.Sc. (3 years)
M.Sc. (2 years)
Eligibility
B.Des and B.Sc. (10+2 any specialisation)
M.Des and M.Sc (Bachelor's degree)
Admission Process
B.Des and B.Sc. (Entrance test / Cut off)
M.Des and M.Sc (Entrance test / Cut off)
Top Entrance Exams
NIFT Exam, NID DAT, AIEED, SEED
Course Fees
B.Des and B.Sc. (Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 1,00,000)
M.Des and M.Sc (Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 3,00,000 per year)
Top Colleges
NIFT Delhi - National Institute of Fashion Technology
NIFT Kolkata - National Institute of Fashion Technology
Pinnacle Institute of Fashion Technology, Ludhiana
Career Options
Knitwear Design are Knitwear Designer,
Merchandiser,
Textile Designer,
Creative Managers,
Trend Forecaster,
Costume Designer,
Quality Controllers for fabric,
Fashion Stylist,
Independent Entrepreneur
Average Salary
Rs. 7 LPA
Recruiting Companies
Park Avenue,
United Colors of Benetton,
GAP, Future Group,
Monte Carlo,
Woodland,
Apparel Online,
Raymond,
H&M,
Lifestyle,
Marks & Spencer,
Creative Lines
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Knitwear Design
Each course has its own set of eligibility requirements that an applicant must meet in order to be considered for the course. Knitwear Design students must meet certain fundamental prerequisites in order to be admitted to the college of their choosing. This is a basic minimum that the student must obtain; else, his or her application would be denied. The requirements for enrolling in a Knitwear Design programme are as follows.
Eligibility Criteria UG Courses
The candidate must have cleared the 10+2 exam from a recognized national board, i.e. ISC, CBSE or any state board examination.
The aspirant must have a mark sheet and pass certificate of 10+2 and should have scored a minimum percentage of 50 per cent if he/she belongs to the general category. The cut off for students belonging to SC/ST/OBC category is 45 per cent.
The applicant can belong to any stream – Science, Commerce or Humanities.
The entrant must be below 23 years of age. There is a relaxation of 5years on the upper limit of age for Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe, Person with a disability.
Top Entrance Exams for UG Courses
NIFT Exam: National Institute of Fashion Technology conducts this exam to offer students a degree in designing. It has 16 campuses in India, with headquarters in New Delhi. Around 23000 students appear for the test every year. The exam has two folds – CAT (Creative Ability Test), GAT (General Aptitude Test) for 3 and 2 hours respectively, in offline mode.
Eligibility Criteria for PG Courses
There is no age limit to pursue Masters in Design
The aspirant must have an undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognized college/ university
Top Entrance Exams for PG Courses
AIEED: The ARCH Academy of Design conducts an All India Design Entrance Exam. Typically, the exam is taken online. Other AIEED articles can be found here.
Specialization or Similar Ones
Courses and specialisations in Knitwear Design are available in a variety of formats. After graduation, those with similar specialities may have similar work options. Students can pursue specialisations in design, fashion, and other fields. Knitwear Design specialisations include the following:
B. Des. Knitwear Design
M. Des. Knitwear Design
B.A. Knitwear Design
B.Des in Textile Design
B.Des Apparel Design
Scope of Knitwear Design in India and Abroad
The Knitwear industry is composed of a promising future, reinforced with new-age technology, talented Knitwear designers and lots of creativity.
Students belonging to this domain have a wide range of career opportunities in Textile and Knit industry, handloom and handicrafts organizations, NGOs, design studios, export houses and mills. With the boom in online shopping, the scope for designers is only opening more opportunities as buyers and sellers and merchandisers.
During the 4 years of graduation, students are exposed to the education and talent of professional designers and teachers. They learn and enhance their creative vision, technical skills with flat knits, circular knits and computerized knitting. They acquire the wisdom to work for all categories of Knitwear apparel be it, menswear, women's wear, kids wear, sportswear, leisurewear, winter wear and intimate wear.
They grasp the knowledge of what and which resource is required to knit a fine garment as per needed by the client. The placements at fashion schools are mostly done in private companies, MNCs and startups.
Course Subjects
Bachelor of Design (Knitwear) is a 4-year graduation program, which is divided into 8 semesters and Master of Design (Knitwear) is a 2-year program divided into 4 semesters.In their last year, the student has to even do an internship and work on a project assigned. Some subject papers studied by students are:
Subjects covered in UG
Fashion Art and Illustration
Basic weaving and hand knitting
Draping and construction
Garment Construction
Design Process
Computerized flat knitting
Advanced knitting technology
Patternmaking for knits
Knitwear production and planning
Trends and forecasting
Merchandising and Marketing-
Subjects covered in PG
Woven Fabric Structure
History of Art
Digital Presentation Technique
Portfolio and Design collection
Advanced computer-aided design
Design Management
Careers in Knitwear Design
Knitwear designing is a field of creativity, and so are the various job profiles. It is a study which is less explored and has a huge potential. Their responsibilities are examining styles in colours and fitting, draw patterns based on research, choose variable tools, colours, and yarns, customize according to the client and design the final apparel. They plan and produce products of clothing with specific yarns and wools, as per needed. Some of the job profiles are mentioned below:
Knitwear Designer
They research the current style in fashion and sketch designs and patterns for the same. Choose the yarn, the colour pattern and create a sample.
