A useful custom knitwear quote needs six inputs: a style reference, planned quantity, material or handfeel direction, measurements, branding and packing requirements, and a target date. A complete knitwear tech pack is ideal, but it is not required for an initial feasibility review.
The short checklist
- Style sketch, reference photo or physical sample
- Estimated pieces by style and colour
- Preferred fibre, yarn feel or target price position
- Measurements, size range or a base garment to copy
- Logo, label, trim and packaging needs
- Required sample date, delivery date and destination market
1. Start with a clear style reference
The factory first needs to understand what you want to make. You can send a technical drawing, a tech pack, front and back photos, a link to a reference style, or a physical sample. Mark the details that must be kept and the details that may be changed.
For example, “use this silhouette but change the neckline to a half zip” is more useful than sending one image without explanation. Close-up photos help with cable patterns, jacquard artwork, intarsia, embroidery, rib structures and special trims.
2. Define quantity by style and colour
Do not send only a total quantity if it covers several designs. State the expected quantity for each style, colour and size range. Rishi Apparel usually starts from 100 pieces per style, but the workable breakdown depends on yarn purchasing, colour count, construction, trims and packing.
| Information | Less useful | More useful |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | “About 500 pieces” | Style A: 300 pcs in two colours; Style B: 200 pcs in one colour |
| Sizes | “Standard sizes” | XS–XL, with an estimated size ratio |
| Reorder | Not mentioned | First trial order, with seasonal reorder potential |
If your order is still being planned, a range is acceptable. Say whether the number is a test order, a confirmed purchase plan or an annual forecast. That helps the team recommend a practical route without treating an early estimate as a final order.
3. Describe the yarn, weight and handfeel
If the exact specification is known, include fibre content, yarn count, colour reference and performance requirements. If it is not known, describe the result: soft and lightweight, warm and substantial, dry and structured, easy-care, premium natural handfeel, or a target retail position.
Cotton, polyester, wool, cashmere and common blends can be evaluated. The option must be selected against the design, target feel, budget and intended market. A swatch or reference garment is useful when handfeel matters more than a written fibre name.
Gauge and construction affect appearance, weight, cost and production planning. You do not need to choose them alone. Share the visual target and let the development team confirm what is technically suitable.
4. Share measurements and fit expectations
A measurement chart with points of measure is the clearest starting point. If you do not have one, send a well-fitting base sample and explain requested changes, such as a shorter body, wider sleeve or more relaxed shoulder.
- State the target customer and size range.
- Identify the base size used for sampling.
- Mark critical measurements and tolerances if already defined.
- Explain whether the fit should be slim, regular, relaxed or oversized.
Comments such as “too loose” can be interpreted differently. Comments tied to measurements or annotated photos reduce revision rounds.
5. List labels, trims and packaging
Private-label details can change cost and lead time. Include the main label, size label, care label, hangtag, buttons, zippers, embroidery, patches and packaging. Artwork files, dimensions and colour references help when available.
Also mention whether packaging must follow retailer, warehouse or import requirements. If a requirement is not decided, label it “to be confirmed” instead of leaving it invisible.
6. Add the target date and destination market
Share the date you need the sample, the planned order confirmation date and the requested shipment date. Sampling is typically 7–15 days, and approved bulk production is normally 15–30 days, subject to yarn availability, construction, approvals and order details. See the sampling process guide for the buyer review stages.
The selling market matters too. Europe and the United States may have different labelling, testing or documentation expectations depending on the product and buyer. Tell the factory which requirements your brand or importer will apply; do not assume they are automatically included.
7. Example of a useful first inquiry
We are developing a women’s relaxed cardigan for the EU market. Reference photos and measurements are attached. We plan 300 pieces across two colours in sizes XS–XL. We want a soft wool-blend handfeel, custom buttons, woven labels, care labels and individual polybags. We need a sales sample by 20 October and hope to ship bulk in December. Please advise feasibility, sampling requirements and missing information.
This is not a full tech pack, but it gives the development team enough context to identify open questions and avoid a misleading one-line price.
8. What happens after you send the inquiry?
- Feasibility review: style, material direction, quantity and timing are checked.
- Clarification: missing specifications and commercial assumptions are listed.
- Sampling plan: yarn, colour, measurements and construction are aligned.
- Quotation: pricing is tied to the agreed specification.
- Approval and bulk: the approved sample and confirmed order details become the production reference.
See the OEM/ODM development process, browse our custom knitwear categories, or compare OEM and ODM manufacturing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a quote without a tech pack?
Yes. Send clear photos, a sketch or a reference sample with quantity, fit, material direction and timing. The first response may be a feasibility assessment or a list of missing information rather than a final price.
Why can the price change after sampling?
Sampling can confirm yarn consumption, construction time, trims and finishing details that were uncertain at inquiry stage. A quotation is most reliable when tied to an approved specification.
What is the usual MOQ?
The usual starting point is 100 pieces per style. The possible colour and size breakdown is reviewed case by case. Read our custom knitwear MOQ guide.
Should I provide a target price?
A realistic target range can help the team suggest suitable materials or construction. It does not replace the product specification, and feasibility still needs to be checked.
Can you add our private labels?
Yes. Share label artwork, dimensions, placement and packing requirements so they can be included in the development and quotation review.
Ready to turn your idea into a clear production brief?
Send the information you already have. Our Dongguan team will identify the missing decisions before sampling begins.