Our story
Heritage meets innovation
Founded at the intersection of movement and material.
Four decades of design, technical knitting, and manufacturing now power a platform for next-generation fibers.
Since 1980
Built to move. Built to evolve.
Founded in 1980 by professional dancers David Lee and Tricia Kaye, KD Knit grew from the New York performing arts community into a knitwear design and manufacturing company known for comfort, beauty, and performance.
Today, that same understanding of movement, materials, and construction drives KD Knit’s evolution as a fiber innovation company.
Meet our founder
David Lee, founder & CEO
David Lee is a former professional dancer turned entrepreneur. After dancing with the Oakland Ballet Company and Alonzo King LINES Ballet, he co-founded KD Knit in 1980.
He studied knitting technology at Stoll in Germany and Shima Seiki in Japan and holds a degree from American University in Washington, D.C. Over four decades, he has designed and manufactured knits for KD and numerous private labels.
Our platform today
From fiber to real-world use
Vegetable Cashmere® is the first expression of KD Knit’s broader platform—supported by the ability to move from material development through knit construction, product development, manufacturing, and commercialization.
Transparency
Employee well-being
Environmental stewardship
Design and technical excellence
Work with KD Knit
Let’s make what comes next
From yarn sampling to finished product, KD Knit brings material science and manufacturing together.
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