Knitwear Labels
Woven Labels for Knitwear USA
Knitwear sits closer to the body than almost any other garment category — which means the label has to earn its place. Damask woven labels give knitwear brands a professional sewn-in mark without scratching or irritating. From hand-knit Merino sweaters to machine-knit cardigans, from 50 pieces.
50+piece minimum
48 hartwork review
8–10production days
Why knitwear labels need careful planning
Comfort comes first
- Skin contact is the top priority. Knitwear necklines, cuffs, and base layers rest directly against bare skin. A stiff label or one with exposed cut edges creates friction that prompts wearers to cut it out.
- Damask weave is the right choice. Damask uses a finer thread count than standard satin weave, producing a softer back face and sharper detail resolution — both critical for knitwear placement.
- Keep visible width under 35 mm for necklines. Anything wider becomes intrusive. For fine knitwear, 20–25 mm visible width is more comfortable against skin.
- Separate brand and care information. A primary logo at the neck and a small flat care/size label at the side seam keeps each label compact and prevents an overloaded artwork area.
Best fold types for knit garments
- Center fold for necklines. The fold loops into the back neck seam — the fold edge becomes the top, eliminating any cut edge against skin. The standard approach for sweaters and cardigans.
- Flat sew-in for seam placement. For side seams, waistbands, and hems on hand-knit items, a flat label sewn through both long edges adds virtually no bulk.
- End fold for visible hem branding. An end-fold label with both short edges folded under can be stitched onto the exterior hem — visible branding with no exposed raw edges.
- Stretch fabric distorts under tension. Always place labels along a seam allowance, never through the knit face, to prevent puckering the structure.
Production details
From 50 pieces
Independent knitwear makers can brand small seasonal runs, sample collections, or custom commissions professionally. No large minimum — the same quality at any volume.
Reorders on file
Once your label is approved, reorders use the same saved artwork and colour specification — no re-setup. Consistent across every batch for ongoing production programs.
Merino and luxury yarns
Premium yarns deserve premium labels. A damask woven label signals consistent quality whether your customer picks up the piece in a boutique or shops online.
Marketplace compliance
Etsy and other marketplaces increasingly expect care and fiber content labeling. A small flat sew-in label satisfies this without disrupting the knit construction. See the handmade products guide.
Woven vs other label types for knitwear
vs Printed labels
- Woven: Color is in the thread — cannot crack, peel, or fade. Survives hot wash cycles. Softer construction with damask weave.
- Printed: Surface ink degrades with repeated washing and heat. More rigid. Not suited to delicate knitwear placements near skin.
- See the full woven vs printed comparison for a detailed breakdown.
vs Iron-on labels
- Woven: Sewn in permanently. No heat application risk to yarn structure.
- Iron-on: Adhesive backing can damage delicate yarns and fibres under heat. Not recommended for any knitwear — especially Merino, cashmere, or wool blends.
- Always sew woven labels into knitwear — never apply heat-transfer or iron-on alternatives.
vs Standard satin weave
- Damask: Finer thread count, softer back face, better detail at small sizes. The correct specification for knitwear necklines.
- Standard satin: Acceptable for most adult garments in hem or side-seam placement, but too rigid and textured for extended skin contact at the neck.
- Explore damask construction for all the details.
When to choose damask for knitwear
- The label will be placed in a neck seam or any position with direct skin contact
- The garment is made from Merino wool, cashmere, or other luxury yarn
- Fine logo detail or small text is part of the design
- Comfort during extended wear or physical activity is a priority
FAQ
Knitwear labels, answered
Not with the right construction. A damask center-fold label in the back neck seam presents only the folded top edge and the woven face — both significantly softer than the cut edge of a standard label. For extra sensitivity, use a flat sew-in label in a side seam instead, keeping the neck area completely clear.
Yes — fiber composition, ISO care symbols, and country of origin can all appear on the same label. For small knitwear label sizes it is often cleaner to split across a small branded neck label and a flat care/size label sewn into a side seam.
Sew through the seam allowance or along a finished seam line rather than through the knit face. Use a flat sew-in label and stitch only through the long top and bottom edges. Never use iron-on labels on knitwear — heat can damage delicate yarns.
Strongly recommended, especially for luxury yarn pieces. A sample pack lets you feel the actual label construction, compare fold types against your seam depth, and confirm proportions before committing to a production run. It almost always prevents a costly sizing or comfort mistake.