1

Knitwear Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apparel Design, Knitwear Design, Accessories and Footwear Design, Print & Textile Design, Technical Design, and Design Operations. If you're passionate about creating beautiful product and want to ...

Design Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Experience or interest in Knitwear Design is encouraged but not required * Pattern/Technical Design knowledge * Color sensitivity * Base knowledge of fabrics, embellishments and wash/dye processes

Responsible for supporting design director in execution of women's product from sketch to tech-pack through development into bulk production * Process/correspondence production comments through ...

Sweater R&D Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Develop inspiration boards and yarn mood concepts that inspire the knitwear design team each season. * Stay ahead of market trends in fiber innovation, color applications, and sustainability.

Experience with Digital Knitwear Design Development (3D prototype software) * Strong communication and ensuring alignment with stakeholders both regionally and globally * Strong attention to detail ...

Sweater R&D Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Develop inspiration boards and yarn mood concepts that inspire the knitwear design team each season. * Stay ahead of market trends in fiber innovation, color applications, and sustainability.

Developer RCC Apparel

Somerville, MA · On-site

$62K - $83K/yr

Experience with Digital Knitwear Design Development (3D prototype software) * Strong communication and ensuring alignment with stakeholders both regionally and globally * Strong attention to detail ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Knitwear Design information

See salary details

$14

$25

$40

How much do knitwear design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for knitwear design in the United States is $25.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Knitwear Design vs Fashion Design?

AspectKnitwear DesignFashion Design
CredentialsFashion or textile design degree, knitting certificationsFashion design degree, pattern making certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, textile labsDesign studios, fashion houses, retail environments
Industry UsageSpecializes in knitted garments and textilesBroader apparel and accessory design

While both roles involve creative apparel design, Knitwear Design focuses specifically on knitted garments and textiles, requiring specialized skills in knitting techniques. Fashion Design covers a wider range of clothing types and materials, emphasizing overall apparel aesthetics. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or educational focus within the fashion industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Knitwear Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Knitwear Designer, you need a solid background in fashion design, textile knowledge, and garment construction, often supported by a degree in fashion or textile design. Familiarity with CAD design tools, knitting machines, and yarn selection is essential, along with knowledge of industry software like Adobe Illustrator. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help designers translate concepts into marketable collections and collaborate effectively with production teams. These competencies are crucial for creating innovative, high-quality knitwear that meets both aesthetic and functional market demands.

How much does a knitwear designer earn?

The average salary for a knitwear designer varies depending on experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually. Senior designers or those working for high-end brands can earn over $80,000, especially with strong technical skills and a professional portfolio.

How do you become a knitwear designer?

To become a knitwear designer, individuals typically pursue a degree in fashion design, textiles, or a related field, and develop strong skills in knitting techniques and pattern creation. Building a portfolio of knitwear projects and gaining experience through internships or apprenticeships can help establish a professional reputation in the industry.

Is knitwear design a good career?

Knitwear design is a creative profession that involves developing patterns and selecting materials for knitted garments. It requires skills in fashion, textile technology, and often computer-aided design (CAD) tools. The career can be competitive, but it offers opportunities in fashion brands, manufacturing, and freelance work.

What is knitwear design?

Knitwear design is the process of creating clothing and accessories made from knitted fabrics, such as sweaters, scarves, hats, and dresses. It involves selecting yarns, developing patterns, and using techniques like hand knitting, machine knitting, or computer-aided design to produce unique textile pieces. Knitwear designers combine creativity with technical knowledge to develop garments that are both functional and fashionable. They often work closely with manufacturers, trend forecasters, and clients to bring their designs to market.

What is the salary of a knitting designer?

The average salary of a knitting designer varies depending on experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually. Freelance knitting designers may charge per project or hour, with rates influenced by skill level and complexity of the designs.

What are some typical collaborative processes between knitwear designers and other departments within a fashion company?

Knitwear designers frequently collaborate with product developers, technical designers, and merchandisers to bring collections to life. They work closely with technical teams to translate creative concepts into production-ready knit structures and specifications, often participating in fittings and sample reviews. Coordination with sourcing and production departments is essential to select appropriate yarns and ensure manufacturing feasibility. This cross-functional teamwork helps balance creative vision with practical considerations like cost, timelines, and quality standards.
More about Knitwear Design jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Knitwear Design jobs? The most popular types of Knitwear Design jobs are:
What states have the most Knitwear Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Knitwear Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Knitwear Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,697 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Design Director, Sweaters

$175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

NYC Alliance Company LLC is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Design Director to lead the Women's Sweaters category across the discount channel business. This role will oversee the creative development of knitwear collections, driving innovation in yarns, stitches, and silhouettes while ensuring alignment with brand identity and customer needs. The ideal candidate combines strong technical knit expertise with a sharp fashion perspective and a deep understanding of the contemporary market.

Key Responsibilities

Establish and drive the creative vision and seasonal direction for the Women's Sweaters category

Design and develop trend-driven knitwear, with a focus on yarn development, stitch innovation, and silhouette evolution

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of designers, promoting creativity, collaboration, and high-quality execution

Partner with Product Development, Merchandising, and Marketing teams to deliver cohesive assortments that meet brand and business goals

Research and interpret market trends, yarn technologies, and knit techniques to inform design direction

Oversee the creation of detailed tech packs, including knit specifications, gauge, stitch construction, and yarn details

Participate in fittings, providing guidance on fit, proportion, and knit construction to ensure optimal garment performance

Collaborate closely with mills and vendors to develop exclusive yarns and innovative knit structures

Manage timelines and workflow to support on-time development and production

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or related field

8+ years of design experience, with a strong focus on sweaters/knitwear

Proven experience leading and developing design teams

Strong expertise in knit construction, yarn development, and sweater engineering

Ability to translate brand vision into commercially successful knitwear collections

Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office

Excellent understanding of garment fit, construction, and manufacturing processes specific to knitwear

Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation packages
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA
  • Retirement Savings Plan Match
  • Summer Fridays
  • Discounts and More!
  • Annual Salary $175,000
  • The offered salary for this position will vary based on role requirements determined by NYC Alliance, skill set and years of experience.

NYC Alliance logo

About NYC Alliance

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NYC Alliance is a renowned organization within the fashion industry, headquartered in New York, NY, US. Founded on the principles of design intelligence, the company has dedicated itself to providing high-quality fashion products, specifically in women's apparel. The brand sets a landmark in the fashion industry by merging cutting-edge technology with on-trend designs. NYC Alliance is notable for its various product lines which encompass a range of clothing items, including tops, bottoms, jackets, and dresses.

Industry

Apparel and accessories stores

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2008

Social media