Yarn Development

Knitting Needles

At Knit Picks, our team is involved in every step of the yarn development process. From choosing overall fiber content and colors, to the specifics of twist and ply, yarn weight, and dyeing techniques, our passionate team of knitters works hard to bring you the very best yarns at the lowest prices.

To do this, we go directly to the source to develop all of our own yarn lines, which means we're able to save you up to 50% compared to most retail yarn. Ethical manufacturing is very important to us, and we work only with trusted mills and manufacturers who meet our high standards. We carefully test for quality, because our goal is to develop yarns that we love to use ourselves.

Knit Picks has long-standing relationships with textile mills that actively address animal welfare, land management and social welfare. Our partners have achieved certifications that include the Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS) and the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). More information about these certifications, which includes standards that address the welfare of sheep, alpacas, and the land they graze on, can be found at the Textile Exchange.

Specifically, our partnership with the Shaniko Wool Company is an example of our commitment to ethical and humane treatment of animals in textile production. Shaniko Wool Company is the first U.S. farm group to supply certified wool under the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).

This global standard for wool includes full traceability, in addition to third-party audits of land management and animal husbandry practices. The annual audits of land management and animal husbandry practices include all aspects of worker education and training. This documented review of ranching practices by a reputable certification body, increases confidence for all those choosing RWS certified wool.

How We Do It:

Global Sourcing

Global Sourcing

By working with trusted partners all over the world, we source fiber-rich areas and manufacturers with expertise in high-volume production. This allows us to get the best yarns and tools into your hands.

Ethical Manufacturing

Ethical Manufacturing

We work closely with responsible partners and spend several months of travel each year to ensure safe and respectful working conditions that exclude child labor. So while we're proud of our affordability, we'll never cut costs at the expense of ethics.

OEKO TEX Certified Yarn

OEKO TEX Certified Yarn

Our Dishie, Curio, Simply Wool, and Simply Alpaca yarns are Oeko Tex Standard 100 certified! This means that no harmful chemicals or substances are used in the manufacture of our favorite Eco-friendly yarns.

Choosing the right yarn
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