Knit Design Centre
Knitwear Manufacturer (Stoll GB)
We started 10 years ago with just one machine and one customer. An idea that came from a visit to New York where Stoll had a cool design centre in the middle of the garment district in Manhattan. OK we agree that Leicester is not New York City but in the old home of UK knitwear our design studio has gone from strength to strength – servicing not only our machine customers but the increasing large numbers of designers, brands and technical clients that want access to Stoll machinery.
Today we boast the latest equipment that Stoll offer with gauges from 1,5 through to 16 gauge.Clients have their pick from 10 machines, available in the studio to create designs for an array of fabrics. We normally say if it can be knitted, we can do it!
Over the past 10 years we have covered all possible sectors, fashion, sportswear, medical, automotive, industrial fabrics & electronic textiles.Our great team here in Leicester have skilfully delivered 1000’s of projects for client and in turn we have built up a great amount of knowledge not only on machinery programming but yarns, finishing techniques and commercial advice to deliver a good solid product to market. Our continued investment in Stoll Knitting technology coupled with the latest software products from Stoll has helped us stay at the top of the list if clients are looking to develop a knitted product. In a difficult market sector as knitting has become, we have remained relevant and moved forward proving that the industry is still alive and kicking. If you have a knitting problem and no one can solve it, you know who to email!
What is so amazing about working with British wool? We are seeing more customers wanting to knit with British wool and more farmers who have grown and developed their own yarn, It’s great being able to help them develop their yarn into garments that showcase the very best of British wool.
If any/ what have been your challenges with working with British wool and a local way of working? We have found no problems or restrictions working with British wool.
What gauge of Knitwear do you sell? i.e fine gauge 10-12gg or more chunky knits such as 7-5gg We develop knitwear for our clients in a range of gauges. From 2.5gg – 16gg.
Do you finish onsite? If not, is it convenient or what would be your ideal situation?.We do all of our finishing on site. We cover the whole process from an idea to a finished garment, to small production runs.
Do you find a lot of push back in the industry in terms of working with British wool? No, we have only been met with positive attitudes towards working with British wool.
Do you find that customers are becoming more interested in British wool? A lot of our customers are really interested in using British wool, some will only use British wool. The local aspect of creating knitwear within a small radius is sometimes the factor, for others it’s about seeing the process from farm to finished product.
On a scale of 1- 10 (1 being the lowest and 10 excellent) how much do you think your business has improved in the below areas as a result of good working practices and environmental standards?
Waste Production - 6 (off-cuts, production)
Plastic Pollution - 6 (packaging)
Water Waste - 7 (dyeing and finishing)
Energy Consumption - 7 (shipping, machinery etc)