Merchandiser
They study and explore past trends and try to see what will work in the near future, based on the information. This report is then passed on to the buyers.
Textile Designer
They craft 2D (dimensional) designs to be used on repeat in printed fabric and textile.Trend ForecasterThey study, examine and anticipate future trends, based on past consumer data
They choose the accessories and clothing for celebrities and models for various publishing houses and events.
They style and make actors visually fascinating. Their job is to tailor them according to the scene in the film, belonging to the time and mood among others to be portrayed
Quality Controllers for fabricThey assure the worthiness of the garment from testing the raw materials used to scrutinizing the finished product before selling
Upcoming trends
With new scientific inventions, changes and advancement in every industry are being witnessed. Likewise, development in the fashion industry is also being experienced and will continue to grow over time.
New kinds of fibres are being produced, and methods to weave and knit are also evolving. Such emerging techniques and products will keep sprouting from efficient yard spinners and fibre producers, making sure that there is constant progress, improvement and not a moment of stagnation from their side. Some latest and upcoming designing techniques are mentioned below:Smart textiles – Generally, fabric is categorized into five kinds, based on their component fibre. These organic fabrics are silk, wool, linen, cotton and synthetic and inorganic fibre are gold, glass and asbestos. Smart textiles are so-called, as they can detect and respond to spurs from the surrounding nature, which can be biological or chemical or mechanical or any other type of environment. Soon Knitwear designers are about to work with such textiles and bring a change in the fashion industry.
New technology to knit is being invented over time. For example, - Knitrate, a new age digital knitting machine. It is a novel way to produce a fabric. It is best for startups and small fashion houses, studios and design institutes. One can easily sew knitted custom wears like caps, beanies, sweaters, and dresses. With this entry, the level designer can take their passion for knitting to a different level affordably. 3D Knitwear designing is what is coming next in this field. One can customize styles according to his/ her comfort. 3D Knitwear seems effortless and has a better finishing than handcrafted sewed ones. With ecological and environmental issues on the rise, 3D knitting will be a new and fresh approach to reduce it. It will help with sustainable fashion for people because it will help in cost and time, higher productivity, more energy efficiency, and waste reduction. Shapewear & seamless garments on customized knitting- This makes attires with the application of circular knitting machines which makes the entire clothing with the help of automated computers which has many directions for stitching patterns. And body-mapped.
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Placements of Knitwear designers are mainly in leading top fashion brands, e-commerce, startups, NGOs both in the country and abroad. The start for any newbie is tough, but with experience and exposure, one can make a niche in this industry. Some top recruiting companies are:
Park Avenue
United Colors of Benetton
GAP
Future Group
Monte Carlo
Woodland
Apparel Online
Raymond
H&M Lifestyle
Marks & Spencer
Creative Lines
Average Salary
Based on the brand, company and post offered, a Knitwear designer can expect to earn between
Rs. 4.5 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) at entry-level and about Rs. 9 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) with experience.
Knitwear Designer - Rs. 3.5 to 5.5 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.)
Merchandiser - Rs. 5 to 8 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.)
Textile Designer - Rs. 4 to 6 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.)
Creative Managers - Rs. 7 to 10.5 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.)
Trend Forecaster - Rs. 9 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.)
Costume Designer - Rs. 5 to 7.5 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.)
Quality Controllers for fabric - Rs. 3 to 5 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.)
Fashion Stylist - Rs. 7 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.)
Independent Entrepreneur - Rs. 5 to 13 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.)
Required Skillset for Knitwear Design
In the sector of design, there are big recruiters looking for applicants with certain skill sets. These abilities enable candidates to function in a variety of situations. The following skillsets are required of a candidate for Knitwear Design:
Good communication skills
Creative and Innovative imagination
Knowledge of colour
Interest in fashion trends
An eye for detail
Artistic Ability
Course Curriculum for Knitwear Design
The curriculum of Knitwear designing is devised in such a manner so that the students can produce a pod of well patterned, finished attire. For that, students must gain complete fundamental education in Knitwear designing and the skills to produce exceptional intricate work. The prospectus of this course aims:
To comprehend the fashion industry and its subdivided fields.
To recognize and develop the process of designing through hit and trial application of ideas.
To apprehend the production of Knitwear and the requirement for cost-effective and efficient manufacturing rate.
To be able to identify different fibre, yarns, fabric and processing devices to be used.
To familiarize and utilize researched data as reference for fashion trends in the market and apply skills to forecast.
To be aware of global and cultural influences on fashion and develop skills in visual analysis.
