There are so many talented knitwear designers out there, it’s hard to know who to follow. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Scroll through this knitwear designers list for the ultimate inspiration.
Frustrated Teacher Quits In Disgust, Sells The Farm, Moves The Family Halfway Across The World And… Starts Knitting
I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on May 22, 2023.
Great Knit Fashion Designers To Follow
A. ROEGE HOVE
A. Roege Hove is a knitwear brand challenging tradition with a modern and artistic approach. Founded by Amalie Røge Hove, the brand experiments, creating unique shapes and pushing the boundaries of the materials.
Find her company at https://www.aroegehove.dk/
Alice Starmore
She’s a Scottish designer who has made significant contributions to the knitting world. Her work often draws inspiration from traditional Fair Isle knitting techniques, but she also incorporates her own designs and motifs.
Starmore’s use of color and texture in her work is exceptional, and her patterns are highly sought after by knitters around the world. She is also an author of several knitting books, and her works have been featured in many publications.
Find her at https://www.alicestarmore.com/.
Alicia Robinson
Alicia Robinson is an innovative knitwear designer who creates unique and beautiful garments. She uses a mix of traditional hand-knitting techniques and modern technologies to create her pieces. She takes her inspiration from nature and her travels, and her work is both stylish and timeless.
She has been featured in several magazines and websites, and her knitwear designs have been recognized by some leading fashion houses.
Find her at http://www.agrknit.co.uk/shop/.
Aliya Wanek
She’s a knitwear designer and founder of the clothing brand, Aliya Wanek. She’s inspired by traditional craft techniques and sustainable design methods to create unique pieces that tell a story.
Find her at https://aliyawanek.com/.
Amy Christoffers
She’s a knitwear designer with more than 20 years of experience. She has won numerous awards for her knitted colorwork designs.
Find her at https://www.savoryknitting.com/.
Andrea Mowry
She’s an American designer known for her playful and creative designs. Her work often features unexpected combinations of color and texture, and she is particularly known for her use of brioche knitting techniques.
Mowry’s designs are characterized by their boldness and energy, and she is a leading voice in the movement towards unconventional, experimental knitting.
Find her company, Drea Renee Knits at https://www.dreareneeknits.com/.
Brandon Mably
He’s a British designer known for his playful and whimsical knitwear creations. His work often features vintage aesthetics, bold stripes, vibrant colors, and unexpected combinations of patterns and textures.
Mably’s designs are characterized by their lively energy and exuberance, making them a favorite among knitters who are looking to add fun to their wardrobe.
Find him at https://www.ravelry.com/designers/brandon-mably
Erika Maish
Erika Maish has helped to drive the popularity of the sweater vest. Based in Los Angeles, Maish’s fashion, textile and custom creations often explore the concepts of craft and Americana.
Maish got into knitting and crocheting as a kid, but only recently began to incorporate it into her work, creating and selling downloadable patterns.
Find her at https://www.erikamaish.com/.
Hannah Fettig
She’s an American designer known for her clean, modern designs and her focus on wearable knits. Her work features simple, classic shapes with contemporary twists, and she is particularly known for her use of lightweight, breathable fibers.
Fettig’s designs are characterized by their versatility and comfort, and she has a loyal following among knitters who appreciate her focus on functionality.
Find her at http://knitbot.com/.
Gudrun Johnston
She’s from Shetland, Scotland. She’s been knitting since she was a child and has been designing for nearly two decades. Her designs are inspired by the traditional Shetland knitting techniques and her travels.
Find her at https://www.ravelry.com/designers/gudrun-johnston.
Heidi Kirrmaier
Heidi Kirrmaier is a knitwear designer, author, and instructor. She’s best known for her modern designs that are often inspired by nature and the natural world. Her patterns can be found on Ravelry.
Find her at https://www.ravelry.com/designers/heidi-kirrmaier.
Hope Macaulay
Hope Macaulay is a designer based in Northern Ireland. Her hand-knit sweaters, featuring a wide range of pastel colors, are her most recognizable pieces. Macaulay also makes vests, crop tops, and long cardigans with her small team of knitters. She’s inspired by wearable art and sustainability.
Find her at https://hopemacaulay.com/.
Isabel Kraemer
She’s a German designer known for her versatile and wearable designs. Her work often features classic shapes with contemporary twists, and she is particularly known for her use of seamless construction techniques.
Kraemer’s designs are characterized by their simplicity and elegance, and she has a loyal following among knitters who appreciate her focus on function and comfort.
Find her at https://www.ravelry.com/designers/isabell-kraemer.
Jared Flood
He’s an American designer known for his modern take on traditional knitting techniques. His work often features rich, earthy colors and rustic textures, and he is particularly renowned for his use of intricate lace patterns.
Flood’s designs are frequently inspired by the natural beauty of his home state of Oregon, and he is the founder of the knitting company Brooklyn Tweed.
Find him at https://www.ravelry.com/designers/jared-flood.
Pin For Later
Joji Locatell
She’s an Argentinian designer known for her feminine and modern designs. Her work often features delicate lace patterns, subtle textures, and a focus on color. Locatelli’s designs are characterized by their simplicity and wearability, and she is particularly known for her shawl and sweater designs.
Find her at https://www.jojiknits.com/.
Kaffe Fassett
Kaffe is a legendary knitwear designer known for his vibrant and colorful creations. He is recognized for his bold use of color and intricate pattern designs, inspired by his travels around the world.
