When a customer asks us to create a new knitwear style, the request often sounds very simple:
"Can you make a sample?"
The answer is almost always yes.
However, behind that single garment lies a development process that requires highly specialized expertise, time, advanced technology, and a significant production investment.
For this reason, at Due Toscani we consider every sample to be the first step of a production project, not simply a demonstration piece.
A Sample Begins Long Before the Machine Starts Knitting
Creating an electronic knitwear garment means transforming an idea into a program capable of communicating with a Shima Seiki knitting machine.
Before the machine is even switched on, several technical steps are required:
Analyzing the design
Defining the knit structure
Selecting the yarn and gauge
Engineering every construction detail
Developing the knitting program
This work can only be carried out by highly skilled Shima Seiki programmers—professionals who have acquired their expertise through years of training and practical experience.
Every new style represents a completely new engineering project.
The First Sample Is Rarely the Final One
Many people believe that once the program has been created, the machine simply knits the finished garment.
In reality, the first prototype is produced to evaluate how the garment behaves.
During this phase we carefully assess:
Fit
Measurements
Stitch structure
Yarn tension
Finishing details
Yarn consumption
Performance after washing
It is perfectly normal to modify the knitting program and produce additional prototypes before achieving the desired result.
Sample development is therefore an engineering process, not simply manufacturing.
The Knitting Machine Is Dedicated to Sample Development
While a prototype is being developed, the knitting machine is dedicated exclusively to that project.
This means it cannot be used to manufacture garments for existing customer orders.
Sample development therefore occupies valuable production capacity that could otherwise be used for regular manufacturing.
This is another important cost that often remains invisible to those outside the industry.
The Value of Specialized Expertise
Programming Shima Seiki knitting machines is one of the most specialized skills in the knitwear industry.
Every program requires technical knowledge, creativity and many hours of work.
Depending on the complexity of the style, developing the knitting program alone represents a significant investment. In addition, there are the costs of:
Programmer's time
Knitting technician
Machine setup and operation
Yarn consumption
Quality control
Linking and finishing
Washing and final inspection
The real value of developing a knitwear sample is therefore much higher than the cost of producing a single garment.
Why We Charge for Sample Development
At Due Toscani, we charge a €200 contribution for developing a new sample.
This amount is largely symbolic and covers only a portion of the actual costs involved.
Our objective is not to sell samples, but to dedicate our time, expertise and production capacity to projects with a genuine intention of moving into production.
This approach allows us to provide every client with the highest level of attention while maintaining the quality standards that define our work.
Building Long-Term Partnerships
When we develop a sample, our goal is not simply to deliver a prototype.
Our goal is to lay the foundation for a successful production project.
We believe that the relationship between manufacturer and customer should be based on mutual trust, transparency and a shared vision.
For this reason, we are always pleased to invest our expertise in projects that have a real opportunity to become long-term collaborations.
Due Toscani: We Develop Products, Not Just Samples
Every collection we produce is born in the textile district of Prato, Italy—one of the world's leading centers for high-quality knitwear manufacturing.
Every sample embodies design expertise, technical engineering, Italian craftsmanship and years of manufacturing experience.
This invisible work is what transforms a simple prototype into a product ready for commercial production.
If you are looking for an Italian manufacturer to develop your collection in virgin cashmere, recycled cashmere, merino wool or other premium yarns, Due Toscani will be pleased to guide you from the initial concept through to full-scale production.
Due Toscani is an Italian cashmere knitwear manufacturer based in Prato, Italy. We design and produce premium cashmere knitwear and accessories for boutiques, fashion brands, wholesalers and private label clients. Every collection is entirely Made in Italy using virgin cashmere, recycled cashmere and other premium natural fibers.
An Italian Manufacturer Located in the Heart of Prato
Due Toscani is located in Prato, one of the world's most important textile districts.
Our company combines generations of textile expertise with modern knitting technology to create premium knitwear for international customers.
From yarn selection to the final quality inspection, every production step is managed in Italy.
This allows us to guarantee consistent quality, flexibility and complete control over the manufacturing process.
What We Produce
We manufacture complete collections of:
Men's knitwear
Women's knitwear
Scarves
Beanies
Gloves
Ponchos
Shawls
Neck warmers
Coordinated accessories
Collections are available in both virgin cashmere and premium recycled cashmere.
