Why is Everyone Knitting the SAME THING? | 10 Underrated Designers to Check Out
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- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- Today I'm sharing my thoughts on the seeming lack of variety in what we're all knitting lately and, more importantly, highlighting 10 pattern designers who seem to be flying under the radar and definitely need more attention!
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What do you think-is everyone leaning heavily on the same few designers and patterns, or am I just looking in the wrong places?
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Bear with me folks, most of my videos get a few hundred views and like 2 comments, so I'm not used to so much interaction! I'm trying to respond to everyone, but if I miss your comment, please know I DO greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts and feedback!
“Five or six sweaters in different colors yarn.” Yeah and the colors are beige; light beige, medium beige, dark beige and then darker beige. So. Many. Neutrals! Even the color work! Thanks for your vlog, I enjoyed it.
😂😂😂 sooo true! Thanks for the laugh
A few years ago, they went crazy with greige! No a joke, look it up!
No, it's not just you! You are saying what I have been thinking for a really long time. Every time I see someone talking about their Sofie Scarf, Oslo hat or the hundredth ranunculus they made, I click away. I cannot understand this phenomena as well, of all the designers and designs that are available to us, they all knit the same boring stockinette sweaters, basically the same sweater with a bit different design, it is mind blowing! I guess people really are like sheep when it comes to knitting as well, which is really an interesting sight to behold. I love watching knitting related videos, because I love knitting, but there aren't many of them to watch for that particular reason. Thank you for talking about it, it is nice to hear I am not the only one
I get your point but I have a different take. The videos aren’t just about the patterns themselves, but about these knitters’ journeys. Especially as a beginner knitter, I learned a lot even if the patterns were repetitive because most of the knitters went into some detail about the challenges they had in making the objects, how they customized, warnings about how some of the patterns were written, issues with the sizes, which yarns should be avoided for a specific pattern etc. My hat is off to all of them for taking the time to share their experiences and putting in the hard work to make these videos for the benefit of the community writ large.
Thats why I try to bring more attention to some talented unknown designers (Japanese, Korean, Ukrainian), and I will keep expanding my knitting journey. Now I have 2 Korean projects waiting for me to cast on, so excited!
I’m probably a grumpy old lady too 🤣 But when I watch knitting podcasts it’s definitely nice to see a variety of patterns, yarns, and colors! I want to see more colors!!!!
Lots of me agrees with you! But lots of me likes the comfort of seeing LOTS of examples of patterns before I commit to projects.
Say it louder for the people in the back! Same pattern, same yarn. What happened to individuality? I think it's the YT-ification of knitting. Everybody is out for clicks. Everybody did the Make Nine and the What I Knit. It's not just you, it is boring. Knitting has become popular, but in its popularity it's getting stale.
I more than agree with you. It has all become mighty boring now because of the constant copying unlike back in the day where we had individuality and didn't want to end up at an event to see others all wearing your exact same outfit!😂😂😂 I really love hunting out the more unique designers!
Thank you for stating what should be obvious. I have been knitting for decades and have many pattern books. I only found RUclips 2 years ago. I also dislike knitting what everyone else is knitting. I first remember this with the Love Note sweater. It’s crazy how narrow minded people can be. I have never knitted from the same designer twice! 😅 I love the variety we have. Thank you again for this video.
I don't think knitting is getting stale. YT algorithm is just not far along after the one that wants to sell you the exact same thing you bought 5 min ago. While new recommended videos kind of are having a lot of repetition, the single content creator will do a lot of different things with the occasional trend format to gain some clicks. But YT will promote more of those formats leading you to watch the same thing again and again.
Well said. Frankly, even the “new” designs are boring. Nothing imaginative. And not everyone is interested in sweaters.
I couldn't agree more! 💯!! You put it so well!
I was intrigued by the title of your podcast and was not disappointed. there are so many under appreciated designers who are eclipsed by the "superstars" of knitting like Andrea Mowry and Petite Knits. In addition, there are lots of older patterns out there that have stood the test of time and are also wonderful. Others like Gudrun Johnston, Carol Feller, Laura Taylor, Andrea Rangel, too many to mention. As a side note, at the end you said you didn't like the black and white graphic color work sweater or stripes, but I notice you are wearing a graphic black and white t-shirt. LOL. Look forward to more content from you. thank you for taking the time to do this, it was so refreshing.
Yes, I noticed that in editing. 🤣 I do usually wear that tee *under* my pullovers, so I'll say that in my defense.
I want to knit Gudrun's Vair this year--we'll see!
Proof that humans are followers with very few leaders. Thank you for being different
WELL SAID!
Very refreshing episode. I recently left a comment to this effect on another podcaster's channel, suggesting exploration into little known, or lesser known designers.
The knitting scene feels like an endless parade of Petite Knit, Andrea Mowry and My Favorite Things with the occasional S. West thrown in...even when complaints are made about patterns from designers, still the next episode features yet another project from them.....baffling. Thanks for giving fresh names.
From a non influencer knitter perspective- I work. Full time plus side jobs. I will definitely use same yarn as in pattern to avoid not being satisfied because I chose the wrong substitute. I don’t always have the time or budget for experimenting. Imitation is definitely still a form of flattery. However, I can totally appreciate another’s need to only knit creatively, and those who knit just as much for providing content as well as a usable finished product. Thanks for sharing some great options to explore for future projects.
