Why Made-To-Order is at the Heart of My Knitwear Brand

Hi there!

Let's talk about made-to-order clothing and why it's the heartbeat of my brand. When I first started my knitwear brand, I knew I wanted to do things differently. I didn’t want to contribute to the waste and overproduction that’s so common in the fashion industry. But the turning point came when I saw a photo of a massive pile of discarded clothing sitting in a landfill. It was jarring. I remember thinking, “There is no way my knitwear is going to end up there.”

That image stuck with me and it guided one of the most important decisions I’ve made: to make every single piece to order.

Only What's Needed, Nothing More

In mass production, there is no guarantee that every piece will sell and often leftover stock will become waste. For us, we have no stock lying around, so we know exactly how much yarn we will need. I also don't follow fleeting seasonal collections, instead offer a small curated collection of timeless pieces.

The Joy of Slowing Down

In a world driven by fast fashion, made-to-order is a gentle rebellion. It's about embracing slow fashion and appreciating the time it takes to create something meaningful. I knit every order using a manual knitting machine and using traditional techniques that take years to master. This act of slow production ensures each garment is crafted with care, precision, and attention to detail.

A Personal Touch

The loveliest thing about made-to-order is that every stitch has a purpose. Every garment has a home before it has even been made. Additionally, I can adjust sizes to your preference: Want longer sleeves? Prefer a certain fit? Just let me know, I'm happy to make small adjustments where I can.

Built to Last, Not to Landfill

I hope that every Caitlin McCracken Knit will be something you love, wear and keep for years to come. By working with high-quality, natural fibres and making garments thoughtfully, I aim to create pieces that stay in wardrobes, not end up in landfills.

The Magic of Waiting

Yes, it takes a bit longer to receive your piece but that’s part of the charm. It’s like waiting for bread to rise or a letter to arrive. It builds anticipation and makes the finished item feel extra special. In a world of fast everything, waiting can feel like a luxury. And I think that’s something worth leaning into.

So when you order from me, know that your piece isn’t just sitting in a box, waiting. It’s being brought to life slowly, sustainably, and just for you.

Thanks for supporting slow fashion, small business, and thoughtful making. It truly means the world.

Happy woolgathering,

Caitlin