Knitwear Designer

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