Contract Manufacturing
OEM / ODM Crochet Manufacturing Service
OEM and ODM crochet manufacturing is the service of producing hand-crocheted goods to a buyer's own specification (OEM) or developing the product from a buyer's concept before manufacturing it under the buyer's brand (ODM). WOOLORA runs both programmes from Yiwu, Zhejiang, China, backed by a 30,000+ artisan network and TÜV Rheinland verification.
OEM vs ODM — Which Program Fits Your Order
Most buyers arrive with one of two starting points, and the correct programme depends entirely on which one you have.
| Basis | OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) | ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) |
|---|---|---|
| What you provide | Finished spec, existing sample or tech pack | A reference image, sketch or a written brief |
| What we do | Reproduce your design to tolerance and package under your label | Develop the pattern, sample it, then manufacture under your brand |
| First sample lead time | 5–7 working days | 7–10 working days (new pattern development included) |
| Design ownership | Yours throughout | Transferred to you on payment; held exclusively |
| Typical use | Repeat programmes, established catalogues | New product lines, brand launches |
The ODM Development Workflow
ODM work is where most overseas buyers lose time — not in production, but in the loop of "send photo, wait, receive sample, reject, repeat." We compress that loop into five defined steps.
1. Brief and IP protection
A bilateral NDA is signed before any files change hands. You send reference images, dimensions, target retail price and volume. Nothing is quoted until the technical route is understood.
2. 4-View technical blueprint (24 hours)
Our in-house pattern studio converts your 2D sketch or reference link into a 3D-perspective 4-view technical blueprint — front, back, side and detail — delivered within 24 hours. This is a drafting and engineering service, not a mock-up: it fixes stitch count, gauge, yarn weight and part dimensions before a single loop is worked, which is why sample rejection rates drop sharply on repeat programmes.
3. Physical sampling (5–7 working days)
Hand-crocheted samples are produced in 5–7 working days. Colour changes are turned around in 1 working day. Sampling is charged at cost ×3 and is credited against the bulk order.
4. Compliance and safety testing
Toys are tested to EN71 (EU) and ASTM F963 (USA), with CE and UKCA declarations where applicable. Every attached part — eyes, buttons, charms — passes a 90N pull-force test, which is above the standard EN71 requirement. Yarn is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
5. Bulk production and dispatch
Bulk runs take 15–30 days from approved sample. We ship DDP door-to-door to 50+ countries; FOB Ningbo/Shanghai and EXW are available if you prefer to control freight. OPP vacuum-compression packing reduces shipped volume by up to 50% on bulky plush lines.
Capacity Buyers Should Verify Before Committing
- 30,000+ certified artisans across 4 provinces — a network, not a single workshop, which is what absorbs Q4 peaks without slipping dates
- 8,000+ established designs — repeat orders reproduce identically rather than approximately
- 6,000+ units per category per month single-category output
- 1,775 ㎡ Yiwu warehouse, inspection and QC centre
- TÜV Rheinland verification (reports 481118286_T / 482384640_P+T)
- 41-person core team managing the artisan network — merchandisers, QC, pattern engineering
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OEM and ODM in crochet manufacturing?
In OEM you supply the specification and we manufacture to it. In ODM you supply only a concept or reference, we develop the pattern and technical blueprint, then manufacture it under your brand. ODM carries a longer first-sample lead time because pattern development is included.
What is the minimum order quantity for OEM / ODM production?
100 sets per design for dolls and plush formats, and 200 pieces per design for floral, decorative and bag formats. Mixed-design orders can be consolidated into a single shipment to reach an efficient freight threshold.
How long does a sample take, and is it chargeable?
Samples take 5–7 working days for OEM and 7–10 working days for new ODM patterns. Sampling is charged at cost ×3 and the fee is credited against the bulk order once it is placed.
Who owns the pattern if you develop it for me?
You do. Patterns developed for a specific buyer are transferred on payment and held exclusively — they are never offered to another client. A bilateral NDA is signed before files are exchanged, and exclusivity agreements are available for launch programmes.
Do you handle compliance testing and documentation?
Yes. We supply EN71 and ASTM F963 test documentation for textile toy programmes, CE and UKCA declarations where applicable, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 yarn certification for material claims. We can ship against your nominated lab's requirements.
What are your payment and shipping terms?
Alibaba Trade Assurance, T/T and PayPal are accepted. Standard terms are 30% deposit with balance against B/L copy. DDP door-to-door to 50+ countries is the default for wholesale buyers, with FOB Ningbo/Shanghai and EXW available on request.
Can you produce a full private-label range with our own packaging?
Yes. Private label covers the product itself, woven labels, hang tags, polybags and retail cartons. If you need EU or US retail packaging, we can work to your artwork and run the packaging artwork through compliance review before printing.
Related Pages
- WOOLORA core services — the full manufacturing offer
- Custom crochet toys OEM manufacturer
- Amigurumi & crochet dolls manufacturer
- The 90N pull-force standard explained
Request an OEM / ODM quotation
Send your reference images, target volumes and destination market — we reply with a manufacturing route and pricing within 24 hours. Email bianhaitao@kivastitch.com or reach us on WhatsApp +86 186 3356 8777.