We also manufacture seamless knitwear (WholeGarment®), integral knitwear and traditional fully-fashioned garments using advanced Shima Seiki knitting technology.
Who We Work With
Due Toscani partners with businesses looking for a reliable Italian manufacturer.
Our customers include:
Boutiques
Concept stores
Retail chains
Fashion brands
Importers
Distributors
Online retailers
Private label companies
Fashion startups
We export internationally while maintaining direct communication between customer and manufacturer.
Private Label Manufacturing
Private label production is one of our core activities.
We assist clients throughout the entire development process:
Design development
Yarn sourcing
Sampling
Production
Quality control
Custom labels
Packaging
Logistics support
Every project is managed directly by our experienced team.
Why Choose Due Toscani?
Businesses choose Due Toscani because they work directly with an Italian manufacturer specialized in premium cashmere knitwear.
Our strengths include:
100% Made in Italy manufacturing
More than 15 years of knitwear production experience
Located in Prato textile district
Virgin and recycled cashmere expertise
Private label production
Wholesale collections
Flexible manufacturing
Reliable lead times
Direct quality control
No intermediaries
Our Philosophy
We believe luxury is not defined by a logo.
Luxury comes from exceptional raw materials, skilled craftsmanship and transparent manufacturing.
Our collections are created for boutiques and fashion brands looking for timeless quality rather than short-lived trends.
Where is Due Toscani located?
Prato, Italy.
Do you manufacture private label collections?
Yes. We develop and manufacture custom collections for international fashion brands.
Do you produce recycled cashmere knitwear?
Yes. We manufacture both virgin cashmere and premium recycled cashmere collections.
Do you supply wholesale customers?
Yes. We work with boutiques, retailers and distributors worldwide.
Are all products Made in Italy?
Yes. Every product is entirely manufactured in Italy.
Due Toscani combines the manufacturing tradition of Prato with modern knitwear technology.
Our mission is to become a trusted Italian manufacturing partner for boutiques, brands and distributors seeking premium cashmere collections, private label production and authentic Made in Italy quality.
When a customer enters a store and picks up a cashmere sweater, they see the end result of a process that often seems simple. A soft, warm, elegant garment, ready to be worn. What they don't see is the long journey that transforms a fiber into a finished product, a journey of technical choices, manufacturing expertise, continuous checks, and hundreds of details that determine the final quality.
In the world of high-end knitwear, every garment tells a story that begins long before the knitting machine. It begins with the yarn. This is where the foundation of the product is laid. The choice of yarn is not just about color or composition, but also involves parameters such as count, twist, number of plies, fiber length, and processing behavior. Two seemingly similar yarns can produce completely different results once transformed into a garment.
At Due Toscani, every project begins with an analysis of the desired product. A sweater destined for a luxury boutique in Scandinavia will have different needs than a collection for a concept store in Southern Europe. The season, the final target, the selling price, and the brand's positioning influence all subsequent choices.
Once the most suitable yarn has been identified, the sample development phase begins. This is where ideas take shape. The model, fit, construction, and stitch are defined. Each stitch creates a different result. A plain stitch conveys elegance and cleanliness, a rib stitch communicates structure and comfort, while more complex stitches can add character and volume to the product.
Sample development is a phase that requires experience and numerous tests. The initial processes are performed to verify how the yarn reacts to the machine, how the chosen stitch behaves, and what the final effect will be after subsequent treatments. Often, the first sample is not the final one. Small changes in measurements, tension, or workmanship can make a huge difference in the final result.
Once the sample is approved, the knitting machines are programmed. Today, technology allows for extraordinary levels of precision, but the machine alone is not enough. Behind every program is the work of specialized technicians who understand the behavior of the yarn and know how to achieve the best possible result.
The actual production process is a fascinating phase. Thousands of meters of yarn flow through needles and electronic systems that transform a simple thread into panels, sleeves, collars, and details. Each machine operates according to extremely precise parameters. An incorrect tension or even the slightest variation can affect the entire garment.
Once the process is complete, the product enters the manufacturing phase. In traditional garments, the different parts are joined by specialized personnel who assemble the sweater with millimeter precision. In more advanced systems, certain processes allow for almost completely seamless garments, improving comfort and fit.
