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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Knit Designer Assistant

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

FashionApparel & Textile DesignCreativeKnitwear

🎯 Role Definition

The Knit Designer Assistant is the essential right-hand to the Knit Designer or Senior Knit Designer, acting as a foundational pillar for the entire knitwear development process. This role is a dynamic blend of creative support, technical precision, and organizational mastery. You'll be deeply involved in the journey of a garment, from the initial spark of an idea to the final approved sample. More than just an assistant, you are a guardian of detail, ensuring that the creative vision is translated accurately and efficiently into tangible, beautiful knitwear. This position is the perfect entry point for a passionate individual looking to build a robust career in the specialized and highly sought-after field of knitwear design.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Fashion Design or Textile Design Graduate
  • Design Intern (with a focus on knits or textiles)
  • Showroom or Merchandising Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Associate Knit Designer
  • Knit Designer
  • Technical Designer (Knitwear Specialist)

Lateral Moves:

  • Textile/Yarn Developer or Buyer
  • Product Development Coordinator
  • CAD Designer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Collaborate closely with the Senior Knit Designer on seasonal concept development, contributing fresh ideas and research on knitwear trends, yarn innovations, and novel stitch techniques.
  • Create, manage, and meticulously update detailed technical packages (tech packs) for all knitwear garments, ensuring inclusion of precise construction details, stitch diagrams, measurement specifications, and bill of materials (BOM).
  • Develop and render original, production-ready knitwear artwork, intricate jacquards, and stitch layouts using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, ensuring all designs clearly communicate pattern, color, and texture.
  • Manage daily, clear, and professional correspondence with overseas factories and domestic vendors, diligently tracking sample development progress, clarifying design details, and resolving technical issues to maintain the production calendar.
  • Meticulously review incoming knitwear prototypes, TOP (Top of Production) samples, and strike-offs, providing detailed comments on yarn quality, color accuracy, stitch execution, and overall adherence to the tech pack.
  • Organize, catalog, and maintain the physical and digital libraries of yarns, knit-down swatches, and lab dips, ensuring all materials are accurately labeled and readily accessible for the design team.
  • Generate and consistently update detailed line sheets and product information in the PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system for cross-functional partners in merchandising, sales, and production.
  • Participate actively in fit sessions alongside the Technical Design team, taking detailed notes, documenting required revisions, and updating tech packs to perfect the garment's fit, drape, and silhouette.
  • Create and maintain color cards and swatch boards for the season, ensuring color standards are requested, tracked, and approved in a timely manner.
  • Assist in preparing for key milestone meetings, including line reviews and adoption meetings, by organizing samples, preparing presentation boards, and ensuring all relevant materials are ready.
  • Create flat technical sketches and detailed drawings that clearly illustrate garment construction, seaming, and finishing for factory partners.
  • Research and source new yarns and trims from suppliers, requesting sample yardage and pricing information for consideration for future seasons.
  • Track and manage the shipping and receiving of all knitwear samples, ensuring they are logged, checked-in, and distributed to the appropriate teams.
  • Prepare and send out all development packages to vendors, ensuring that all necessary components (tech packs, reference samples, artwork) are included and correct.
  • Support the Knit Designer in hand-offs to the production team, ensuring a seamless transition from the design/development phase to bulk production.

Secondary Functions

  • Conduct continuous market and competitor research to identify emerging themes, key knitwear silhouettes, and innovative techniques, presenting findings to the design team to inform seasonal direction.
  • Assist in maintaining the design budget by tracking sample costs, yarn expenses, and other development-related expenditures.
  • Support the organization and execution of photoshoots, including sample prep, on-set assistance, and ensuring garments are styled correctly.
  • Help maintain the design studio's organization, ensuring a clean, efficient, and inspiring workspace for the creative team.
  • Create presentation materials for internal and external meetings, translating complex design ideas into clear, visually compelling decks and boards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Adobe Creative Suite Mastery: High proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for technical flats and artwork, and Photoshop for creating mockups and colorways.
  • Knitwear Construction Knowledge: A strong foundational understanding of knit structures, gauges, yarn types (natural and synthetic), and different knitting machinery capabilities.
  • Technical Package (Tech Pack) Creation: Demonstrable ability to create clear, detailed, and accurate tech packs that factories can easily interpret.
  • PLM Software: Experience with or a fast ability to learn Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for data entry and maintenance.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Excel for creating charts and tracking data, and PowerPoint/Keynote for presentations.
  • Technical Sketching: The ability to draw clean, accurate, and proportionate flat sketches of garments by hand or digitally.
  • Color Theory: A strong eye for color and the ability to create balanced and commercially viable color palettes.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Attention to Detail: A meticulous and precise approach to work, especially concerning tech packs, sample comments, and library organization.
  • Proactive Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear correspondence with international vendors and internal teams.
  • Superior Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Problem-Solving Mindset: A resourceful and adaptive attitude, with the ability to anticipate issues and propose effective solutions during the development process.
  • Collaborative Spirit: A true team player who is eager to learn, support colleagues, and contribute positively to the team's goals.
  • Time Management: Strong ability to prioritize tasks effectively to meet the demanding deadlines of the fashion calendar.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree (A.A.) or equivalent certification in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree (B.A. or B.F.A.) in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Fashion Design
  • Textile and Surface Pattern Design
  • Apparel Design & Manufacturing

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a design role, including relevant internships.

Preferred: Direct internship or assistant-level experience specifically within a knitwear or sweater design department is highly advantageous. A portfolio showcasing knitwear projects, including CAD work and technical sketches, is essential.

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