THE WORKSHOP
Do you want to explore every aspect of knitwear development and production—from design to industrial manufacturing—to create innovative and sustainable collections?
This workshop is ideal for Textile Designers and (Junior) Fashion Designers looking to develop their knitwear skills, as well as Fashion Buyers wanting to understand sustainable knitwear production strategies.
You don’t need prior experience in machine knitting or knitwear programming—we'll cover the fundamentals. If you already have some knowledge, you can quickly advance.
WHEN & WHERE
Monday, May 5 – Wednesday, May 7, 2025
SHIFT Microfactory, VORN Space @ BIKINI Berlin
Budapester Str. 38-50, 10787 Berlin
Each day runs from 10:00 to 17:00, starting with an introduction to knitwear and sustainability. You'll explore key stages of development, from material selection to digital tools and industrial production.
GROUP SIZE
6–10 participants
IN DETAIL
DAY 1: INTRODUCTION & SUSTAINABILITY
Perspectives on sustainability: Material choices, waste reduction, automation & sustainability standards
Knitwear fundamentals: Differences from other production techniques
Digital tools & manufacturing principles
Day 2: HANDS-ON — MATERIALS & MACHINES
Knitwear structures, patterns, yarns, dyeing & finishing techniques
Jacquard, single-bed & double-bed construction
Introduction to knitting machines: Needles, gauges & stitch sizes
Live demonstrations & initial sampling
DAY 3: PROGAMMING & CUSTOM SOLUTIONS
Overview of machine programming & custom design settings
Basics of knitwear programming & its impact on design
Practical session: Developing a knitwear project (yarns, structures, patterns & programming)
PRICES & CONDITIONS
WHAT IS CONTAINED?
Three-day workshop
Material package and practice materials
Use of knitting machines
Coffee, tea, juice & fruit
One-year membership in the VORN Community
Certificate of completion
WHAT DOES THE SUMMER KNITTING WEEK COST?
Participation costs are €690 (excl. VAT).
NOW with an introduction price for €590 (excl. VAT)
Packages for teams with multiple participants on request
OVERNIGHT STAY / VOUCHER 25HOURS HOTEL
Need a place to stay? We recommend our friends at 25hours Hotel, just around the corner from BIKINI Berlin.
We can offer you a discount code for the 25hours Hotel on request – drop us a mail if interested
MORE DATES IN 2025
17/18/19 September
3/4/5 November
INTROCUCING THE INSTRUCTORS
FRANCESCA PEDRINI
Francesca Pedrini is a knitwear expert with a Master’s in Fashion Knitwear Design from Nottingham Trent University.
She brings extensive experience from Knitwear Lab Amsterdam and the Prada Group Milan, where she specialized in Stoll programming and flat-bed knitting. Now leading the Knit Studio at the SHIFT Microfactory, Francesca is at the forefront of automated knitting innovation, bridging design and technology.
With a deep understanding of industrial knitting techniques and sustainable production, she is passionate about pushing the boundaries of modern knitwear.
FRIEDERIKE PFEFFER / ITO ITO
Friederike Pfeffer is the CEO and co-founder of ito ito, a startup redefining sustainable knitwear production.
With a strong background in textile innovation and digital manufacturing, she specializes in bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. Passionate about scalability and industrial application, Friederike is dedicated to making knitwear development more efficient, sustainable, and future-oriented.
As an instructor, she brings industry expertise, business insight, and hands-on knowledge, guiding participants through the creative and technical possibilities of modern knitwear production.