Flat-Knit vs Cut-and-Sew
There are two fundamental ways to make a knit garment — and the choice shapes its fit, waste, look and cost. Here's the difference, plainly.
Both start as knitted yarn, but they get to a garment very differently — and that difference is worth understanding before you spec a collection.
Flat-knit (knitted to shape)
Panels — or whole garments — are knitted directly to their final shape on a flat-bed machine, then linked (fully-fashioned) or knitted seamlessly in one piece (WHOLEGARMENT). The shaping is built into the knitting.
- Minimal waste — pieces are formed, not cut from yardage.
- Superior fit & edges — shaped selvedges, fully-fashioned marks, clean necklines.
- The premium knit look — sweaters, cardigans, fine-gauge pieces.
Cut-and-sew (cut from knit fabric)
Large rolls of knit fabric (often circular-knit jersey) are cut into panels and sewn together, like woven garment construction.
- Fast & scalable for high-volume basics — tees, sweatshirts, hoodies.
- More fabric waste from cutting.
- Different aesthetic — jersey/loungewear rather than “sweater” knitwear.
Quick rule: sweaters, cardigans and structured knitwear → flat-knit. T-shirts, sweatshirts, loungewear → cut-and-sew jersey.
Which we do
We're flat-knit specialists in-house (Shima Seiki + Stoll) — that's our craft. For cut-and-sew jersey ranges, we extend through a vetted partner network, so a brand can source both through one transparent partner. See capabilities.
Ready to make it?
Send a tech pack, a reference garment or a brief. We respond within one business day with a capacity check, indicative pricing and a sample timeline — direct with the founder.