Knitwear Tech Pack and RFQ Checklist - zhengleyi1988/YouTricot GitHub Wiki

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A practical whitepaper for preparing accurate knitwear factory quotations.

Audience: Brand owners, buyers, product developers, sourcing teams, and private-label operators
Last reviewed: July 2026
Purpose: Prepare a quote-ready knitwear tech pack and compare factory quotes on the same basis.

Contents

Purpose

A knitwear factory can provide an estimate from a sketch or a few reference images. However, an estimate is not the same as a production-ready quotation.

A reliable quote requires the factory to understand:

  • Garment construction
  • Yarn and material assumptions
  • Gauge, stitch, and finishing requirements
  • Measurements and tolerance expectations
  • Quantity split by colour and size
  • Quality, packaging, and delivery requirements
  • Commercial conditions that affect cost and lead time

Without this information, suppliers fill the gaps differently. Their quotes may appear comparable while covering different yarns, workmanship levels, exclusions, or production risks.

Key principle: A quote is only comparable when suppliers are pricing the same scope.

Quick Start Checklist

Area Minimum information required Why it matters
Style identity Style name, style code, season, version, date Prevents factories from quoting different revisions
Technical flats Front, back, construction and detail views Defines silhouette and make-up requirements
Yarn Fibre content, yarn count if known, colour, hand feel Drives cost, lead time, weight, and performance
Gauge and stitch Machine gauge, stitch structure, density reference Affects machine selection and fabric appearance
Measurements Base size, POM chart, tolerances, grading Makes fit measurable
Artwork and colour Pantone, swatches, repeat charts, placement Reduces colour and pattern risk
BOM and trims Labels, buttons, zippers, tags, packaging Prevents missing cost items
Quality Testing, inspection, AQL, market requirements Aligns expectations before bulk production
Quantity Units by style, colour, and size Determines MOQ, yarn planning, and unit cost
Commercial terms Sample date, bulk date, destination, Incoterms Allows correct production planning

Tech Pack, RFQ, and Sample Brief

These documents should be sent together, but they serve different purposes.

Document Primary question answered Typical contents
Tech pack What are we making? Construction, yarn, measurements, colour, artwork, trims, labels
RFQ What should the supplier quote? Quantity, sample needs, timeline, destination, trade terms
Sample brief What must be checked during development? Fit, hand feel, risks, approval criteria, comments

Working rule

  • Use the tech pack to define the product.
  • Use the RFQ to define the commercial request.
  • Use the sample brief to define the approval process.

Required Information for an Accurate Quote

1. Style Identity and Version Control

Every main document should include a style block.

Style: Women's Crewneck Cardigan
Style No.: WT-SS26-014
Season: SS26
Version: V03
Date: 30 July 2026
Status: RFQ

Use one style number for one product definition. Update the version number and revision date after a material change, fit change, or approved construction change.

Recommended file name:

WT-SS26-014_Cardigan_V03_2026-07-30.pdf

Avoid unclear names such as:

final_final_new2.pdf
latest_revised_final.pdf

If an item is not confirmed, label it clearly:

Factory to recommend
Buyer approval required
Pending artwork confirmation
Pending yarn lab dip

2. Technical Flats

Reference images communicate design direction. Technical flats communicate construction.

A knitwear technical flat should show the front and back panels. Add close-up views when the garment includes non-standard details.

Include:

  • Neck shape and neckline finish
  • Rib width at neck, cuff, and hem
  • Shoulder construction
  • Sleeve shape
  • Placket details
  • Pocket position and construction
  • Slits, vents, or openings
  • Button or zipper placement
  • Logo, badge, embroidery, or patch placement
  • Areas with different stitches or colours

Note: A technical flat should solve a construction problem. It does not need to be a fashion illustration.

3. Yarn Specification and Hand Feel

Yarn is one of the main drivers of knitwear cost, quality, and lead time.

Specify when known:

  • Fibre composition
  • Yarn count and ply
  • Preferred yarn mill
  • Certified, recycled, or traceable material requirements
  • Yarn-dyed, piece-dyed, mélange, or mouliné effect
  • Colour references
  • Target machine gauge

If the yarn is not fixed, define the intended result instead.

Fibre target: 70% wool / 30% nylon
Target hand feel: soft, compact, not fuzzy
Target weight: medium-weight cardigan
Gauge target: suitable for 7GG
Care requirement: hand wash or approved gentle wash
Status: factory to recommend

Ask the factory to quote at least two yarn options separately.

Option Fibre Intended benefit What to compare
A Wool / nylon blend Durability and shape retention Cost, pilling, hand feel
B Wool / cashmere blend Softer luxury hand feel Cost, MOQ, lead time
C Cotton blend Easier care and lower warmth Weight, recovery, seasonality

4. Gauge, Stitch, and Construction

Gauge alone does not define the final garment.

Two 12GG sweaters can use different yarn counts, stitch densities, panel constructions, and finishes. They may have different weights, textures, lead times, and unit prices.

