Inside Aklanda's 3D Multi-Colour Knitwear: How It's Made

Aklanda's 3D multi-colour knitwear uses intricate knitting techniques that build texture and colour directly into the fabric structure, rather than printing or dyeing over a finished piece. This makes each pattern difficult to reproduce at scale, setting it apart from mass-produced multi-colour knitwear.

Most multi-colour knitwear on the market gets its pattern from printing or dyeing a finished garment. Aklanda, Melbourne’s favourite for 100% authentic, Australian-made merino wool knitwear, has a unique 3D multi-colour range that works differently. We’re a family-owned business that loves to stick to its roots while evolving with time. We own a manufacturing heritage - the colour and texture are knitted directly into the fabric structure itself, piece by piece, at the Melbourne factory.

Here's what that actually means, and why it matters if you're choosing a piece.

What Does 3D Knitting Actually Mean?

Instead of adding a pattern to a flat, single-colour knit, 3D multi-colour knitwear uses multiple yarns and knitting techniques together to build the pattern into the structure of the fabric. The result is texture you can feel, not just see. Because the pattern is built in rather than printed on, it doesn't crack, fade, or peel the way a printed design can over time.

Why Is Multi-Colour Pattern Production More Difficult Than Solid Knitwear?

Solid-colour knitwear uses one yarn and one straightforward knit structure. Multi-colour 3D knitwear requires multiple yarns to be fed and aligned precisely throughout the knitting process, with the machine set up differently for each pattern. That precision is part of why these pieces aren't quickly or cheaply mass-replicated the way a printed jumper can be.

Inside Aklanda’s 3D Multi-Colour Collections

Aklanda's 3D multi-colour range covers several distinct collections, and each one of them represents its own pattern language.

• Billabong – earthy, water-inspired tones
• Bubbles – rounded, playful motifs
• Botanic – leaf and plant-based patterns
• Jurassic – bold, prehistoric-inspired texture
• Storm – deep, moody colour blends
• Tornado – swirling, directional patterns

You can also find matching wraps and scarves with each of these collections, and build some beautiful coordinated looks rather than wearing a single piece every time you go out.

Quick Tips for Styling Multi-Colour Knitwear Without Overwhelming an Outfit

• Pair a multi-colour jumper with plain, neutral trousers or jeans so the knitwear stays the focal point.
• Keep accessories simple; let the pattern do the work rather than adding more print on top.
• Use a 3D scarf or wrap to introduce colour to an otherwise solid outfit, if you're not ready for a full jumper.
• Stick to one multi-colour piece per outfit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 3D knitwear mean?

It refers to knitwear where colour and texture are built into the structure of the fabric during knitting, rather than printed or dyed onto a finished piece. This gives the pattern physical texture as well as visual colour, and makes it more durable over time.

Is 3D multi-colour knitwear printed or knitted in?

It's knitted in. Multiple yarns are used together during the knitting process itself, which is what creates both the colour pattern and the raised texture, rather than a flat printed design sitting on top of the fabric.

Does your multi-colour knitting technique really determine how long a garment lasts?

Yes, it really does because the pattern is knitted in rather than applied afterwards. It holds up to regular wear and washing far better than a printed equivalent. If you compare cost per wear rather than price alone, that's a meaningful difference.

Does 3D knitwear cost more than regular knitwear?

It can, reflecting the more complex knitting process and multiple yarns involved. Many customers find the durability of a knitted-in pattern, compared to a printed one, offsets the higher upfront cost over the life of the garment.

Which Aklanda collection has the most colour variety?

The Storm and Tornado collections lean into bold, blended colourways, while Botanic and Billabong use more muted, nature-inspired palettes. Which one has the most variety depends on whether you're after bold contrast or subtle blending.