Agreed. I'm getting back into knitting after not knitting since a teen. It's a whole new world and so much more detailed and technical information people are sharing.
Crafting in adulthood just haven't resulted in having a lot of time for it (work,side hustle, kids, caring for parents, being a spouse, limited budget). So trying learn through experimental exploration just is not where I am right now. So getting advice from a variety of perspectives on popular designs and yarn recommendations is not a deal breaker. Especially when the videos are teaching techniques.
I can see how for more experienced knitters it could become boring though.
I was on ravelry this morning and thought I wish there was a way to exclude petite knit from the search results! Just like you said - nothing against her or her designs but one of the things I like about knitting is the individuality of it. There are other podcasters talking about other designers - thanks for being one of them. A few others I like are Crazy for Ewe, Easily Knitinfluenced and Knitting Jungle.
You can exclude a designer from your search. It's very easy. Rachelisknitting has a tutorial on this and some other useful ravelry features!
@@notthatandrea Just looked her up - great resource, thanks for the suggestion!
I am so with you on this. I think people don’t dig into the designs available and jump on whatever is new from a few designers.
I started to knit and crochet way back in 1969 when I was sweet 16, my first jumper was an arran traditional Scottish pattern for my new husband as he desperately wanted one but the buy off the shelf sizes were way too short for his body and arms, i had sewed from age of 10-11 and could
" read" patterns no problem from daily wear to theatrical garments for Am- Drama i was involved in and as i had been dancing from the age of 3 Highland and Ballet regularly participated in competitions for Highland dancing i was taught by my great aunt a traditional highland tailor to make my own outfits for competing. I thought knitting would be easy to pick up too. My mother in law was a proficient knitter who literally howled with laughter when she saw the pattern and the yarn my husband had chosen telling me I'd never complete it as even she knew the pattern was beyond her skill level and the forest green yarn was going to be impossible as the darker the yarn the harder it would be to " read" the pattern. I never mentioned it again and she assumed that I had given up and one night as she was visiting and I was putting the finishing touches to a dress i had just completed that evening before she arrived she decided to rub it in on how she told me that I couldn't begin to knit the jumper how even she with all her years of knowledge of knitting knew that it was far beyond her abilities she became very personal in her comments. My husband had been working in the spare room fixing up his fishing tackle backpack in preparation for a weekend away with his cousin the upcoming weekend. It was the first time that he had heard how she spoke to me when he was not around he was furious. He popped his head around the door and asked if anyone wanted tea or coffee and some cake everyone but his little sister said yes and she wanted a cold drink so she went out to give him a hand bringing it in to us, she arrived carrying her drink and the cake etc, she was desperately trying not to laugh out loud and kept looking at her mum rolling her eyes shaking her head.
Suddenly it all makes sense as my husband walks in carrying the tray with everything on it for tea/ coffee placed it on the table and asked who wanted what while pouring my coffee fixing it for me and handing it to me, he made his own and as his mother hadn't said a single word since he came into the room asked her if she was ok and what could he pour for her. She jumped to her feet yelling at sister in law to get her coat on and her things together when she was asked why by sister in law she just said they were leaving NOW. SIL just shrugged picking up her belongings put on her coat and as MIL was rushing her out the front door turned to me and said how much she liked husbands jumper especially the tall polo neck as she could never find one she truly liked the length of and could I make her one for her upcoming birthday as she has been asking her mother to make her one for ages but she kept on telling her to just buy one because the traditional arran patterns were beyond her capability but like husband the bought version was always too short in body and sleeves and the polo necks were about half as long as the one my husband was wearing, i told her sure and if she wanted to we could go into town at weekend when husband is away with their cousin fishing so she can pick her own yarn colours.
MIL was having a meltdown by front door almost pulling SIL's arm off in her hurry to get away.
She never spoke to or visited us for six weeks almost the same time it took me to knit SIL the jumper and a matching hat in same pattern. When she did call us it was because she had an emergency and needed husband's help of course he was wearing his jumper when he went to see her.
Back to the night she stormed out of our house as soon as the door closed behind her husband burst into laughter. I asked him why he had deliberately put his jumper on knowing how she was going to react, he told me he was furious hearing how she had spoken to and about me i told him that was nothing she's said and done much worse but i thaked him for standing up for me, i don't know what he said to her after that but she suddenly lost the power of speech around me.
I had actually completed his jumper to fully fit his six foot five inches tall body in just over five weeks. All i did was carefully read the instructions and followed the row by row instructions to the letter only adjusting the length for body, sleeves and neck. As i had never knitted before from a pattern I never understood that it was for an advanced knitter. Ive lost count of the arran pattern s ive knitted through the years jumpers, cardigans, vests and hats i even knitted our teenage daughter a full midi length arran dress and crocheted other daughter an arran mid thigh jacket.
I don't buy individual patterns but rather make my own. My biggest project in arran is the top blanket for our emperor sized bed 52 12x12 individual panels consisting of an oblong panel with a Scottish thistle inside a double diamond with matching pillow cases for the top decorative pillows. My daughter is pregnant now and baby due in late September she wants me to make a complete outer wear outfit to bring baby from hospital containing a baby arran cardigan, a matching arran hoodie style jacket with attached mittens and a pair of dungarees, with a matching cardigan for her. Her first request was just finished last week a arran style dressing gown croheted in natural shade of dk it looks amazing even if I do say so myself shes tiny but so is her sister and in her final stages of pregnancy she was massive so dressing gown reflects this and is almost the length of a maxi. Again. Own pattern.