Include:

  • Machine gauge: 3GG, 5GG, 7GG, 12GG, or 14GG
  • Main stitch structure: jersey, rib, cable, pointelle, Milano rib, jacquard, or intarsia
  • Construction method: fully fashioned, cut-and-sewn, or knit-to-shape
  • Shaping points where fit is critical
  • Rib dimensions and finishing method
  • Jacquard repeat size and colour count
  • Editable artwork for custom patterns

Example construction note:

Main body: 7GG jersey stitch
Neck, cuff, and hem: 1x1 rib
Construction: fully fashioned panels with linked seams
Front: V-neck placket with five buttons
Fit-critical area: sleeve cap and shoulder width

5. Measurement Specification

A technical sketch must be supported by a measurement sheet.

Include:

  • Base size
  • Point-of-measure descriptions
  • Finished garment measurements
  • Tolerances
  • Grade rules or full size range
  • Measuring conditions
  • Stretch-area instructions
Point of measure Base size M Tolerance Measuring condition
Chest width 54 cm +/- 1 cm Relaxed, laid flat
Body length 62 cm +/- 1 cm From high-point shoulder
Sleeve length 58 cm +/- 1 cm From shoulder seam
Hem rib height 6 cm +/- 0.5 cm Relaxed
Cuff rib height 6 cm +/- 0.5 cm Relaxed

For rib hems, cuffs, fitted cardigans, and elasticated areas, state whether measurements are taken relaxed, stretched, after wash, or after steam finishing.

6. Colour, Artwork, Branding, and Packaging

Screens are useful for direction, but they should not be treated as production colour standards.

Define:

  • Main body colour
  • Contrast yarn colour
  • Pantone reference or approved lab dip
  • Stripe order
  • Jacquard placement
  • Artwork size and location
  • Colour approval requirement

Include all relevant trims and branding:

  • Main label
  • Care label
  • Size label
  • Country-of-origin label
  • Hangtag
  • Barcode sticker
  • Buttons, zippers, patches, and drawcords

Packaging requirements may include:

  • Folded or hung
  • Individually bagged or unbagged
  • Tissue paper or folding board
  • Carton marks
  • Carton ratio
  • Retailer-ready carton requirements

Important: Packaging is part of product cost. Do not wait until bulk production to define it.

7. Testing and Inspection Requirements

Avoid vague instructions such as “good quality.”

Depending on the garment and market, define requirements for:

  • Pilling resistance
  • Dimensional change after washing and drying
  • Colour fastness
  • Appearance after wash
  • Restricted-substance requirements
  • Final inspection method
  • Defect classification
  • AQL level and acceptance limits

If using AQL, define:

  • Inspection level
  • Critical-defect definition
  • Major-defect definition
  • Minor-defect definition
  • Acceptance limits
  • Reinspection process

Compliance note: Confirm final market-specific fibre, labelling, chemical, and safety requirements with a qualified compliance partner before bulk production.

8. Quantity and MOQ

Factories need quantity by style, colour, and size.

Colour XS S M L XL Total
Navy 80 160 220 140 60 660
Oatmeal 60 120 180 120 40 520
Total 140 280 400 260 100 1,180

MOQ may depend on:

  • Yarn mill minimums
  • Dyeing requirements
  • Number of colours
  • Machine setup
  • Stitch complexity
  • Jacquard or intarsia programming
  • Trim minimums
  • Sampling complexity
  • Size splits

Recommended request:

Please quote the requested quantity and provide pricing at two additional quantity levels.
Please identify whether MOQ applies per style, per colour, per yarn colour, or per total order.

9. Sampling, Lead Time, and Trade Terms

Your RFQ should define:

  • Required sample type
  • Required sample date
  • Expected bulk delivery window
  • Shipping destination
  • Preferred Incoterms
  • Sample charge policy
  • Whether sample fees are credited against bulk orders
  • Whether yarn booking requires approval
  • Whether pre-production sample approval is required
Sample type Main purpose
Proto sample Test feasibility and initial appearance
Fit sample Check measurements and proportions
Salesman sample Support selling, photography, or market review
Pre-production sample Confirm approved bulk standard
Size set Confirm grading across the size range

Ask the supplier to separate yarn sourcing, sample development, approval, bulk production, inspection, and shipment lead times.

RFQ Submission Workflow

1. Prepare the tech pack and RFQ cover sheet
2. Check version, measurements, quantity, and delivery terms
3. Send one identical package to shortlisted suppliers
4. Ask suppliers to identify missing information and construction risks
5. Confirm yarn, construction, or MOQ alternatives
6. Compare quotations on the same scope
7. Approve the development sample plan
8. Review fit, colour, hand feel, and workmanship
9. Approve the pre-production standard
10. Start bulk production, inspection, and shipment

Recommended package structure:

01_Tech_Pack.pdf
02_Measurement_Spec.xlsx
03_Artwork/
04_RFQ_Cover_Sheet.pdf
05_Reference_Images/
File Purpose
01_Tech_Pack.pdf Flats, construction notes, BOM, colour notes
02_Measurement_Spec.xlsx Editable measurements, grading, and tolerances
03_Artwork/ Jacquard, embroidery, label, and placement artwork
04_RFQ_Cover_Sheet.pdf Quantity, timing, destination, and trade terms
05_Reference_Images/ Visual direction only; not the main technical instruction

How to Compare Factory Quotes

Compare the scope, not only the unit price.