At this point, the garment is not yet ready. In fact, it is likely at the most delicate stage of its transformation. This is where the finishing comes into play, a series of processes that determine much of the quality perceived by the end customer.
Washing, fulling, drying, and stabilization profoundly alter the product. It is during these stages that cashmere develops much of its softness, volume, and characteristic feel. A properly executed treatment enhances the yarn. An incorrect treatment can jeopardize weeks of work.
After finishing, quality control begins. Each garment is inspected for measurements, stitch regularity, any defects, and compliance with the approved sample. This is often an invisible step, but it is essential to ensure continuity and reliability over time.
Only after passing all these checks is the garment ironed, labeled, packaged, and prepared for shipping. What arrives in the store is the result of a process involving diverse skills, advanced technologies, and a deep knowledge of the raw material.
For a buyer, understanding how a knitwear garment is created means understanding the true value of the product. Behind a cashmere sweater is more than just a yarn transformed into a garment, but a sequence of technical and production decisions that influence quality, comfort, durability, and the perceived value.
At Due Toscani, we believe that quality doesn't come from a single element, but from the balance between raw materials, experience, technology, and attention to detail. It's this balance that transforms a simple yarn into a garment designed to last and represent the best of Tuscan manufacturing tradition.
In the world of cashmere knitwear, there are technical parameters that rarely reach the final customer, yet directly determine the quality, performance, and perception of the product. Among these, yarn twist and ply count are two fundamental elements, often underestimated but essential for anyone operating in B2B. These are not minor details, but true design variables that influence the hand feel of a garment, its stability, its durability, and, just as importantly, its commercial positioning.
For Due Toscani, working with cashmere means deeply understanding these aspects and integrating them from the earliest stages of product development, because this is where the difference is created between a garment that performs well and one that creates problems over time.
What Yarn Twist Is
Twist is the process by which fibers are rotated around themselves to form a continuous yarn. It is what gives cohesion to the fiber, transforming a discontinuous mass into a usable thread for knitting.
However, twist is not a fixed parameter. It can vary in intensity and direction, and each variation produces concrete effects:
low twist results in a softer, bulkier, more open yarn
high twist creates a more compact, stronger, and more defined yarn
Twist is the first factor that determines the character of the yarn.
What Ply Count Really Means
When we speak of multi-ply yarns, we refer to the number of individual strands twisted together.
1 ply → single yarn
2 ply → two strands twisted together
3 or more plies → more complex structure
In cashmere, ply count directly affects:
yarn strength
garment stability
long-term performance
A multi-ply yarn is not necessarily better, but it is more controlled and predictable.
Twist and Ply Count: A Balance
Twist and ply count cannot be considered separately. The final result depends on their combination.
A 2-ply yarn with balanced twist:
maintains softness
improves stability
reduces deformation
A single-ply yarn with low twist:
is extremely soft
but more delicate and less resistant
Quality comes from balance, not extremes.
Impact on Hand Feel
The hand feel of cashmere is one of the most important aspects for the end customer, and twist and ply count influence it directly.
lower twist → softer, more open feel
higher twist → drier, more compact feel
Similarly:
more plies → more structured and stable sensation
fewer plies → lighter and more fluid feel
The tactile perception is always the result of precise technical choices.
Impact on Durability and Pilling
One of the most critical aspects of cashmere knitwear is pilling, the formation of small fiber balls on the surface.
Every winter seems far away, until the day it suddenly arrives. And when it arrives, customers come into the store looking for exactly what they had in mind: warmth, quality, something that will last them all season. The problem is, by then, it's too late to decide.
Knitwear isn't created in a few days. It's not a product you pick off a shelf and ship. It's a process made up of precise steps, technical timing, and expert hands. It starts with the yarn, which must be selected, verified, often produced or recovered according to very rigorous criteria. Then comes the programming of the machines, the fine-tuning of the processes, the fittings. Each garment is constructed stitch by stitch, not assembled.
And then comes the real time. The time of the machines, the time for finishing, inspections, any treatments. The time needed to do things well.
Everything is concentrated between June and September. Everyone wants to produce, everyone wants to deliver, everyone wants to be ready. But production capacity, even when large, is not infinite. And above all, it isn't flexible at the last minute.