Its amazing what you can do if no one explains why you cant
Exactly! My MIL was a sweetheart and was making a simple knit sweater for me when she passed! It was done except for 1/2 a sleeve. I new she scrimped for yarn mlney and wanted to make it for me . I knew basic knitting but hadn't really made anything but a scarf. I then got a book and it had a pattern for an Aran sweater. I then analyzed it and broke the patterns down into chart form and proceeded to knit! I finished itand wore it! I then felt confident enough to finish what shed so lovingly begun ! I wore both sweaters until I became pregnant with my first child! No one told me I couldn't, so I did !😂 I guess you have to want to ! Plus, knitting is just two basic stitches and endless variations! 👍💞
Thanks for this video. Fully agree with you. I look at the videos and think is this all? I knit for 50 years and even in the 80‘ we all knitted different design. Especially the hype with stockinette stitch. I get bored when I can knit stockinette only. Plus the designers often don’t have the basic instruments such as schematic measurements to make it easier to adjust. And this hype of top down knitting: I did now 3 sweaters of one is fitting well. I stay with my bottom up knitting, can make adjustments all the way and I crochet the parts together which I really enjoy. And I think the prices from the designers have become far too expensive. I‘d bought now 10 or 12 and all them weren‘t good enough. I go back to the good old magazines - I can have a look first in the instruction and when Inlike it I buy it. Far simpler and more relaxing. Kind regards from Germany 🇩🇪
Thank you. I have been struggling to find something I haven’t seen 100 times already. I will be checking these out for sure.
haha you comment made me laugh. Same here! Lately I am in love with Japanese and Korean designs, so unique and beautiful!
I'm going to dip my toe in the water this way: a lot of the videos are made by young women. The basics they make might be skills building patterns. You can't deny that Petite Knits' patterns are exceptionally well written (helpful for skills building) and very wearable/stylish. I'm just glad people are knitting.
Yea a lot of the videos I’ve watched, these women started knitting recently (like in the past 2-3 years due to Covid), which would lean towards making more beginner projects.
It reminds me a lot of crochet when everyone was making the 6 day star blanket, a lot of beginners hoping on trends.
I’m a crocheter and keep looking at knitting at some point. (I did teach myself knitting basics from a book 56 years ago along with crochet).
I’m in love with Noro yarns and enjoy looking at their magazines and what is designed. This was an interesting vlog, thank you for your insight and viewpoint. In the meantime crochet it is!
You’re so right, there’s so much uniformity in patterns the last few years!🤨 I am always looking for different and special designs but find it not always easy ! so thank you so much for the list of designers in your notes!!🙏🏻😊🥰
Also, why the obsession with knitting everything with a strand of mohair,? Everything doesnt need to have the same texture. So many different textures in yarn available, why homogenize things with a fuzzy overlay.
On the designer side: more yarn support from a yarn company if you convince everyone to spend three times as much per project.
On the knitter side: the pilling is less visible, so people think it isn't happening, the halo looks *amazing* for instagram photos, and wonky tension is more hidden.
I didn’t even realize why I’m not watching as many podcasts until I saw this! Selma from Little Big Knits is spotlighting lesser known designers with 50 or less projects made from their design.
I agree! I couldn’t believe how many people spoke about the same designs. I already know everything about the item I don’t have any desire to do it myself. I’m just looking for more authenticity and originality, otherwise it’s really monotonous and boring.
100% agree. What feels even more confounding is that many podcasts are: 1 hour+ in length, about the same 5-10 patterns/designers(your point), in varying shades of beige. It's a copy/paste world out there, but not even with colour.
I really enjoy watching Mel Makes Stuff, not exclusively knitting, but always to do with garment construction. She is always trying new things in her wardrobe building. She uses colours, interesting construction elements, and though she can have the odd video an hour in length there isn't many. She gives well detailed breakdowns of some really complicated projects, my only complaint is she doesn't post often.
I don’t know if you watch podcasters globally , but I started reconnecting with culture and finding folks who were from our culture and what ideas they were coming up or re igniting the creative process. The other issue is “everyone has become a designer for income “ it’s no longer a hobby or creative outlet, it’s not “oooohhh look what I made and it’s cool”. I’m 45 and I’m like idk what’s going because I stepped back severely years ago
I’m a relatively new podcaster,I’ve never knit a Petit Knit or MFT pattern. This was interesting, thank you
Great list of designers! I’m happy to report that I’ve test knit for 3 of them, bought/knit patterns from at least 2 others and will be checking out the remaining on ravelry 👍 variety is the spice of life!
I again love watching everyone different interpretations of classic designs. Love the familiarity of well-known designs. This is the beauty of the free market. The best will always be popular for a good reason. People spend their money freely where they want.
Thanks, though, for highlighting these designs
Some of the folks you mentioned are fairly well known (or at least I know them), but several are new to me, so thanks for that. We each have our own esthetic so finding "your" people is what makes knitting work. FWIW, I've never made a Petite Knits pattern, although many are lovely. I tend to lean towards Sari Nordlund and Veronika Lundberg (Kutovakika). Glad I found your channel!