Quote area Comparison question
Yarn Is the fibre composition, yarn source, and cost basis the same?
Gauge and stitch Is the same gauge, stitch structure, and density included?
Make-up Are linking, washing, pressing, and finishing included?
Trims Are labels, buttons, packaging, and hangtags included?
Testing Which tests are included, and which are extra?
Samples How many sample rounds are included?
MOQ Is MOQ per style, colour, yarn colour, or total order?
Lead time Does timing start from deposit, yarn approval, or final sample approval?
Shipping Is the quote EXW, FOB, CIF, or DDP?
Exclusions What costs could be added later?

Do not select a supplier based on price alone. Also assess technical capability, yarn sourcing, communication quality, sample accuracy, quality-control process, delivery reliability, and commercial fit.

Common Failure Points

Reference images used as the only brief

Problem: The factory must guess yarn, gauge, weight, construction, and tolerances.

Prevention: Add technical flats, yarn guidance, measurements, and RFQ conditions.

Unresolved details left blank

Problem: Different suppliers make different assumptions.

Prevention: Use factory to recommend and assign an approval owner.

One “all-in” quotation requested

Problem: Cost exclusions are difficult to identify.

Prevention: Request a practical cost breakdown for yarn, knitting, trims, finishing, packaging, testing, and samples.

Quantity shared as one total number

Problem: The factory cannot assess colour and size-split efficiency.

Prevention: Provide quantity by style, colour, and size.

Quality requirements defined after bulk starts

Problem: Testing, labels, or inspection standards may create late changes.

Prevention: Agree on quality and compliance requirements before yarn booking.

RFQ Email Template

Subject: RFQ Request - [Style Name / Style Number]

Hello [Factory Contact],

Please find attached our RFQ package for [Style Name / Style Number].

The package includes:
- Tech pack and technical flats
- Measurement specification
- Yarn, gauge, and stitch requirements
- Colour and artwork references
- BOM, labels, and packaging requirements
- Testing and inspection expectations
- Quantity breakdown, sample timeline, and delivery target

Please confirm:

1. Feasibility and recommended construction changes, if any
2. MOQ by style and colour
3. Sample cost and development lead time
4. Bulk unit price at the requested quantities
5. Bulk production lead time after approval
6. Quotation terms and exclusions
7. Any missing information needed for an accurate quote

Please quote against the attached version only:
[Version Number / Date]

Best regards,
[Name]
[Company]

Pre-Submission Review

Product definition

  • Style code and version are visible.
  • Front and back technical flats are included.
  • Construction details are labelled.
  • Yarn direction is defined or marked factory to recommend.
  • Gauge, stitch, and construction method are stated.
  • Measurements include tolerances.
  • Colour and artwork files are attached.

Commercial definition

  • Quantities are split by style, colour, and size.
  • Sample type and deadline are stated.
  • Bulk delivery target is stated.
  • Destination and Incoterms are stated.
  • Packaging requirements are included.
  • Testing and inspection expectations are included.
  • RFQ cover sheet is included.

Comparison readiness

  • Every supplier receives the same version.
  • All suppliers receive the same quantity split.
  • Quote exclusions are requested.
  • MOQ basis is requested.
  • Sample and bulk lead times are requested separately.

FAQ

Can a factory quote from a sketch?

Yes. However, the result should be treated as an early estimate. The factory will assume yarn, gauge, stitch density, measurements, construction, and finishing details.

Do I need to know the exact yarn before requesting a quote?

No. Define the fibre content, target hand feel, performance expectation, price level, and care requirement. Ask suppliers to propose priced yarn options.

Is machine gauge enough to define a sweater?

No. Gauge must be considered with yarn count, stitch structure, density, construction, and finishing.

Why can two similar knitwear quotes be far apart?

The suppliers may be pricing different yarns, gauge assumptions, workmanship levels, trims, tests, quantity splits, or shipping terms.

Why does MOQ change by colour?

Each colour may create separate yarn purchasing, dyeing, setup, and planning requirements. Small colour runs can also reduce manufacturing efficiency.

Why can sample fees vary?

Sample work may include yarn sourcing, programming, hand linking, wash trials, labels, custom trims, and multiple revisions.

Source and Attribution

This Wiki page is adapted from the original YouTricot article:

How to Submit a Tech Pack to a Knitwear Factory: A Complete RFQ Checklist

Keep this source link when publishing a derived or repurposed version of the article.