His work often features geometric shapes and botanical motifs, with a mix of traditional and modern techniques. Fassett’s work has been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide, and he’s authored books on knitting and design.
Find him at http://www.kaffefassett.com/.
Kate Davies
She’s a Scottish designer known for her vibrant, colorful designs and her commitment to promoting the history and culture of knitting in Scotland. Her work often draws on traditional Fair Isle and Shetland lace techniques, but she also incorporates her own modern twists.
Davies is a published author and blogger, and her work has been featured in numerous publications and exhibitions. She is also an advocate for ethical fashion and sustainability.
Find her at https://www.shopkdd.com/.
Katya Zelentsova
She’s a London-based designer specializing in sentimental knitwear. She has been in the fashion industry for over 15 years, working with some of the biggest names in the industry. Her designs are inspired by her travels around the world and her love of sustainability, creating unique pieces of knitwear.
Find her at https://www.katyazelentsova.com/.
Kiyomi Burgin
She’s a Japanese-American knitwear designer known for her minimalist aesthetic and clean lines. Her work often features simple, elegant shapes and a focus on natural fibers. She works with her twin sister, Sachiko.
Burgin is passionate about sustainability and ethical fashion in knitwear pieces, and she’s known for her use of eco-friendly yarns.
Find Kiyomi at https://kshandknitdesign.com/.
Lulu Kaalund
Lulu Kaalund is revolutionizing design with her stunning, handcrafted pieces. This Denmark-based former chef has developed a signature style of organic stripes. Her works have been featured by renowned Danish brands Ganni and Soulland.
Find her at https://www.artsy.net/artist/lulu-kaalund.
Melanie Berg
She’s a German designer known for her delicate lace patterns and her focus on color and texture. Her work often features a mix of traditional and modern knitting techniques, and she is particularly known for her shawl designs.
Berg’s designs are characterized by their beauty and intricacy, and she is a leading voice in the movement towards fine, delicate knitting. She has authored several knitting books and is a frequent contributor to knitting magazines.
Find her at https://mairlynd.de/.
Michele Wang
Michele Wang focuses on modern interpretations of classic shapes. She’s been featured in publications including Vogue Knitting, and Pom Pom Quarterly.
Find her at http://www.mishi2x.com/.
Nong Rak (Run By Cherry and Home Phuangfueang)
This is a knitwear company that specializes in creating timeless and sustainable pieces. Founded by Cherry and Home Phuangfueang, an American and Thai couple, the studio uses traditional techniques to create their pieces.
Follow this designer knitwear company at https://www.nongrak.love/.
Norah Gaughan
She’s an American knitwear designer who has revolutionized the use of cables in knitting. Her designs often feature intricate cable patterns and unexpected combinations of stitch textures.
Gaughan’s work is known for its unique shapes and constructions, and she has authored several books on knitting techniques and patterns.
Find her at https://norahgaughan.net/.
Rui Zhou
Since the launch of the line in 2019, Rui has been driven by the concept of imperfection. Delicate, lightweight knits in shades of sand, lilac, and lime green feature pearlescent beads that link the cutouts, creating an eye-catching effect.
Find Rui at https://www.ruiofficial.me/.
Stephen West
He’s an American designer known for his bold and daring designs. His work often features unexpected combinations of color and texture, and he is particularly renowned for his use of asymmetry in his designs.
West’s designs are characterized by their playfulness and creativity, and he is a leading voice in the movement towards boundary-pushing, experimental knitting.
Find his company, WestKnits, at https://www.westknits.com/.
Veera Välimäki
She’s a Finnish designer known for her minimalist aesthetic and her focus on comfort and ease of wear. Her work often features simple, elegant shapes with a focus on texture and color, and she is known for her use of speckled yarns.
Välimäki’s designs are characterized by their understated elegance and versatility, and she has a loyal following among knitters who appreciate her focus on simplicity and functionality.
Find her at http://www.rainknitwear.com/index.php/about.
FAQs About Knitwear Designers
How Much Do Knitwear Designers Make?
It depends on a variety of factors, like their experience, their popularity, the companies they work with, and their location.
How To Design Knitwear?
Designing knitwear can be a fun and creative process! Start by selecting the yarn and needles that best suit the garment you’d like to create. Once you’ve decided on the basics, sketch out the design, considering the proportions for the piece.
After that, cast on and begin knitting! If you get stuck, there are helpful resources online to guide you through the process.
How To Become A Knitwear Designer?
If you’re interested in becoming a knitwear designer, the first step is to gain knowledge in fashion design and knitting. You can take classes to learn the basics of design techniques.
You should become familiar with the latest trends to understand what’s popular. Don’t forget to build a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills.
Do Knit Designers Wear Their Own Clothes?
Yes, many knit designers wear their own clothes! It’s a great way to show off your creativity and be proud of your work. Plus, they provide a unique look you can’t find anywhere else.
Who’s The Queen Of Knitwear In The Fashion Industry?
The queen of knitwear in the fashion industry was the late fashion designer Sonia Rykiel, according to Women’s Wear Daily.
Conclusion
Hope you were inspired by this roundup of the best knitwear designers! Is there someone missing from this list? Let me know below.
Read Next: Find more wonderful pattern designers in my curated list of knit blogs, discover great indie dyed yarn to go with your pattern in my guide, and find even more patterns in my article on where to find them online.
