How to Package Your Handmade Knitted Products

Knitted items have unique packaging challenges. They're soft, they can snag, they compress, and they need to arrive looking as intentional as when they left your hands. Whether you're shipping delicate lacework or chunky blankets, the right packaging protects your craft and your reputation.

Here's how to do it without breaking the bank or making things harder than they need to be.

How to protect knitted products during shipping

Your knitted products face three main enemies in transit: snagging, dust, and moisture. One rough edge, a dusty warehouse, or unexpected humidity can turn your masterpiece into a disappointment before your customer even opens the package.

The solution is simple layered protection that doesn’t overcomplicate your process:

Inner layer

Glassine bags are breathable, smooth (no snagging), and eco-friendly. Tissue or kraft paper works well for cushioning and wrapping, while also adding a handmade touch. 

Outer layer

Bubble mailers suit most knits; they’re light, protective, and affordable. Use small mailers for scarves, larger ones for bulky pieces, and boxes for delicate lacework or premium unboxing.

Finishing detail

Always fold neatly and add padding (like cardboard or tissue). It prevents that “squashed flat” look that makes handmade items feel cheap.

Making your products look professional 

First impressions happen before your customer even touches your knitting. Be it a personal treat or a gift, that initial moment sets the tone for everything.

The difference between "I bought something online" and "I invested in something special" often comes down to a few small touches that cost pennies but create lasting impressions. Consider these easy upgrades that make a big difference:

• Add custom stickers with a simple “Thank you for supporting handmade” or your logo to instantly elevate the experience. Stick them on the outer package, the inner wrapping, or both.

• Add fibre content, care tips, and washing instructions so customers know how to look after their piece.

• Include a short, genuine thank you card or note to build connection without needing a long story.

• Use minimalist branded seals for subtle, elegant branding that adds polish without feeling loud.

The goal isn't to compete with big retailers on flashy packaging. It's to remind customers why they chose handmade in the first place. Every small detail should reinforce that they made a thoughtful choice, not just a convenient one.

Impack’s sticker printing lets you brand your knits without adding extra hassle to your workflow. After all, the last thing you need is another time-consuming step between finishing your work and getting it to your customers.

Considering sustainable packing choices?

Your handmade knits already tell a story of care and craftsmanship. Your packaging should continue that narrative, not contradict it with materials that harm the planet your customers care about.

Here's the reality: sustainability sells. In 2023, 68% of Americans, including 77% of Gen Z and 72% of Millennials, are ready to pay more for eco-friendly products. When someone buys handmade, they're already making a conscious choice to support thoughtful creation over mass production.

Try these eco-friendly options to protect both your knits and the planet:

• Use biodegradable mailers instead of traditional plastic, as they break down naturally within 24 months while still protecting your knits during shipping.

• Choose glassine bags for inner protection, since they are made from wood pulp, completely biodegradable, and provide the smooth barrier delicate knits need. Curious why it’s becoming a packaging favourite? Our blog What Makes Glassine the Perfect E-Commerce Packaging explains.

• Opt for paper-based mailers for lighter items, which are easily recyclable and add to the authentic handmade aesthetic.

Impack's biodegradable mailers and glassine bags give you durability without environmental guilt. They're sturdy enough to protect your work, attractive enough for great unboxing, and responsible enough to align with why people choose handmade.

How to pack and ship knitted products

The right process turns packaging from a chore into part of your craft. Below is a straightforward method that protects your knits and adds a thoughtful touch:

1. Fold your knitwear neatly. Think boutique display, not laundry basket. Clean lines and intentional folds show respect for your work.

2. Place inside a glassine bag. This creates your dust and moisture barrier while letting natural fibers breathe. It's like invisible armor for delicate pieces.

3. Add tissue or kraft paper for cushioning. Make sure to wrap gently and avoid overstuffing. You want protection, not a paper explosion when they open it.

1. Slip into your biodegradable mailer or small box. Choose based on your item's bulk and your desired unboxing experience. When in doubt, size up slightly.

2. Seal with a branded sticker or gummed tape. This is where your professional touch shows. Make it clean and intentional.

3. Add your handwritten note or thank you card. Slip it between the outer package and inner wrapping so they see it immediately. Keep it genuine and brief.

The whole process should take 2-3 minutes per item once you get your rhythm down. Any longer and you're overcomplicating it. Any shorter and you're probably skipping steps that matter.

The bottom line

Thoughtful packaging isn't an expense. It's actually an investment in protection, branding, and customer delight all rolled into one. Every knitted piece you've spent hours creating deserves packaging that matches that same level of care and intention.

When you get it right, your packaging becomes part of the product experience. It protects your work from shipping damage, reinforces why customers chose handmade, and creates that moment of delight that turns one-time buyers into repeat customers who tell their friends about you.

With Impack's stickers, glassine bags, and biodegradable mailers, you don't have to choose between looking professional and being practical. Get the protection your knits need, the professional appearance your brand deserves, and the sustainable choices your customers appreciate, all while keeping things simple for you. Browse our range today and find the packaging that fits your craft.