Almost every yarn buyer meets a minimum order quantity (MOQ) sooner or later. Knowing why it exists makes it easier to plan around.
Why yarn has an MOQ
- Spinning runs are set by count and blend. Changing a machine over for a small lot costs time and waste.
- Dyeing happens in batches. A dyed shade needs a full dye lot, so the practical minimum is higher than for undyed yarn.
- Packing is in cartons or bags. Orders are usually counted in whole cartons or bags.
What changes the MOQ
- Count and blend. Common counts and blends are easier to supply in smaller quantities than unusual ones.
- Dyed or undyed. Grey yarn is more flexible than a custom shade.
- Ready stock or made to order. Lots already available can ship in smaller quantities than a fresh production run.
How to buy smaller lots
- Standardise your counts. Using fewer counts lets you consolidate volume.
- Combine counts on one order. A supplier with many sources can mix counts in one dispatch.
- Plan programme orders. Agree a quantity for the season and release it in lots.
- Start with a sample. Prove the quality first, then scale up.
Tell us your count, blend and monthly need and we will say what is possible. For the sample step, see our sample request page.
More on this: Yarn buying guide · Request a sample · Get a quote