What factors define quality knitwear?

Navigating the search for quality knitwear, pieces that maintain their elegant shape and withstands years of wear, presents a genuine challenge. The contemporary fashion landscape

abounds with imprecise quality claims, creating substantial difficulty in distinguishing truly superior garments from mass-produced alternatives.

Broadly speaking, knitwear manufacturing can be broken up into the following main sections: yarn production, knitting, garment making, and washing and finishing. But there are important factors during the production that define the quality of the final knitwear. In this article we will dig on what defines the quality of knitwear garments.From fibre selection to craftsmanship techniques, we examine the critical factors defining high-quality knitwear, enabling informed investment in pieces that transcend seasonal trends.

The Yarn

The starting point of any knitwear garment is the yarn type and count, which needs to be chosen considering the purpose of the garment and the person for whom it is being made. Yarn type determines fibre type (alpaca wool, silk, cashmere) while yarn count determines the fineness of the yarn to be knitted.

The length and width of the fibres also determines the quality of the knit, its softness, structure, and longevity, depending on the purpose of the garment.  For example, the longer and finer fibres in the highest quality alpaca wool, when correctly knitted and finished, will produce soft, warm garments that maintain their shape and appearance.

The Knit

When it comes to knitting, talented and experienced knitters understand how different yarns react; they know how and when to set the correct tension and size of pins on their machines for the knit. They are skilled at producing high quality knitted fabric with subtle nuances and tailoring each section for its specific purpose.

The Final Details

An often-overlooked stage in the process is final washing and finishing. Knitted material is a lot more fragile than woven, and a great deal of care is needed to avoid shrinkage and loss of shape. Choices in washing and finishing methods and even selection of dyes can affect the softness and structure of a garment.

The more care taken in the washing and ironing of the finished garments, the greater the chance of achieving quality knitwear that retains its structure and appearance in the long term.

Key points

• Material fundamentals: Superior knitwear begins with premium, natural fibres such as alpaca wool or grade A cashmere, with specific measurable characteristics that ensure consistent knitwear quality control.

• Construction determines longevity: Fully fashioned and hand-linked knitwear significantly outperforms cut-and-sew alternatives in both appearance and durability.

• Authentic sustainability requires transparency: Genuine sustainability focuses on ecosystem health, encompassing transparent fibre sourcing, animal welfare standards, and environmental conservation partnerships.

Hope you enjoyed this article! Here at Knit-Lab Peru we are committed to offer premium quality products that combine modern technology with ancestral tradition. Contact us if you want to learn more or work with us.