Christmas Sweater Quote Checklist: What to Send a Factory
A quote is only as accurate as the brief behind it. Two buyers asking for the "same" Christmas sweater can get wildly different prices because one sent a complete brief and the other sent a two-line message.
This is the exact checklist we run through when we price a custom Christmas sweater quote. Send all seven items and your first quote will be a real number you can plan around — not a ballpark you have to revise three times.
1. Design or artwork
A sketch is enough to start; a vector file is ideal. What matters is that we can see the motif, its placement, and how many colors it uses.
- Rough idea → we can estimate complexity and cost
- Sketch / reference image → good enough to chart
- Vector or separated artwork → precise, no back-and-forth
The more defined the art, the tighter the quote. Don't wait for a "perfect" design — a rough brief gets you a ballpark fast, then a precise number once the art is locked.
2. Garment type and size range
Which body are we knitting? Unisex crew-neck, women's cut, kids' sizes, an oversized drop-shoulder — each changes the pattern and the yarn consumption.
And here's a point buyers miss: you can use your own size chart. We program our machines to your measurement spec, so your sizes fit your market, not a generic chart.
3. Quantity per design
Quantity is the single biggest price lever. Tell us:
- Pieces per design (MOQ is 100 per design — see our MOQ guide)
- How you'll split colors and sizes within each design
- Whether any design is a reorder (setup is already done)
4. Yarn preference
Our default is a soft acrylic–cotton blend — non-scratchy, anti-pilling, and the sweet spot for most brands. But tell us if you want something specific:
- Acrylic — lowest cost, bright colors
- Acrylic–cotton blend — our default: softness + durability
- Cotton, wool, or blends — for premium feels
- Recycled / GRS-certified yarn — available on request
No preference? Give us your target retail price and we'll recommend the fiber that hits it. The material choice barely moves the per-piece cost, so this is more about feel than price.
5. Branding details
If the sweater carries your brand, list everything upfront — it changes the quote and the production steps:
- Woven neck labels
- Hang tags and care labels
- Custom packaging (poly bags, gift boxes, cartons)
- Pantone color matching
Budget these in from the start. They're what make the piece look branded instead of off-the-rack.
6. Destination and deadline
- Where is it going? We quote EXW by default (factory-gate, the cleanest basis to compare), and can quote DDP to your door with freight and duties included.
- When do you need it? Sea freight is cheapest but slowest; air and express trade cost for speed. Peak-season (Q4) rush orders carry surcharges.
7. Special requirements
Anything outside the standard scope changes the quote — tell us now, not after sampling:
- LED light-up sweaters
- Special knitting technique (intarsia, Fair Isle, fine gauge)
- Custom trim, buttons, or zippers
What happens after you send the checklist
- 1–2 days to a factory-direct quote
- Free digital proof of your artwork
- 72-hour physical sample once you approve (sample fee credited to your bulk order)
- 30% deposit to lock your production slot, 70% balance before shipping — with photos for approval before dispatch
The goal of a complete brief is simple: your first quote is the number you actually pay, not a teaser that inflates later.
FAQ
What do I need to send for a Christmas sweater quote?
Design or artwork, garment type and size range, quantity per design, yarn preference, branding details, destination and deadline, and any special requirements. Send all seven and your quote will be accurate the first time.
Can I use my own size chart?
Yes. We program our machines to your measurement spec, so your sizes fit your market, not a generic chart.
What's the default yarn?
A soft acrylic–cotton blend that's non-scratchy and anti-pilling. Recycled and GRS-certified yarn is available on request, and other fibers barely change the per-piece cost.
What are the payment terms?
30% deposit to lock your order, 70% balance before shipping. We accept T/T, PayPal, and L/C, and you get photos for approval before dispatch.
Have a brief ready to send?
Drop us the seven items above and we'll come back with a factory-direct quote (EXW or DDP) within 1–2 business days. Request a quote or start with our custom Christmas sweater capabilities or visit our manufacturer page.
Related: How Much Does a Custom Christmas Sweater Cost? · Christmas Sweater MOQ: Why 100 Pieces Per Design Is the Real Minimum