Happily, artisans who uphold the craft abound, with many contemporary designers injecting their yarn with an inventively fresh sensibility. These are a few of our favourites, with some focusing on creating beautiful ready-to-wear collections, while others share their expertise by offering knitting patterns to fellow makers.
Ready-to-Wear Artisan Knitwear Designers
Giannina Capitani
Giannina Capitani is a London-based RCA-trained designer who specialises in bold, geometric knitwear across both fashion and interiors. Melding her Scottish and Italian roots, the unendingly brilliant Capitani uses arresting colours combined with clean, graphic patterns to create statement pieces that instantly pep up outfits and homes alike and bring joy wheresoever they go. Scrupulously using natural fibres, her knitwear pieces are both sustainable and distinctive: you’d recognise one of her designs anywhere. Explore more.
Babaa
Babaa, founded by Marta Bahillo in Spain, is known for its eco-conscious approach to knitwear. Using natural Spanish wool and organic cotton, Babaa creates relaxed pieces with a minimalist aesthetic. Their oversized sweaters, cardigans, and blankets offer a cosy, effortless style that is perfect for autumn layering. With an emphasis on durability, Babaa’s knitwear is designed to age well, becoming softer and ever more beautiful over time. Explore more.
Johnstons of Elgin
With a history dating back to 1797, Johnstons of Elgin is synonymous with luxury knitwear and timeless quality. Known for its exquisite cashmere and merino wool pieces, Johnstons of Elgin offers classic, elegant pieces that showcase the brand's rich Scottish heritage. Their collections include sweaters, scarves, and outerwear, each meticulously crafted with sustainable practices and centuries-old techniques. The brand's dedication to ethical production makes it a leader in the world of high-end knitwear. Explore more.
ROVE Knitwear
ROVE Knitwear, based in the UK, brings a modern, ethical approach to knitwear design. Focusing on small-batch production, the brand uses locally sourced British wool to create elegant, minimalist pieces with a touch of contemporary flair. ROVE's collection spans sweaters, cardigans, and accessories, each designed to be seasonless – simply, the brand restocks what has been popular and gradually adds in new pieces as it goes, thus catering to a happy customer base’s needs. ROVE’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of the production process, from sourcing natural fibres to producing pieces in limited quantities to reduce waste. Explore more.
Valentina Karellas
Valentina Karellas is a London-based knitwear designer who champions sustainability through her use of surplus yarn from London factories. Her designs are bold, urban, and inspired by the energy of the city. Each piece is handmade to order, ensuring zero waste and the uniqueness of each garment. Karellas' knitwear combines vibrant colours, playful details, and high-quality craftsmanship, offering both fashion-forward pieces and an eco-conscious approach to design. Explore more.
Justine Tabak
Justine Tabak is known for her vintage-inspired collections that combine modern silhouettes with heritage British textiles. Her knitwear pieces are crafted with natural, locally sourced materials such as merino wool and lambswool, reflecting her commitment to sustainability and supporting local craftsmanship. Tabak’s designs are feminine, playful, and timeless, offering knitwear that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. Explore more.
Mars Knitwear
Mars Knitwear is a family-run business that has been producing British-made woollens since 1988. Based in Leicester, it specialises in using 100% British wool to create high-quality, timeless garments that reflect traditional craftsmanship. The designs are simple, classic, and built to last, offering everything from cosy jumpers to knit vests. The brand prides itself on ethical manufacturing practices and sustainable sourcing, ensuring that every piece is both beautiful and responsibly made. Explore more.
The Cotton London
The Cotton London specialises in luxury cotton knitwear, blending classic British tailoring with fresh design. The brand focuses on creating high-quality pieces using the finest cotton, making their knitwear breathable, soft, and suitable for year-round wear. Minimalist, sophisticated, elegant and long-lasting, the collection includes both men’s and women’s knitwear, with the onus firmly on timeless essentials. Explore more.
Knitwear Designers Offering Patterns
Drea Renee Knits
Andrea Mowry is the powerhouse behind Drea Renee Knits and a celebrated designer known for her innovative knitting patterns that appeal to makers of all skill levels. Her patterns often feature eye-catching colourwork, texture, and unique stitch combinations, making her designs highly engaging for keen knitters. Drea Renee Knits offers a wide range of patterns, including sweaters, shawls, and accessories, all of which showcase her zeal and passion for playful, modern knits. Her work is highly accessible, with clear instructions that make even complex projects achievable. Explore more.
Rowan
Rowan is a legendary British brand known for both its luxurious yarns and its vast collection of knitting patterns. Since 1978, Rowan has provided knitters with elegant designs that range from simple beginners’ projects to intricate patterns featuring cables, lace, and colourwork. With seasonal collections, Rowan ensures that their patterns stay on-trend while honouring classic knitting techniques. The brand also offers a wide array of yarns made from premium natural fibres – all the better for getting your next project off to the best start. Explore more.
Brooklyn Tweed
Brooklyn Tweed, founded by designer Jared Flood, offers a contemporary take on classic knitwear through its sophisticated pattern collections. With a focus on textured stitches, cables, and modern silhouettes, it has become a firm favourite among intermediate and advanced knitters. Their patterns are designed to highlight the beauty of their American-sourced wool yarns, with an emphasis on sustainability. Explore more.
Kate Davies Designs
Scottish designer Kate Davies draws inspiration from the rugged beauty of the Highlands and the rich history of traditional knitwear techniques. Her patterns, which often feature Fair Isle and colourwork, celebrate Scotland’s textile heritage, from intricate sweaters to delicate accessories. Her wide range of knitting patterns appeal to both experienced knitters and those hoping to learn new techniques. In addition, Davies shares her passion for knitting history through her books and blog. Explore more.
