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Collection Design & Development
Jakob x April Knit Studio – Scalloped Statements in Eco Cashmere
2023
Jakob
Client
Jakob
Location
London, UK
Studio Services
Knitwear Design
Yarn Sourcing
Technical Development
Factory Sourcing
Yarn Sourcing
Technical Development
Factory Sourcing
Deliverables
Multi-piece sweater collection crafted in Italy with Eco Cashmere
WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED
The soul of JAKOB is encapsulated in its name—a quiet homage to the scalloped edge that defines the brand’s visual language. “Jakobsmuschel,” the German word for scallop shell, speaks to founder Alexandra Staufer’s roots and reverence for both beauty and meaning. Based in London but deeply connected to her heritage, Alexandra envisioned a collection that would merge softness with structure, subtlety with strength—a balance reflected in the curves of every stitch.
4 weeks
Design & Concept
6 months
Development
Launch Collection
How it fits
$600/per style
Price Point
Style & Mood
We began working together in the fall of 2022, guided by this vision to build a line of knitwear that was technically sound. Alexandra’s designs were deeply intentional. Her silhouettes, especially the now signature scalloped edge, required precision, and her commitment to quality set a high standard. This was never about chasing trends—it was about knitting modern heirlooms from the yarn up.
From the very beginning, Alexandra was steadfast about one thing: quality, not just in the finished product, but in the entire process. As her knitwear partner, I supported her from concept through production, overseeing every step, including design, yarn sourcing, technical packs, and factory matchmaking.
The Challenge:
Choosing the Right Cashmere
One of the most defining moments in this project came down to a nuanced material choice: virgin vs. recycled cashmere. We explored multiple options, carefully testing yarns from different mills before selecting one that felt both luxurious and aligned with Jakob’s sustainability goals.
Choosing the Right Cashmere
One of the most defining moments in this project came down to a nuanced material choice: virgin vs. recycled cashmere. We explored multiple options, carefully testing yarns from different mills before selecting one that felt both luxurious and aligned with Jakob’s sustainability goals.
While virgin cashmere offers unparalleled softness and strength, it comes at a high environmental cost due to overgrazing, land degradation, and high water use in goat farming. Recycled cashmere, meanwhile, reduces waste but presents a new set of considerations. It’s rare to find truly 100% recycled cashmere—most options in the market are blends. We had to vet each mill carefully, asking detailed questions about the percentage of recycled content, the origin of the recycled fiber, and fiber length and strength for long-term wearability.
GRS-certified (Global Recycled Standard) yarn
We ultimately chose a GRS-certified (Global Recycled Standard) yarn made from pre-consumer waste, which provides higher quality and consistency compared to post-consumer recycled alternatives. It is also Cardato Recycled certified, a mark of excellence for sustainable textiles produced in the Prato region, which ensures responsible sourcing and processing aligned with circular economy principles.
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LOCAL EXCELLENCE: FROM YARN TO GARMENT IN ITALY
The yarn was sourced from a heritage mill in Prato, Italy, established in 1884. Known for its leadership in recycled fiber innovation, this mill provided not just a beautiful yarn but a deeper sense of continuity between tradition and innovation. We narrowed down to two yarn choices and tested both at our factory through knit-downs. After careful side-by-side comparison, we moved forward with the winner—an incredibly soft Eco Cashmere that held stitch definition beautifully.
Having both the mill and the factory located in Italy, just a few hours apart, created a uniquely streamlined production model. Not only did this reduce carbon emissions tied to transportation, it also meant fewer communication delays, faster iteration rounds, and a deeper sense of connection between every part of the process.
Every piece was fully fashioned and hand-linked, showcasing Italian craftsmanship at its finest. The proximity between yarn source and factory allowed us to manage consistency, reduce logistical waste, and ensure the highest level of quality control. The sweaters carry a quiet kind of luxury—intimate, thoughtful, and made with care.
Knit downs to narrow down the scallop shape.
Factory in Italy hand stitching the brand label
“Starting this project with Marinés held the promise of leveraging her technical design expertise and an expansive network of suppliers—a precious resource for my startup business. Establishing a new brand frequently encounters hurdles, especially when dealing with suppliers, yet Marinés adeptly connected with precisely the right industry contacts. What truly set her apart in the early phases of this project was her commitment to finding solutions. In contrast, some suppliers and designers displayed pessimism or indifference; her 'can-do' attitude perfectly aligned with my vision and the project's needs.
There were so many ups and downs along the way that it seems almost miraculous that we are where we are, i.e., right in the middle of the first bulk production! Marinés approached each challenge, believing in our ability to find solutions, transforming each issue into a matter of problem-solving. If you are an impatient person (I definitely am), think twice about starting a knitwear project, particularly when the design and yarn are intricate. My general advice would be, given how incredibly difficult it is to make a knitwear project successful, Marinés is absolutely the right person to help you.
There were so many ups and downs along the way that it seems almost miraculous that we are where we are, i.e., right in the middle of the first bulk production! Marinés approached each challenge, believing in our ability to find solutions, transforming each issue into a matter of problem-solving. If you are an impatient person (I definitely am), think twice about starting a knitwear project, particularly when the design and yarn are intricate. My general advice would be, given how incredibly difficult it is to make a knitwear project successful, Marinés is absolutely the right person to help you.
Alexandra
Founder of Jakob
Collaborating with Alexandra on Jakob has been one of the most rewarding and creatively rich experiences.
Together, we created a line of modern heirlooms that feel personal, sculptural, and enduring. From fiber selection to stitch design to the artisans who bring it all together—every detail matters.
This was a true example of what it means to work with a custom knitwear studio that not only focuses on aesthetics but also on building a responsible development process from the ground up.
At April Knit Studio, we approach every project with a tailored approach, understanding the style, needs, and values of each designer and customer. The Jakob project was a reflection of what we do best as a knit design studio and knitwear company: guide brands through a thoughtful, technical, and sustainable process to create knitwear that lasts.
Together, we created a line of modern heirlooms that feel personal, sculptural, and enduring. From fiber selection to stitch design to the artisans who bring it all together—every detail matters.
This was a true example of what it means to work with a custom knitwear studio that not only focuses on aesthetics but also on building a responsible development process from the ground up.
At April Knit Studio, we approach every project with a tailored approach, understanding the style, needs, and values of each designer and customer. The Jakob project was a reflection of what we do best as a knit design studio and knitwear company: guide brands through a thoughtful, technical, and sustainable process to create knitwear that lasts.
Customer feedback.
Whether you're launching a new product, scaling production with an on-demand model, or simply looking for a knitwear studio and knit agency that understands your vision, we’re here to help. From concept to completion, our goal is to make the intricate world of knitwear more accessible to independent brands and ensure they thrive in this industry.
Reach out to us to start your journey—great knitwear starts with a great partnership.
Reach out to us to start your journey—great knitwear starts with a great partnership.
Sandra Ney
Founder + Creative Director
Will & Ivey
Let's get in touch!
Reach out to discover what I can accomplish for your brand. I'm excited to hear from you!
