At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative knitwear designs and lead trend research for seasonal collections.
- Company: Join Threadbare, a family-driven British brand in the heart of Manchester's fashion scene.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, generous discounts, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make your mark in fashion with a brand committed to Trusted Style and Honest Value.
- Qualifications: 3+ years design experience, strong CAD skills, and a passion for knitwear.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and excellent career growth within a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
About us:
AM London, and our brand Threadbare was built out of something personal – a bond between father and daughter, and a shared love of fashion passed down through generations. What began as a family passion has grown into a British brand recognised for its commitment to Trusted Style and Honest Value.
Based in Manchester, the heart of the UK’s fashion and textile industry, Threadbare continues to design with one clear purpose: to create clothing that combines elevated design, everyday wearability, and lasting quality. Built for the everyday wardrobe, Threadbare is proud to be stocked in iconic fashion marketplaces including Next, ASOS and Zalando – bringing our vision of Trusted Style and Honest Value to customers across the world.
We\’re now looking for an established Knitwear Designer, to work in our Manchester HQ.
Key roles and responsibilities:
- Creating and developing original knitwear design concepts, with a strong focus on stitch development, yarn selection, and innovative knit techniques.
- Working closely with yarn suppliers and spinners to source new, relevant, and sustainable yarns and trims suitable for seasonal collections.
- Creating comprehensive design packs, including detailed stitch diagrams, yarn specs, construction notes, and technical handovers.
- Leading trend and colour research and translating key seasonal knitwear trends into commercially viable product ranges.
- Managing, mentoring, and developing junior designers or assistants within the knitwear team.
- Regular liaison with Account Managers and buyers to ensure timely development and alignment with client briefs and brand direction.
- Communicating with factories and overseas development teams to resolve technical queries and ensure accurate sample execution.
- Planning and coordinating yarn and factory sourcing trips; creating clear development briefs and tech packs for suppliers.
- Presenting range reviews to Directors, ensuring each collection aligns with brand strategy and seasonal goals.
- Managing the design and development process in line with critical path timelines to ensure on-time delivery to customers.
- Overseeing sample management, including expenses, tracking, returns, and showroom organisation.
- Leading and organising inspiration and trend sourcing trips (including international travel where required), identifying new techniques and yarn innovations.
- Leading trend forecasting updates (e.g., WGSN, KnitwearLab, Première Vision) and analysing social media and cultural influences such as TikTok, Instagram, and TV for knitwear-specific insights.
- Maintaining an organised archive of knitwear samples, yarn cards, and swatches, ensuring materials are accessible and up to date.
- Full ownership of the knitwear design range, from concept through development, ensuring creative integrity and commercial viability throughout.
Skills required:
- Commercial / high street design experience preferred
- Experience of international travel, including supplier meeting, sourcing trips and comp shops
- +3 years minimum background in design
- Experience working within Womenswear.
- Excellent understanding of Illustrator and/or Photoshop
- Confident at CAD work.
- Creative and trend driven with an eye for colour and fabric
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Team player and able to build relationships
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Manage challenges in a calm and positive manner.
- Understand the different customer handwritings and adapt designs accordingly.
- Work quickly and efficiently under time pressures.
- Proactive nature to work with different part of the business, e.g. QC, Buyer and external customers.
- Leadership skills
- Excellent fabric knowledge and understanding of production.
What we can offer you:
- 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays, plus your birthday off
- Generous 40% staff discount and sample sales
- 25% friends and family discount
- Company Pension Scheme
- Length of Service Awards
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
- Some flexibility of your working hours
Locations
Knitwear Designer employer: A.M. London Fashion Ltd
Contact Detail:
A.M. London Fashion Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Knitwear Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fashion industry, especially those who work at Threadbare or similar brands. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn – you never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along a portfolio that highlights your best knitwear designs. Make it visually appealing and ensure it reflects your unique style – this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on trends! Keep an eye on what’s hot in the knitwear world by following fashion blogs, social media, and trend forecasting sites. This knowledge will not only impress interviewers but also help you create designs that resonate with current market demands.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, so don’t hesitate to submit your application and let us see what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Knitwear Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Knitwear: When you're writing your application, let your love for knitwear shine through! Share your personal experiences and inspirations that led you to this field. We want to see your creativity and how it aligns with our brand's ethos of Trusted Style and Honest Value.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Knitwear Designer role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in commercial design and working with yarns. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We love a well-structured application that showcases your skills without any fluff – it shows you can communicate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our brand and values while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at A.M. London Fashion Ltd
✨Know Your Knitwear
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of knitwear. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends, yarn innovations, and techniques that are making waves in the industry. Being able to discuss specific examples will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Bring along a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best knitwear designs. Include detailed sketches, technical packs, and any successful projects you've led. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also your ability to manage the design process from concept to execution.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about stitch development, yarn selection, and how you handle technical queries with factories. Brush up on your knowledge of CAD software like Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as your understanding of fabric properties and production processes.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Collaboration
As a Knitwear Designer, you'll need to work closely with various teams. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with Account Managers, buyers, or junior designers. Highlight your communication skills and how you build relationships within a team.