Thankyou si much for your pure honesty, I feel the same way. Why, why do everyone only knit patterns from the same designers, I’m tired of looking at the solid scarf and a few other items. This another reason why certain podcasters no longer interest me, they talk way to long; same boring colors and same dedigners
I had the same, after a while I could dream the Petite Knit patterns (I have some of her patterns too, nothing against her, it just gets boring to hear about her so much), the bookclub cardigan and the porcelain sweater. I love the idea of highlighting some less popular designers!
I think many do not realise that they have lost out by all copying one another like sheep in too many ways. There is so much more out there in this world!
Just found you, and two seconds in already liked and subscribed. I don't even have to continue watching to know what you're gonna say (but will continue) and I feel the same!!! This year I'm only knitting/crocheting free patterns from smaller designers. I'm tired of everyone wearing the same thing in the same colors and watching podcasts has become so damn boring.
I’m nearly 80 and was taught to knit age 5. I am sick to death of top down, drop shoulder, positive ease oversized, yarn held double with mohair etc.etc. Same designers etc. Where’s the shaping? Boring. I’m sick of beige, grey, cream. Lazy knitting. Thanks for this and it’s great to hear that I’m not alone as so many of your viewers attest.
Try watch Barbara knit
I agree 1000% and have felt this way for awhile. It's the same designers over and over and let's just use as much brown as possible in different shades. (Yes, I know that Mocha Brown is the Pantone color of the year but I am not a fan of brown. I lump beige into brown, btw.)
I love a good neutral, but not my whole wardrobe!
Thank you!, my thoughts exactly, I've found a few kntting tubers that do some new things I've not seen before, but everyone is obsessed with petit knit, YAWN!
Totally agree with you: the same designers, the same colors and the same sponsors… that’s why I’m watching less videos and finally knitting in silence or with classical music as a background. It helps to deeply enjoy my knitting and to think by myself about what will be my next projects. From time to time I watch podcasts that look a bit different, like yours today. If I need some inspiration and new ideas for a specific garment or yarn, I search for related podcasts. But it takes time… and it seems to me that people don’t take time anymore, even practicing their hobby that should be relaxing and enjoyable. They just consume podcasts content frenetically. And follow the group.
It's a tough relationship because it seems like a self-perpetuating situation. When you're looking for a pattern to knit, you want to feel confident in the results, so you try to find a pattern from a familiar designer with a good community for support around it. That tends to be the same few designers. There are plenty of patterns I'd love to try, but I'm unfamiliar with the designer's writing (and math), there are no projects for it on ravelry, I can't find any videos about the pattern, etc. I'd love to branch out, but sometimes it doesn't feel worth the risk.
It‘s true, that there are often Shows the same projects from the same Designers. But it is frustrating to try to knit a sweater or a cardigin from a new and unknown Designer whose pattern includes several errors. My last project was a sweater which nearly endet as an UFO because the WS stitches were false. It took a long evening to find out, in which manner this could be corrected. Kutovakika or Petitknit are much better. But can‘t stay from knitting new Patterns from new Designers! 😊Thank you for your video
Completely agree and have done for a very long time. Well done.
Great video! It’s sparked some thoughtful comments below both to and for :) I was thinking the same thing the other day! When I was searching Ravelry a lot of Petite knit and a lot of stockinette! Here’s a couple points to add to the discussion: 1) Modern scandi knitting is really having a moment right now and its aesthetic is minimalist-this is echoed in fashion in general. 2) There are a lot of new knitters! I am amazed how many especially younger ones they don’t remember the days of pattern books and magazines :) 3) There’s almost too much choice: it feels overwhelming. But I agree it’s time to branch out! Your video has personally reminded me to do the same.
I think "too much choice" may actually be the root of it--if you're overwhelmed by the sheer number of options it's a lot easier to just go with what you know or what everyone else is doing.
@@MediaPeruanaKnits Agree I really look to bloggers to bring designers to my attention so thanks for the vid and the bundle. Will be checking the designers out!
Thank you for talking about this! I’m new to video creation on YT and I find I want to be unique. I’ve definitely knit popular patterns but now I’m being conscientious about finding designers we don’t hear about everyday. It has made me slow down and enjoy the pattern searching process more before I cast-on a new project. 🙂
I think the focus in the online knitting community has recently shifted to smaller designers due to market saturation with the same popular knitwear designers putting out the same stockinette patterns over the last few years. From the people I follow on instagram, I've noticed a trend towards Korean designers especially because of the care and attention they give for cable sweaters and colourwork designs. On youtube, I can't say that I've noticed a change from the younger podcasters I follow, but from fellow millennials, I have noticed a trend towards being more selective and intentional knitting in terms of choosing patterns that are wearable for everyday life or unique in that it introduces new techniques for them as a knitter.
Personally, I've got a few sweaters from Korean designers in my queue because I find they tend to have an eye for aesthetic design (Heart Chain Sweater from Mayo, Oreum Sweater from Knitter Sol, Checkerboard sweater from Miela Workshop) and I've been scoring ravelry for the perfect fingering sweater sweater. I haven't found it yet, but I'm looking for a simple style done (eg stockinette, raglan or drop shoulder, nicely shaped neckline).
