Rachel Lumb

Creative knitwear designer experienced in working with established suppliers and in house brands. Professional and articulate with a cheerful, upbeat energetic attitude. I combine a strong technical understanding of yarns, stitch structures, and garment construction with a keen eye for silhouette, detail, and proportion, creating knitwear pieces that feel both timeless and modern.

Over the years I have honed my skills translating concept trends into commercially successful designs that reflect a brand's aesthetic and values. I can successfully design under pressure with a love for the fast paced working environment. Looking to join an open, forward thinking company that values creativity and encourages growth, development and contribution.

Senior Knitwear Designer (Freelance) - KSJ Knitwear - Cardiff

(2020-03)

• Design and develop seasonal knitwear collections for KSJ's in-house brand Sunshine Soul, from initial concept through to final product.
• Create seasonal trend forecasts, mood boards, colour palettes, and knitwear concepts aligned with market trends and customer demand.
• Develop commercially focused knitwear ranges for UK retailers including Roman and Bon Marché, tailoring collections to individual brand identities and target customers.
• Attend client meetings to present design concepts, seasonal direction, and product developments, building strong working relationships with the buying teams.
• Research emerging fashion trends, yarn innovations, and competitor activity to inform collection development and maintain market relevance.
• Collaborate closely with technical, merchandising, and production teams to ensure designs are commercially viable and delivered to specification.
• Source and develop yarns, stitches, trims, and garment details to create distinctive and commercially successful knitwear ranges.
• Produce detailed design packs to support efficient sampling and production processes, including accurate technical CADs and measured artworks for intarsia, fairisles and embellished styles to support factory sampling, minimise development issues, and ensure designs were executed to specification
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, delivering collections to tight deadlines while maintaining high design standards.

Senior Knitwear Designer (Freelance) - Lethbridge Ltd - London

(2020-03 - 2023-06)

• Designed seasonal knitwear collections for M Lounge and other leading UK fashion brands, including Pretty Lavish, Jack Wills, Crew Clothing, and Biba.
• Developed trend forecasts, colour palettes, and product concepts that aligned with brand strategy and customer demand.
• Managed the design and development process from initial concept through sampling and production, working closely with technical teams and overseas factories.
• Presented seasonal collections, yarn developments, and innovative knit techniques to buying and merchandising teams.
• Built strong cross-functional relationships to ensure timely delivery of commercially successful products.
• Conducted shopping trips to London, Paris, Copenhagen, and South Korea to source innovative yarns, knitwear samples, and emerging trends, informing seasonal collection development and product strategy.

Senior Knitwear Designer - Pacific Heights - London

(2011-11 - 2020-03)

• Led the design and development of womenswear and menswear knitwear collections for major retailers including ASOS, Urban Outfitters, Next, Amazon, Frasers and Primark.
• Managed key customer accounts, creating commercially successful, fashion-forward knitwear ranges tailored to individual brand identities and market requirements.
• Developed seasonal collections independently and collaboratively, overseeing the design process from initial concept through to production.
• Produced comprehensive trend forecasts, knitwear reports, colour palettes, and seasonal direction presentations, communicating key trends and commercial opportunities to both internal teams and clients.
• Conducted in-depth catwalk analysis and global market research to identify emerging trends and inform product strategy.
• Partnered closely with yarn suppliers and the Yarn Manager to source and develop innovative yarns, stitches, and knitwear techniques that enhanced product differentiation.
• Maintained and curated an extensive archive of knitwear samples, yarn libraries, and swatch resources to support ongoing design development.
• Liaised daily with sourcing and production teams across Hong Kong and Bangladesh, ensuring efficient product development, manufacturing, and on-time delivery.
• Travelled extensively throughout Europe and Asia, including Tokyo, South Korea, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong, sourcing innovative yarns, trims, and knitwear concepts while building strong supplier relationships.
• Created detailed technical specification packs and knit-for-knit artwork using Primavision, ensuring accurate product execution and efficient factory communication.
• Managed and mentored a small design team, overseeing recruitment, development, and performance while nurturing a collaborative and creative working environment.

Assistant Knitwear Designer - Jo-Y-Jo Ltd - Manchester

(2008-09 - 2011-11)

• Assisted in the design and development of womenswear knitwear collections for major retailers including George at Asda, TU at Sainsbury's, F&F at Tesco, and Next.
• Supported the design team with trend research, yarn sourcing, sample management, and showroom preparation for buyer presentations.
• Maintained yarn libraries and organised new yarn developments to support seasonal collection planning.
• Coordinated sample distribution and approvals, ensuring accurate tracking and record keeping throughout the development process.
• Created trend boards and presented design ideas to the wider design team.

Junior Knitwear Designer (Placement year) - Jo-Y-Jo Ltd - Manchester

(2006-01 - 2007-12)

• Supported the design and development of womenswear knitwear collections for major high street retailers including Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, New Look, and ASOS.
• Produced technical specification packs and Primavision artworks for intarsias, fairisles, stripes, and embellishment designs, ensuring accurate factory execution.
• Liaised with overseas offices and suppliers throughout the product development process to ensure deadlines and critical paths were met.
• Assisted in the creation of seasonal trend research, colour palettes, yarn boards, and customer presentations.
• Conducted market and competitor research using WGSN and Stylesight to identify emerging trends and support range development.
• Attended buyer meetings, coordinated sample selections, and supported the design team from concept through to production.

BA (Hons) Degree - Fashion Design with Technology - Manchester Metropolitan University (2004-01 - 2008-12)

Art and Design Foundation - Art and Design - Chesterfield Technology College (2003-01 - 2004-12)

A-Levels - Art & Design, English Language, Psychology - The Dronfield School (2001-01 - 2003-12)