That's why those who arrive first work better. And receive orders first.
If the goal is to have garments ready by September, for the start of the 2026-2027 season, this is the moment when decisions make the difference. Not in a few weeks. Not "later."
Now.
Because waiting means joining a queue. And joining a queue means accepting longer lead times, fewer choices, and less flexibility.
Those who act now have a concrete advantage: they can choose calmly, plan, build a coherent offering, and arrive in store when customers start looking, not when they've already purchased elsewhere.
If you're thinking about next season, the advice is simple: plan ahead.
We're ready to work with you to build your selection, define the garments, and plan deliveries precisely.
In the world of knitwear, choosing the right yarn is always a crucial step, but there is one technical distinction that more than any other influences the final result: the difference between carded and combed yarn. This is not just a visual or superficial variation, but a structural one that affects the fiber itself, the behavior during production, and the perception of the garment once worn. For a B2B client—buyer, brand, or design office—understanding this distinction means avoiding design mistakes and building collections that are coherent both aesthetically and commercially.
For Due Toscani, this choice is never random, but always linked to the type of product, its positioning, and the experience that the final customer is meant to feel.
Two Processes, Two Philosophies
Carded and combed yarns originate from two completely different processes, resulting in opposite characteristics.
Carded yarn is produced by working the fibers without fully aligning them, maintaining a more irregular, airy, and open structure. The result is a bulkier, softer, and lighter yarn, capable of trapping air within.
Combed yarn, on the other hand, undergoes a process that selects and aligns the fibers, removing the shorter ones and arranging the longer fibers in parallel. The result is a more compact, regular, and stronger yarn.
This is not a matter of better or worse, but of two fundamentally different approaches to knitwear.
Impact on Hand Feel
The difference between carded and combed yarn is immediately noticeable to the touch.
Carded yarn:
feels softer and more “cloud-like”
provides more warmth for the same weight
creates an immediate sense of comfort
Combed yarn:
feels smoother and more compact
gives a cleaner and fresher sensation
conveys precision and structure
Carded is emotional, combed is technical.
Impact on Appearance
Visually, the differences are equally clear.
Carded yarn:
has a more matte, natural look
shows slight irregularities
tends to bloom over time
Combed yarn:
appears more uniform and defined
reflects light better
maintains a more stable structure over time
The aesthetic result changes completely depending on the choice.
Behavior in Knitting
From a production standpoint, the two yarns require different approaches.
Carded yarn:
is more delicate
requires lower tensions
can be less stable in very fine gauges
Combed yarn:
is stronger
allows for more precise knitting
performs better on higher gauges
Combed yarn offers more control, while carded yarn offers more softness.
Which to Choose for Accessories
For accessories such as scarves, beanies, and neck warmers, the choice is often driven by comfort.
Carded yarn is particularly suitable because:
it provides more warmth at the same weight
creates soft, enveloping volumes
delivers an immediate perception of quality
Combed yarn can be used when:
a cleaner look is required
higher resistance is needed
more structure is desired
For emotional, comfort-driven accessories, carded yarn is often the winning choice.
Which to Choose for Knitwear
For garments, the choice becomes more strategic.
Carded yarn is ideal for:
winter knitwear
bulky garments
products focused on comfort
Combed yarn is better suited for:
fine knitwear
elegant or formal pieces
products requiring durability and structure
The choice depends on the positioning of the collection.
Impact on Price and Positioning
From a commercial perspective, the difference is also significant.
Carded yarn:
allows warm garments with less material
creates strong perceived value
aligns with comfort and natural aesthetics
Combed yarn:
requires more material for the same coverage
offers greater durability
aligns with precision and technical quality
This is not just a technical decision, but a market decision.
The Due Toscani Approach
At Due Toscani, the choice between carded and combed yarn always starts from the final product vision.
The process begins by defining:
what the product should communicate
who it is intended for
how it should be perceived
Only then are the following defined:
the yarn type
the construction
the knitting technique
This approach avoids mistakes and ensures consistent collections.
Choosing between carded and combed yarn is not a simple technical decision, but one that affects everything: design, price, production, and sales.
Understanding this difference means shifting from a purchasing mindset to a product development mindset.
And it is precisely in this shift that real value is created for a B2B client: in the ability to choose not just a material, but the result that material will deliver.
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