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Liz Hilton
Mom. Inventor. Entrepreneur.
Liz Hilton is the founder of KNITit LLC, a company she established in 2015 to address the global demand for customized 3D knitting solutions. With a background in design and entrepreneurship, Hilton has focused on innovating within the textile industry, particularly through 3D knitting technology that allows for the production of soft goods with minimal waste.
Education and Early Career
Hilton began her career in the fashion industry in New York City and studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) as well as the Politecnico di Milano in Italy. She has also completed certification courses in Germany and Japan, where she gained experience working with Stoll, a leading manufacturer of CNC flat bed weft knitting machines. Her early roles included positions as a technical knitting consultant and a 3D knit engineer, where she developed various knitting programs and solutions for different applications.123
KNITit LLC
Under Hilton's leadership, KNITit has grown significantly, moving from a small studio in Grand Rapids to a larger facility in Holland, Michigan. The company specializes in "soft good additive manufacturing," which encompasses the production of items like office chair components and innovative products such as the Swaddelini, a 3D-knitted swaddle designed to provide light compression therapy for infants. This product, which Hilton invented during her early days as a mother, has been a significant part of KNITit's offerings and was developed after winning a pitch competition in 2018.23
Current Focus and Vision
Hilton emphasizes the importance of making KNITit a creative and innovative space, aiming to foster collaboration and artistic expression within the manufacturing process. She is passionate about encouraging other women and mothers in entrepreneurship, sharing her journey of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.23
Overall, Liz Hilton's work with KNITit showcases her commitment to advancing 3D knitting technology while supporting the needs of various industries and promoting sustainable manufacturing practices.