Knitwear trends: Geometric
Japanese inspired machine knit cardigan in monochrome geometric design at Form Design Centre Malmö
As I found out in Sweden and Denmark the weekend before last, geometric design seems to be everywhere right now, and knitwear is no exception.
This autumn I have noticed a number of updated versions of the fair isle sweater with bold geometric patterns in a monochrome palette. My favourites being from chance discovery, Finisterre; a cold-water surfing brand based in Devon, UK. I’m pretty taken with their mens and womens versions of the classic fair isle crew, showing just how striking two-colour stranded knitting can look. And best of all, both of these patterns would be pretty easy to re-create with hand knitting.
I would definitely appreciate a nice woolly sweater if I’d been cold-water surfing!
Finisterre women’s fair isle crew
Finisterre men’s fair isle crew
As they do almost every season, Toast have been tempting me with their knitwear. They too have been modernising the fair isle sweater with a graphic, two colour motif with the Estonain Jacquard Neat Sweater. Their Airspun Merino Jacquard Sweater also has some unusual stranded geometric colour work, which reminds me a little of an RGB display up close.
Toast’s Estonian Jacquard Neat Sweater and Airspun Merino Jacquard Sweater (detail)
There is no need for hand-knitters to feel left out, there are plenty of geometric-inspired patterns to choose from. For a softer approach, this sweater from Sandnes Design brings a contemporary twist to another traditional classic, the Icelandic Lopi yoke sweater. I love the generous yoke and the restrained use of pink and yellow to lift the design.
Round Yoke Sweater knitting pattern by Sandnes Yarn
Sandnes just happens to be the small city in Norway I visited in July, where I photographed my Colourblock Featherweight cardigan. I’m told that Sandnes yarn is pretty amazing, and they have a wealth of beautiful patterns to choose from, but my Norwegian isn’t quite up to navigating their site so Ravelry is the easiest way to browse. I will definitely check them out on my next visit to Norway.
And finally, this perfect cropped sweater pattern Happy Triangles by Kiyomi Burgin has a totally different take on geometrics; fun, frivolous and whimsical.
Happy Triangles knitting pattern by Kiyomi Burgin
