The Knitwit Stable

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• The Netherlands 

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

The small team at Knitwit Stable is proud to develop and knit every single product in their own workshop in Baambrugge, the Netherlands. The merino wool is mainly sourced from the company’s own merino sheep and supplemented with wool from other Dutch merino breeders, who are carefully checked for animal-friendly practices and visited in person at regular intervals. The wool is mainly spun and dyed into yarn in Italy. 

MATERIALS 

• Merino wool
• Mohair
• Alpaca
• Recycled nylon
• Elastane 

The company uses high-quality materials such as merino wool and mohair, with a small amount of synthetic fibres such as recycled nylon to guarantee durability. 

PACKAGING 

The packaging is plastic-free and consists of recycled cardboard, paper tape, and jute. Transport to Italy takes place in large bales that are pressed into jute. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

A particular advantage of the merino wool used is that it is not chemically treated. This preserves the natural appearance and quality of the wool, and minimises its environmental impact. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN

Most products are wool blends, in rare cases with a small amount of synthetic fibres. Wool is potentially biodegradable under the right conditions, but as a mixed fibre the recycling process is more difficult. The company justifies using synthetic fibres due to their properties such as strength or elasticity, and when recycling their products they cut out these fibres. 

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

If your item becomes damaged, you can hand it to The Knitwit Stable for repair. You can also find well-prepared video repair instructions on their website. The company will also accept your items for recycling if necessary as they value the renewable material. 

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

Production locations: 

• The Netherlands 

The farm and workshop are located in Baambrugge, in the Netherlands. Here, the Knitwit Stable owns merino sheep, Texel sheep, and angora goats which roam on 11 hectares of land around their knitting studio. To keep their production as local as possible, additional wool is sourced from other farmers in the Netherlands. The company explain that as there is no longer a professional processing industry for wool in the Netherlands, they have to have it professionally washed and spun into yarn in other parts of Europe. 

TRANSPORTATION 

The Knitwit Stable does not disclose what transportation methods are used in their supply chain, although the associated emissions will be lower as their entire supply chain is based in Europe. 

• Wool 

Wool is a renewable fibre that must be produced responsibly. Did you know that Dutch sheep produce around two million kilos of wool every year? 

The Knitwit Stable attaches great importance to animal welfare and endeavours to act in an animal-friendly manner. As the wool comes mainly from their own farm, there is great transparency with regard to animal welfare. The company ensures that the sheep and goats on its farm have sufficient space, on 11 hectares of land, and they do not use the mulesing method. The wool they buy from other farmers is also mulesing-free. Mulesing is the cutting of the skin around the rear of the sheep to prevent parasitic infestations. 

PRODUCT DESIGN 

On their website, the label highlights that timeless woolen products can last up to 80 years if cared for properly. Useful tips on how to care for your products are therefore provided. This not only demonstrates the longevity of the raw material, but also the company’s commitment to producing high-quality textiles that can be used for generations. 

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

All products are manufactured exclusively according to the made-to-order principle. This means that The Knitwit Stable only starts producing your item after your order. The great thing about this is that waste from overproduction is eliminated, and your item can be adjusted according to your wishes. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT

Each product page carefully outlines the origin of the item, from wool sourcing in the Netherlands, to washing, spinning, and dyeing in Italy, and manufacturing in Baambrugge. The Knitwit Stable also describes the properties of the wool used, so you’re sure to know exactly what you are buying, as well as how it was made. 

You can even make an appointment with The Knitwit Stable to see, feel, and try on your vest, sweater, or accessory. In addition, there is the opportunity to visit the farm, meet the animals, and see the mini factory in action. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

The Knitwit Stable offers insights into the local production of its transparent, high-quality wool products, and makes the entire production chain visible. The label also breaks down the price of each product to make the value comprehensible. The actual costs include, for example, the maintenance of the sheep, the materials, and labour costs.