Learn French: Il défait son tricot, mais il recommence quand même. - He undoes his knitting, but he starts again anyway.

Because it acts as an adverbial phrase, quand même typically belongs right after the conjugated verb. In this clause, the verb recommence stands alone without a direct object, so quand même naturally finishes the sentence. You will almost never see it placed at the beginning of a clause in French.

Isn't it repetitive to use both mais (but) and quand même (anyway) together?

It might seem slightly redundant, but combining them is extremely common and natural in French. The mais sets up the basic contrast, while adding quand même afterward adds emphasis, highlighting his persistence despite having to undo his work.

How is the verb défait formed?

It is simply the irregular verb faire (to make or do) with the prefix dé-, which indicates reversing or undoing an action. Because it is based on faire, it follows the exact same conjugation pattern, which is why it becomes il défait here.

Does tricot refer to the activity of knitting or the physical object itself?

It can refer to both! In this context, because he is undoing it, son tricot means the physical piece of knitting he is currently working on. In everyday spoken French, un tricot is also a common word for a knitted sweater or jumper.