I completely agree with you, and I believe that at least part of the reason for this lack of diversity is that we've gotten so used to multitasking while we knit - nearly nobody knits without listening to/watching a podcast, reading/listening to a book, etc., and in my personal experience, it's harder to do this with stranded colourwork than with a PetiteKnit sweater (where, once you get over the increasing portions, it's stockinette highway all the way through!).
I liked your recommendations; I knew Lily Kate France, Cheryl Mokhtari and Along Avec Anna, the other ones were new to me.
I would also like to propose my "nominee", so to speak - Ainur Berkimbayeva has some amazingly complex sweaters and other patterns that (at least for me) are definitely not multitasking knits but are truly interesting and works of art in themselves. I'm currently working on her Bereket sweater, which is a wonderfully engaging knit!
This is an interesting theory, it's very true that mostly stockinette knits are better for multitasking.
Please know that I am not being unkind, but every time you mentioned that you aren't a stripe person, all I could see is the top you're wearing.😊 ....but you're right about there being so, so many of the same projects being knit from very popular designers' portfolios. The same thing happens with hair styles, ready to wear fashion, home decor, party planning and on and on and on. Most people find comfort in conforming. I love my cumulus sweater and my Sofie scarf and my Kobuk hat, but I also love the many patterns I've knit by much less known designers. Mixing things up really does add interest to the doing and the wearing of what we make.
I've only been knitting for just over a year, but I totally agree, I'm seeing the same sweaters on knitting podcasts over and over again. And what's up with so many people knitting in only "neutral" colours AKA beige/cream/white. Don't get me wrong, as someone who is into colour seasons and falls into the autumn category I do love a good beige, but seriously, other colours exist. Isn't the whole point of neutral to pair them with other colours in our palettes?
You may have a bit of grumpy old lady sickness because I watch a wide variety of podcasts, even knitters from other countries and there’s always a variety of patterns they discuss . But for me, I’m always more interested in designers who are size inclusive because I have a bust circumference of 52 and a lot of smaller designers, vintage patterns, less well known patterns don’t come in my size. So, a lot of the well known designers are well know for a reason. They have like 9 sizes per design, which is awesome for me. So, I’m not grumpy about that.
You aren’t into stripes but you are wearing them. They look perfectly good on you 😊
Thanks 😂 Maybe it's just KNITTING stripes I don't like.
Totally agree! As for the Sophie scarf obsession....sorry, I just don't get it. One of my favourite designers is Valentina Bogdanova. I've knit several of her sweaters and love them all...but then I like to knit more complex patterns in finer yarns. I'm also finding myself, more and more frequently, going back to vintage patterns (I've recently knit a couple of Alice Starmore patterns) and pattern hacking.
I’m not on Instagram enough to see certain designers. I watch podcasts where the podcasters are between 20? - 70?+ I have to say in such a wide age range is a wider range of what they knit or crochet.
I was so happy to hear you mention Lily Kate! I love her patterns!! I think her written instructions are incredibly clear and easy to follow. She also has a great RUclips channel where she discusses the thought process behind her patterns. 😊
Love the general idea of your video but would have wished for some more out there or daring patterns that don’t also look like the mainstream patterns. Don’t exactly see the point supporting designers who make the same designs as the popular ones. But generally agree with you. And fabelknitwear is the bomb!
Great point. I am extremely surprised that the internet patterns are so popular. Years ago you had to understand the construction and you improvised/calculated stitches/planned patterns yourself. The biggest advantage of knitting was uniqueness! I can undestand knitting from patterns when you learn, but then you should plan/design yourself
Videos are basically out there for beginners. Thats why they are so easy. An experienced knitter isn't looking for video tutorials nowheree near as much as beginners. I believe that is why, imo.
Yippee, some great suggestions to explore, although I had previously heard of a few. I try to spend time searching Ravelry and other individual websites for something that’s not ‘trending’ - whatever that means - when looking for a new project. I despair when knitters say they have one particular design in many different colours and/or yarn weights. I agree there are many popular great designers who do deserve their popularity but one of the main reasons I love to knit (& craft generally) is to create something that’s is relatively unique and there are so many great underrated, but first class, designers around the world who should be promoted more. I literally cast on one of Elenor Mortensen’s tops yesterday, the Eowyn Tee, in lime green, one of her few none stranded work designs.
For easy colourwork/stranded knitting, Jessica McDonald's patterns are great!
Interesting video, and I agree. I am not only older than many knitters, but also not on Instagram. I think that is why I tend to make more diverse designs. My two most admired/complimented sweaters are by a small designer (Herbgarden Knitwear) and an old pattern with no other projects but mine on Ravelry (Aaliyah).
I gravitate towards my designers who reside here in the southern hemisphere where we share the same season. Even northern hemisphere knits are too hot in winter for our climate. In the late 70s there was the basic knit in varying thicknesses of yarn. In the 80s it was oversized worsted yarns to knit quickly. Not my vibe. Just all Fashion fads that come and go. The current trend knits are a bit ad nauseum. I am guided by the project comments on Ravelry to determine if it is worth investing my time on a design. The emotional chook was around years ago, but wasnt the ´in thing'.
