Immerse yourself in a unique experience by visiting with us the Tricots Jean-Marc family workshop, located a few steps from Paris, in Clamart. Let yourself be seduced by the authenticity and artisanal know-how that characterize each piece created in this establishment.
History and tradition
Founded in 1972, Atelier des Tricots Jean-Marc embodies the tradition and excellence of French textile craftsmanship. Despite the challenges of time, this workshop continues to thrive, with a dedicated team of 30 passionate knitters carrying on a decades-old legacy. Guided by Melik, the son of the founders, visitors have the opportunity to discover behind the scenes and delve into the heart of the sweater manufacturing process.
The journey to the workshop, through the lively streets of Clamart, already offers a taste of the warm atmosphere that reigns in this establishment. The architecture of the building, evoking the style of the 1970s, recalls the rich history and long tradition of the workshop. At that time, France had more than 350 knitters, demonstrating the importance of this industry on a national scale. Today, with just 30 knitters, the workshop continues to thrive, preserving invaluable know-how passed down from generation to generation.
Manufacturing process
Upon arrival, Melik greets us with a warm smile and a steaming cup of coffee, providing welcome comfort on this chilly morning. The workshop is bustling with activity, with knitters bustling around the knitting machines and sewing machines, bringing unique and authentic pieces to life. Throughout the visit, Melik guides us through the different stages of making a sweater, revealing the well-kept secrets of this ancestral craft.
Did you know that it takes more than 15 steps to make a Tricots Jean-Marc sweater? From choosing the yarn to programming the model on the computer, including knitting and final assembly, each step is carefully orchestrated to guarantee the quality and durability of the products. Yarn selection is a crucial step, where each material is carefully evaluated for its properties and performance. Yarn samples, ranging from the finest to the thickest, from the softest to the brightest, are displayed on a table, offering a glimpse of the endless possibilities offered by raw materials.
Gauge, another important consideration, determines the stitch size and type of stitch used. The higher the gauge number, the smaller and tighter the stitches will be, allowing for greater precision in knitting. Programming the pattern on the computer is an essential technological step, where each pattern and each stitch type is carefully planned to ensure perfect execution on the knitting machines.
Speaking of knitting machines, the workshop is home to an impressive collection of over thirty machines, each specializing in a specific aspect of the manufacturing process. Precise settings and careful adjustments are required to ensure optimal results, with particular attention paid to yarn tension and knitting speed. Once the machines are ready, knitting can begin, offering a fascinating spectacle as the sweaters take shape before our amazed eyes.
Finishing and presentation
But the work doesn't stop there. After knitting, the sweaters undergo a series of finishing steps, including ironing, washing and fulling. Each step is carried out with the greatest care, with particular attention paid to preserving the quality and texture of the materials. Fulling, for example, is an essential process that allows the knit to tighten and gain flexibility, providing optimal comfort to the person who will wear the sweater.
Once the sweaters are assembled and finished, they are ready to be presented to the public. At L'Appartement Français, a carefully chosen selection of men's and women's sweaters from Tricots Jean-Marc and Nitto Knitwear are available, offering customers the opportunity to experience French artisanal excellence. Each sweater is a work of art in itself, reflecting the unparalleled dedication and know-how of the Tricots Jean-Marc team.
Come discover the world of pullovers, sweaters and hoodies from the Tricots Jean-Marc and Nitto Knitwear brands at L'Appart! Oh yes, you will find them from September to March each year!
See you soon !
Article written by David