Knitwear Sampling Checklist Before Bulk

Most knitwear disputes are decided at the sampling stage, months before anyone looks at a carton. This is the checklist worth completing on the counter sample before a bulk order is released.

Before You Ask for the Sample

Send a measurement chart with every point defined, including how each point is measured.

State the fibre content you expect, and ask for a yarn card confirming it.

State the care method you intend to print, because the sample has to be tested against it.

On the Sample Itself

Measure every point on the chart and record the deviations.

Check the neckline, cuffs and hem for recovery: stretch them and see whether they return.

Check the seams and the shoulder for even tension.

Check the colour under the lighting your customer will see, not only under daylight.

Check the trims, labels and any applied decoration for attachment strength.

After Washing

Wash the sample under the intended care method.

Re-measure every point and record the change. This becomes the production chart.

Check for pilling, colour change and surface distortion.

Check whether any decoration lifted, cracked or changed colour.

Before You Release Bulk

Seal the approved sample so both sides hold the same reference.

Write the accepted tolerance into the order.

Fix the inspection standard and the inspection point.

Confirm packing, labelling and carton marking, because these are cheap to agree now and expensive to fix at the port.

Where to Apply This

Every style in this catalogue publishes its fibre content, which is the input all of the above depends on. Start from the full catalogue or from a section such as Women's Autumn/Winter Knitwear, then ask for the points the catalogue does not publish.