Alta Maglieria: Craftsmanship and Sustainability in Italy’s Knitwear Industry

This report outlines Laura Galati’s fellowship, supported by the Italian Australian Foundation, which explored the craftsmanship and technical expertise that underpin the global reputation of Italian knitwear. Through immersive industry experiences and site visits across Italy, the fellowship aimed to expand the Fellow’s skills and knowledge in knitwear design and sustainable production, with a focus on fully fashioned knitting techniques and material-driven approaches to circularity. The research also examined how traditional skills are preserved, shared, and adapted for contemporary practice, offering considerations for the Australian context. This report captures key learnings and insights that can inform the Fellow's own design practice while highlighting broader opportunities to revitalise the local industry, where access to specialised training and manufacturing has become increasingly limited.