Knovus: transforming the knitwear industry with cutting-edge 3D technology

For more than 10 years, Knovus has been redefining the knitwear industry, harnessing advanced 3D technology to create innovative knitted products while sharing their expertise with others.

Founded by Patricia Chircop, Knovus emerged from her realisation of a knowledge gap in the knitwear industry. 

Determined to bridge this gap, she set out to master the craft and dispel common misconceptions about industrial knitting.

“I got a job in a factory, and they sent me to Japan to learn how to program industrial knitting machines,” she told Inner City News.

Then in 2010 I got a fellowship from the George Alexander Institute of Specialised Skills and travelled to Japan and Germany to learn more about the technology, particularly around 3D knitting.

3D knitting is a groundbreaking technique that enables the seamless creation of intricate three-dimensional shapes. 

This advanced technology revolutionises knit production by offering precision and efficiency, producing fully-fashioned knitwear and industrial applications without the need for assembly. It also boasts near-zero waste and a highly resource-efficient production process.

What sets Knovus apart is its exploration of the vast potential of 3D knitting beyond traditional garments.

“From satellites and car seat covers to medical gear – there’s a really wide range of products now that are being developed, that’s because it minimises manufacturing processes and there’s minimal post-process,” she said.

This innovative approach enables studios like Knovus to produce high-quality, locally made products with minimal labor, energy efficiency, and customisation options, ultimately leading to longer product lifespans.

“I like to say that it’s handmade by machine, because I actually program and set up the machines,” Ms Chircop said.

“I use those slow-fashion principles and make them something that’s scalable, replicable and reliable.”

Looking to the future, Knovus is developing an “online ecosystem” called KnoLab, designed to expand educational opportunities in industrial knitting and address gaps left by traditional university programs.

In addition to KnoLab, Knovus offers a variety of workshops, including an upcoming Italian yarn showcase on February 27, celebrating the exquisite quality of Italian-processed yarn.

“We don’t have any spinning in Australia, we lost those skills a long time ago, so a lot of Australian wool is shipped off to Italy and processed, and then we buy it back in that form. I feel like what we’re able to bring to Carlton is that little piece of Italy,” she said. 

“Knovus is one of only ten studios in the world that do what we do. We have really highly specialised knowledge and state-of-the-art manufacturing technology right here in Melbourne, and we’re helping people understand that more.” •