Thanks for introducing me to some new designers! My queue has definitely grown today. Loved your podcast and just subscribed!
I stopped watching a lot of knitting podcasts because it was the same designers, same patterns, same yarns. There are only a couple knitting podcasts I watch now that have a unique POV or don’t do the same patterns everyone is doing. Even a lot of the designers you mentioned, I’ve heard a bunch of people talking about recently, but definitely less than some others.
The bloom is on my list! Just found out about it and excited to cast on…after I finish these 2 sweaters I’m working on 😅
Agreed. I am experiencing the same thing.
OMG...this is the exact complaint I had voiced to my friend!! Why knit a sweater you can buy in cashmere for less than what the yarn would cost? I want to knit something unique and less common. I enjoyed your video!
Thank you for bringing up this important topic. People want to conform way too much. It really obstructs creativity. I have found that celebrity knitwear designers are a turn off for me. More people should venture out to make their own garments based on their own measurements and gauge.
Hi! I'm so glad for this video - even though I did know all of the designers you showed here, except by Kirsten Joel, maybe, that I only heard mentioned once or twice in podcasts. I've knitted a handful of knits by Fabel Knitwear, I absolutely adore her knits, and knitted two (so far) by Lily Kate France, finding her patterns top notch. I've tested for both last year and had good experiences.
Yes, I totally agree that we see much sameness in the knitting community. I believe this is partly due to the natural tendency of human beings towards imitation, partly favored by the algorithm, and partly due to some cultish vibes the knitting community has sometimes🤐
I tend to see a bit more variety because I linger in the vintage knitting niche, and I feel people are more adventurous there. Maybe because most of people have to learn a lot about knitting to resize the patterns they want to knit, since size-inclusivity didn't exist and most patterns come in one size only. I do understand people ditching vintage knitting altogether for sizing reasons, though, even if a lot of people from all sizes remain in the community and successfully resize their knits in a regular basis
If you're still looking for new podcasts to listen to, I started mine this January, you're invited to take a look :)
Yes there is a group of designers that are wildly popular. And yes, their designs are often similar (i.e. “a simple pullover” again) and simple. So why are they so popular?
Because their patterns are very clear and the end results fit. It empowers new knitters to make stunning, wearable, well fitting garments. I see so many podcasters whose first few sweater are things I could have only dreamed after 5 years of being a knitter.
Most people wear “simple”. An interesting knit can be amazing, but given the cost of quality yarn, who wants a $200 sweater they wear 3 times a year? I’d rather make one I wear once a week.
Why does the same designer produce so many similar patterns? Again, a timid knitter who is afraid to modify can choose a basic pattern in the gauge they want, the rib type they want along with preferred shoulder construction, sleeve type, neck style etc. all allowing them to produce their perfect garment.
I’ve been knitting for 40 years and am in awe of the options we have. I have the skill such that I can literally knit anything I want. That said I’ve knit (and wear) 8 PetiteKnit, multiple Caidree, Ozetta and MFTK designs and will make more.
Bravo for speaking out for smaller designers BUT of the ones you highlighted only one is one I’d never heard of and most of the others I’d consider to be pretty much in the same category as the super popular ones. Much of their following doesn’t “do” Ravelry so I think the project numbers may be skewed.
I agree with what you have written. We also have so much choice in knitting vloggers now, there are plenty to meet everyone’s skill level and tastes. I appreciate different points of view and opinions.
I am not part of the "Everyone Crew" so I never make very common items 😂❤
Thank you for your thoughts. You are so right! Thank you for sharing these designers.
Having suffered a serious brain injury and a broken neck, as I was recovering (it took a decade) all I could manage to knit decently was the simple patterns, stockinette, plain raglans. Comprehension was difficult in this early years of recovery, and I loved my knitting so I suffered embarrassment within myself because I was not able to do what others were doing with ease. I am now recovered, except for the headaches and I am able to expand my repertoire. So there is a place for all of it. I do agree that Ravellry can be improved but then again it’s free.
I love creativity & thinking outside of the box 📦❣️✨☮️🫖🇨🇦🦊📚
Just found your channel and couldn't agree more. I turn it off or forward Petiteknit. After the 3rd or 4th one in the episode, I'm done. I'm an eclectic knitter; I knit modern designs and vintage, mostly 1940s. I'm a grown up. I have my own style, I wear colour for a start. The knits I make are my own style, as I won't knit something that I can buy in a shop for £20 but the yarn (2 lots, held together, 1 mohair) costs me a month's mortgage payment only to look like I bought it from Primark. Oh, and beige, please make it stop!
Hi. I just found you on my feed. I agree with the knitting the same thing hype. I appreciate your effort in highlighting different desiners. It seems like all you hear about is Petite Knit. I do own a couple of her patterns, but I am not hooked on her. I would like to offer another not so popular designer - Andrea Gaughan. She seems to have some simple patterns that are very useful.
I agree, I love Andrea Gaughan's patterns. She deserves way more attention.
Love to hear new suggestions, thanks for sharing!
