According to DGJIAYAN sweaters factory pricing model, calculating the cost of custom knitwear sweaters can be quite complex. If you plan to customize knitwear garments with patterns or embroidery but are unsure how to calculate the total cost, DGJIAYAN is here to help. We will break down the most common pricing methods for custom sweaters—yarn costs and labor costs—so you can gain a clear understanding of typical sweater factory expenses and feel more confident when customizing apparel for your brand.
Knitted Sweater Pricing Method
Yarn price cost:
The main material of knitwear is yarn, and the price of yarn varies in the market. Cheap yarn costs around 1.5$ per kilogram, High-quality yarn can cost as much as $100 per kilogram. This cost refers to the cost of the yarn. The higher the quality of the yarn, the higher the ex-factory price of the sweater. The heavier the sweater, the more wool is needed, and naturally, the higher the price.
DGJIAYAN Sweater Factory Yarn Cost Summary
| Yarn Type | Price Range | Unit | Price Fluctuations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester Yarn | ~$1.80 – $3.50 | /KG | The price is within ±$0.5. |
| 100% Cotton Yarn | ~$5 – $8 | /KG | The price is within ±$1. |
| Ordinary Wool Yarn | ~$25 – $28 | /KG | The price is within ±$3. |
| Merino Wool Yarn | ~$30 – $40 | /KG | The price is within ±$5. |
| Merino Wool Yarn (Worsted) | ~$100 – $150 | /KG | The price is within ±$10. |
| Cashmere Yarn | ~$130 – $150 | /KG | The price is within ±$20. |
What are the advantages of pricing based on yarn quantity?
Customers need to consider the price of yarn when making a custom sweater decision. Pricing by the yarn quantity has some advantages.
- This is one of the most important methods for sweater factories to calculate production costs.
- Custom-made sweaters using regular yarn may be cheaper.
- Bulk orders may receive a price discount. (DGJIAYAN MOQ 100 pcs)
What are the disadvantages of pricing based on yarn?
Pricing by yarn is often driven more by internal company interests, ensuring the sweater factory’s profitability than by customer experience. When a pricing model prioritizes company profits over customer benefits, it inevitably leads to drawbacks.
- This is very complex.
- Because there is some wastage during sweater production (possibly around 3-5%)
- customers are unaware of the subsequent costs. It’s difficult to estimate prices before production.
- There’s a lack of transparency for customers.
Sweater factory pricing philosophies are based on cost accounting, not consumer demand.
Sweater factory pricing philosophies are based on cost accounting, not consumer demand.
For example, here’s a price description for custom sweaters from a competitor’s website:
“How much does it cost to customize a 3-color jacquard knit cardigan? First, the factory needs to determine the pattern size and the type of yarn required. Each factory has a minimum MOQ, as well as employee production costs.”
What if my design yarn includes merino wool? What would the actual cost be? Would we calculate it using the same method? We’re in this industry, but we’re not entirely sure we fully understand this pricing approach.
Flat knitting machine cost
Generally, knitting machines are priced by time, at cents per minute. There are many types of knitting machines; generally, imported machines are more expensive than older models, and sewn knitting machines are more expensive than seamless ones. Knitting machines also come in different gauges, such as 3, 5, 7, 12, and 16 gauges, suitable for different sweater patterns, and naturally, their prices vary.
Sweater sewing labor costs
Sewing refers to the process of manually sewing fabric pieces together on a sewing machine after they have been woven on a loom. The cost involved is the labor cost. Generally, the sewing cost for one garment is around $3.
Post-processing costs
Post-processing, as the name suggests, refers to the final finishing touches on a sweater, including ironing, repairs, and packaging. The main cost here is labor. Common market rates for ironing include 1 $ per garment. Special techniques (embroidery, printing, embossing, etc.) also incur labor and material costs.
Start customizing your own knit Sweaters now!
Ready to get started? Contact the DGJIAYAN team today—we look forward to working with you to help you and your brand stand out in a fun way!
