Johnstons knitwear is fully fashioned, which means that each garment is knitted to shape to give the best fit. The ribbed trimmings, cuffs, collars, welts, pockets and straps are knitted on specialised machines, which create the essential tension needed to preserve the shape of the garments in wear.

These ribs are then transferred to the main frames which knit the fronts, backs and sleeves. Colours, textures and designs are all worked into the garment at this stage.

Next, we bring together the main elements of front, back and sleeves stitch by stitch in a single-needle seam for a neat and comfortable low profile finish. Finally they are bar-tacked at the stress points for added strength.

With the garment almost formed, it is carefully washed and milled using soft local water from the river Teviot in Hawick. This removes impurities and oils to create the characteristic soft cashmere touch.

The collars are then linked to the garment and buttons and button holing are completed. Many of the finishing touches, such as sewing the point of the V, are done by hand.