Honestly I have no problem with people making a lot of stuff from the same designers but I do LOVE what you did here featuring some smaller less known designers that have definitely some beautiful pieces too! I wanted to add another two to keep the support chain going😊 First being Annie from Boho chic fiber Co, I've discovered her just recently and I'm making her newest design which is a drop shoulder textured sweater🥰 The second one has a completely different vibe: Chelsea from knitting tipsy is your girl if you're looking for fun, comfy, sexy knit and crochet pieces for the summer weather😍
I think with so many designers out there it’s very difficult to get your pattern noticed. Each pattern requires lots of time and money to produce and everyone expects them to all be size inclusive. When looking for patterns I try to look for some of the lesser known designers or test knit a pattern. A designer that I found doing test knits is Terri Maue she has less than 20 patterns I have done two a pair of socks and a pullover with color work both patterns were excellent.
I haven’t enjoyed podcasts bc everyone is knitting the same sweaters and garments don’t interest me. I also don’t like knitting socks which is also big in the podcast world. The podcaster I identify with would be Trivial Knits podcast and Carla knits also Noble character crafts. I had gotten so tired of knitting podcasts that I actually started watching crochet podcasts like Cherry heart. There’s so much chatting in knitting podcasts, it takes 15-20 minutes before some of them start holding up projects. Designers that deserve a look:
Kavitha Raman aka Craftdoodling
Jenny Monteleone
Jollyknits
Inger Berg
Claire Slade
Woldten
Thanks for the list, will be checking these folks out!
I know what you are saying. Lately, I am thinking of making items that don’t look store bought.
Such a great idea of yours to make it into something positive, namely a shout-out!❤
I didn't know you until this video. Glad that the algorhythm brought you up. I am quite new to knitting (3rd year) and I already thought it must be just me who notices this!
I couldn't agree more! If I see one more 'What I Am Knitting Now' or have just knitted podcasts that includes the 'Halibut' sweater by Caitlin Hunter and the Lumme sweater by Sari Nordlund and the Ranunculus sweater by Midore Hirose, I will SCREAM!!!! It's the same designs and designers over and over..... Yawn!
I found this to be especially true when I was looking for ideas for my husband's Christmas sweater. Apart from the fact that most vids giving suggestions were WAY too late - they need to be the beginning of November, not mid-December - it was the same designs over and over. I was desperate for some original thinking on the festive sweater ideas and came up empty. I have virtually abandoned Ravelry because I resent paying for a design when there are so many free sources available. In the end I adapted Martin Storey's 'Reindeer Jacket' to a sweater (free pattern on Rowan) and it was a great success.
I came to youtube for knitting chat while I do mundane things and I agree that it feels monotonous! Excuse me for not being interested in stack after stack of beige, greige, and the occasional Pop Of Red(!!) Petite Knit sweaters 🙈
I wish there were more podcasts featuring more fitted garments. I love oversized sweaters, but let's be honest- they are forgiving when it comes to fit. Rather than keep making oversized sweaters because they'll look good even if not adjusted to the wearer, should we not strive to improve ourselves? Knitting has the advantage over sewing, you can always unravel the yarn, it should embolden people to try out new things - shapes, alterations, constructions... When was the last time anyone saw a podcast featuring a saddle shoulder or the rare and elusive set-in sleeve? And speaking of constructions- I feel that the distribution of patterns and projects are skewed towards certain constructions. But every construction has fit issues for certain body types. I'm aware of some, as they are my own fit issues, but I'm not hearing much of it being said on podcasts.
😂
Color I love color & individuality, everyone is knitting the same designers, similar neutrals it's boring & why does everything have to be knit with mohair or alpaca? More designers & more variety in yarns & patterns is needed.😊
Excellent post!
I think many of the most popular RUclipsrs all knit the same things. Even down to the same yarns. But there are tons who knit more interesting mixes of things, you just have to get past the most popular ones and look at smaller channels.
I guess part of it has to be that that’s what the viewers want. A lot of these folks are chasing high numbers of subscribers and doing ads for brands so it’s working for them. Trends are trends because they attract a lot of people to the same thing.
I ❤ ur comment but we smaller channels have given up because we were left feeling totally unappreciated so now we just enjoy our items in secret!😅😅😅😅😅😅
I love this! I was just having this same conversation with my sister (also a knitter). Let's see what else is out there! :)
I thought I would write the designers’ names, turns out I almost know them all! 😅
Designers (and comments) :
Sari Nordlund (I knit the Lumme which is beautiful)
Aimee Sher
Isabella Clark
Lily Kate France (I knit the Abydos and I love it so much!)
Tori Yu (I loved the positivity hat, but it’s a bit small)
Along avec Anna
Fable Knitwear (I knit the Oxford which I liked)
Sloane Rosenthal
Cheryl Mokhtari (I bought the Maritime Tee, but did not do it yet)
Elenor Mortensen
Check out :
Camille K (my favorite of the moment! Romantic and original pieces)
Isabell Kramer
Saskie&co (moonbun is adorable)
Anne Wentzel (well-known but I love the Spot and others)
Sophie Ochera
Trust the mojo
Yeon Hwa Lee (féminine, the Keep it warm is divine and well written)
Gabrielle Vézina
Stephanie Lotven (so fun and colorful)
Olga Grishina (feminine, boho, vintage inspired)
Tanya Koenigs (simple, colorful)
…
I really want to try a Saskie pattern this year!
Yes everyones knitting the same patterns for sure. Also and I know the esthetic is very neutral currently but I wanna see more colour. Im tired of the boring beige of my moms couch from 1985
I’m not sure ‘knitting’ has become boring, the media of it definitely has. Not the same thing.
