Why We Use Old Traditional Knitting Machines To Make Our Ultra-Snug Knits (Watch How!)

Here at Cienna Designs, we believe in supporting slow fashion and fair trade in everything we do. That’s why almost all of our knits are made by hand, with a lot of love, on old traditional knitting machines in Indonesia. They’re not mass-produced, because we know the free-spirited values of any boho goddess deserve clothing that rises to these standards, and we do enjoy making a real difference.

You might ask: “Is this really a good thing?”


Sure, you may wonder if we’re just taking advantage of Indonesian work and outsourcing to cut costs. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. We’ve been supporting the same Indonesian family for over 15 years now, ensuring that money flows back where it needs to.

It also means that our knits are able to be made with love, instead of produced in a factory. Our old traditional knitting machines achieve design and style like no other, by a family that is truly proud of their work.

It’s supporting fair trade and good practices - all in the Cienna Designs way!

How do the old traditional knitting machines work?


There are actually so many different types of old traditional knitting machines still being used today.

Most of these styles are still quite automated, such as the computerized knitting machine. However, the Indonesian family we work with uses the Hand Knitting Machine - otherwise known as the Flat Knitting V-Bed - that is widely used for knitting sweater parts.

This means that the production of our knits are infused with time, effort, and love, and that every Cienna Designs knit we make available is as unique as the next.

Just take a look at this video of our knit production:


How cool is that?!

The real reason we use old traditional knitting machines in Indonesia for our knits?


Because every design can be handcrafted with love. It really is as simple as that.

Plus, we really do have a big love for India and Indonesia and their designs - we make that pretty clear with the quality of what we sell. So it just wouldn’t feel right to embody their style and eccentricity with boring, Australian-made factories. Sure, we love supporting our local economy, but we also understand that there’s a time and place for Australian-made and our knits are not it.

(We make other products in Australia instead!)

We enjoy having unique pieces that are never exactly alike and instead give you the feeling of a homemade, handcrafted, loved piece that is filled with history: exactly what makes our knits so cosy and warm.

Oh, and the fact they support an Indonesian family in such a beneficial way.

We all want to rug up in a warm jumper that aligns with our free-spirit values…

Just see what our customers have to say about our ultra-cosy knits!


“This poncho is so beautiful. The colours are lovely and soft. The mohair is soft and warm, not at all itchy and sizing for me, as a size 16, is absolutely perfect! This is a winter staple for sure! I love it!” - Catherine

“I bought this wrap as my go-to for winter warmth. Also I’m travelling soon and wanted something light yet warm and snuggly. This gorgeous wrap fits my needs perfectly. It’s light and beautifully hand made. Knowing it’s hand made in Indonesia and no two the same makes it even more special to me. It’s perfect for work, travel and weekend wear and it’ll be my go to wrap for many years I’m sure! Highly recommend!” - Jo

“Very pretty and goes nicely over one of my boho dresses for extra warmth.” - Merren

Our favourite fair-trade knits for the cold season:


So, now that you know how and why we make our knits like we do, it’s time to check out the kind of incredible designs we’re able to offer as a result:

Snuggle up in the Mix Beanie from Cienna Designs.


This Mix Beanie features an adorable ppm pom on the back and gorgeous earthy hues for an adorable look.

Shop the Lush Cardi in Khaki from Cienna Designs. Made from an incredibly soft mohair blend, this cardigan is ethically made.


This Lush Cardi in Khaki is so soft and snuggly to wear.

Heidi Cardigan Sustainable


This Heidi Cardigan is an absolute classic for winter. Soft, snuggly and warm, with no itch for ultra comfort!

Abi Wrap Knit


This Abi Wrap in Green is the perfect solution to those who want the blanket-like experience! 

At Cienna Designs, we believe slow fashion and fair trade makes a real difference to high-quality designs and pieces. We love our knits because they’re not mass-produced and, instead, made by hand, and with love, on old traditional knitting machines in Indonesia. We know it’ll go toward a family that needs it and the best part is? Every knit is made with love, with no two perfectly alike, and possesses an individual quality that’s much like your super-unique, boho personality and style.

Explore our full range of knits here to enjoy the best in comfort, style, and sustainability.