About

We think of knitting not as a single practice, but as several interlocking ones. Innovation is inseparable from design, technology is inseparable from research and development, and improving sustainable and ethical processes is the ultimate goal of any project. Aesthetic movements come and go, but we have found these principles to be timeless.

As partners, we strive for honesty and clarity. Our first job is to understand the client’s vision and needs, not to present our own. We value timeliness, direct communication and prototypes over presentations, as well as the occasional face-to-face meeting over a drink or a meal.

Over the years, we have been fortunate to collaborate with some excellent clients on some wonderful projects, but we believe it is still too early to weigh in on the success of the work. A design or product exists in time and its usefulness is directly related to how well it continues to perform.

Patricia Chircop, Founder

 

Patricia leads the KNIT.melbourne team and has held a range of positions within the circular, flatbed and seamless knitwear industry including product developer, designer, technician and programmer as well as a lecturer in higher education. Her wide range of experience, and the combination of her science and textile education, makes her skill set unique and allows her to be in an expert position for knitwear innovation and development.

Her private consulting practice has seen her exploring innovative solutions to a wide range of knit products including medical device components, furniture and sports accessories, as well as fashion. Working with a range of clients her process is adaptable and always rethought depending on the client, which can range from medical multinationals to independent designers.

KNIT.melbourne, founded by Patricia in 1999, has invested in the latest zero waste knit technology. KNIT.melbourne is Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA) compliant and practises strict sustainable knitwear manufacturing processes. As a part of the dedication to sustainable textile manufacturing KNIT.melbourne also offers virtual knitwear sampling to the fashion and interiors industry.

In 2010 Patricia was awarded the George Alexander/Institute of specialised skills Fellowship to investigate seamless knitwear. Link to report.

Her qualifications include:

  • Certificate of Completion (Advanced WHOLEGARMENT®), Authorized course for Shimatronic Computerized Jacquard Flat Knitting Machine, Shima Seiki (Wakayama, Japan), 2019.

  • Business Process Design, University of Sydney. (2018)

  • Certificate of Completion (Design), Authorized course for Shimatronic APEX 3.3, Shima Seiki (Wakayama, Japan), 2017.

  • Certificate of Completion (Advanced WHOLEGARMENT®), Authorized course for Shimatronic Computerized Jacquard Flat Knitting Machine, Shima Seiki (Wakayama, Japan), 2017.

  • Certificate of Completion (Apex 3.3) Authorized course for Shimatronic Apex Design system, Shima Seiki (Wakayama, Japan), 2017.

  • Certificate of Completion, M1 Plus® – Fully Fashion & Special, https://www.stoll.com/en/ (Reutlingen, Germany), 2011.

  • Certificate of Completion, M1 Plus® – Handling and Pattern Designing, https://www.stoll.com/en/ (Reutlingen, Germany), 2011.

  • Certificate of Completion, Use of CMS, Stoll (Reutlingen, Germany), 2011.

  • Certificate of Completion (WHOLEGARMENT®), Authorized course for Shimatronic Computerized Jacquard Flat Knitting Machine, Shima Seiki (Wakayama, Japan), 2011.

  • Certificate of Completion, Authorized course for the Shimatronic Computerized, jacquard Flat Knitting Machine, Shima Seiki Wakayama, Japan, 2007.

  • Bachelor of Science (Biological Science), Major: Zoology & Statistics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia, 2002.

The Team

KNIT.melbourne has a specialised team of consultants, programmers, designers and technicians. All experts in their field, they are ready to push your next idea into reality. As we are always sourcing the best talent the team we use for a project is tailored to the need.