I still enjoy getting books for inspiration, and I found Pomadour's Craft Cafe (they are on Etsy and have a website). These books are in Japanese, and I do not speak or read Japanese, but there are wonderful advances in translation technology; if I take a picture and upload it I can get all the information in my native language. They have a TON of books and I feel their designers are more creative than anything I have seen recently. In particular I got the book with the Pattern for "Ecologue" from Toskiyuki Shimada and I am so excited to cast it on!
It’s evolved organically, show the way your self , we all inspire each other , there is always trends. Just a thought instagram is what influences the younger ones, the pics look so good .
Thank you for this video! Over the past several months, I have also noted the echo chamber becoming more pronounced on Knitting RUclips. (i) Knitting podcasters and influencers are knitting from the same handful of designers. (2) The format of the videos has changed. For example, six months ago, just about one podcaster would have (random) clips from the episode in the intro to her latest episode, now others have jumped on that bandwagon. (3) Also, before, people would not necessarily mention precisely how long a project had been on the needles. One or two people had done it consistently, but again, and again over the last six months or so, I see it cropping up in more podcasts. These are just a few observations, and I am sure there are several more!
Also thanks for the list of designers! I am familiar with most of them and have either favourited a few of their designs or have them in my queue. But I think I will move some of them up the list and see whether I will be able to complete a few of their designs this year.
Thank you for speaking up about this because I feel the same. I watch knitting podcasts because I love to do that while I knit but it's so samey. And then I go on Ravelry and it's an explosion of amazing things, you just have to hunt and dig around a bit for different designs. It's also strange because all of us having different personal style, we should be knitting so many different things right? My personal opinion is that we're seeing people basically trying to replicate fast fashion with their knitting; pumping it out at a rapid pace (that I personally cannot keep up with, no way no how) and doing 'trending' designs. I feel like this about drop shoulder sweaters at the moment too 😆 I don't get it but I also try not to feel too influenced by it.
Thanks for sharing some of the lesser known designers - because I’m in Europe, I Lily Kate France is in the picture here, but some of the others are new to me and really interesting 😍
We can also click outside of our box to disrupt the "algorithm".
What? You don't want to knit one more beige stockingette stitch sweater with raglan or drop shoulders?
I'm sick of watching everyone gush over the same beige pullover.
Agreed!😂😂😂
Absolutely
I do so agree, l don't understand why people are proudly announcing their 3rd, 4th 5th Ranunculus, Lovenote etc. Why would you keep making the same thing? Safety? Laziness? Like you l have nothing against the patterns or designers. I hate making the same thing, even if people ask me to make something l have done l will (meanly) refuse!!
You say it is not your vibe while wearing a similar tank.🤣
I did realize this in editing, but in my defense, that's a tee I usually wear under a pullover 🤣
I definitely evaluate new-to-me podcasts by how many times they mention Petite Knit. I usually don't even need to wait for Andrea Mowry, Joji Locatelli, etc. An overabundance of the most boring of PK's designs alone will weed out 90% of podcasts. They're rarely even doing the Moby! Out of the various currently trendy designers, Mowry is my big weakness, but even there, people are choosing either only the very latest or only the very easiest designs, and it's BORING.
I think the big reason is that many podcasters are new knitters and deeply chicken ones at that: they'll often talk about wanting a pattern with thousands of past projects so they can easily get advice from other people's ravelry writeups. They're buying the exact recommended yarn and only doing things held with godawful mohair. No experimentation, no taking chances on less well documented patterns. They're often also allergic to less trendy construction methods.
Personally, I just take Norah Gaughan's designs and the like and knit them in the round like a philistine, though I usually leave them bottom up. I too hate seaming, but some of the best and most wearable pieces I've made had to be seamed. The results were worth it.
Knitters *in general* are not like this. Knitters who want to film themselves for youtube or build a following on instagram are like this.
The thing that really impresses me in a podcast is if someone can turn me on to a designer or a pattern that's not on ravelry at all, not just not there for sale but not there *at all*. Second best is highlighting new-to-me stuff on ravelry, which is still very rare when one has thousands of likes and spends a lot of time deep diving on there. Third best is if they can remind me of something I've maybe favorited ages ago but forgotten. That's still rare but more reasonable to expect. You found at least three designers where I don't have anything of theirs in my favorites.
Another issue is the push for inclusivity within very specific parameters. I get it, but it does mean that podcasters generally don't cover the wide world of East Asian designers due to lack of size options or any older patterns or knitting books due to both the size issue and the difficulty of accessing some of them.
I agree with you totally but had to laugh at your "I'm not a stripey girl" with your very stripey top ha ha! And everyone you said it, it seemed to highlight your stripes😂 great show though xx
Adding to my comment below… here are some other great designers that I always thought were underrated. Jennifer Wood, Jennifer Weissman, Bristol Ivey Designs, Teti Lutsak, Emily Greene, Ami Lowden, Mary Annabella and Rachel Illsley!
You are so right! I feel like eg the Bookclub Cardigan was presented by everybody. Fortunately there are still quite a few Podcasts that present different things, like Korean or Japanese designers and also a few not so well known European designers. There‘s still hope for individuality 😀