In my journey from knitter to full-time professional knitwear designer, it took a long time to learn all of the things needed to be a good designer. Information is freely available - some of it good - some not. The time it took to look up every little thing was frustrating at times. I had already earned my TKGA certification as a Master Hand Knitter, so I was confident in my knitting abilities. Designing, however, is a whole new level. I started designing in 2015 for publ

Baa Ram Ewe Bluefaced Leicester, Masham, Merino, Romney, Derbyshire Gritsone, Jacob, Black Welsh Mountain, Hebridean, North of England Mule Bare Naked Wools Border Leicester, Masham, Perendale, Bluefaced Leicester, Targhee, Shetland, Cormo, Jacob, Black Welsh, Cooper, Polwarth, Corriedale, Punta Arendas Birlinn Yarn Co. Hebridean, Cheviot Blacker Yarns Merino, Romney Guern

Knitters and designers have various reasons for choosing breed-specific yarns like taking advantage of specific qualities of one breed, helping to save endangered breeds, and supporting local farmers. While there are more than 1000 breeds of sheep worldwide and over 60 in the U.S., this list is only a sampling of the breeds you're most likely to find in hand-knitting yarn. We're fortunate to have such variety today! The greater the demand, the greater the variety so please ex

I've updated the popular blog article about 2026 Sweater Trends https://www.donnaestin.com/post/the-2026-sweater-trends for knitwear designers who design for the handknitting community. Some designs are completely visual, but others require technical knowledge to pull it off. If you're designing and writing patterns for hand knitters, read on to find out how to create the fabrics that are trending this fall. Classic Cardigan Look for generally thin, fully buttoned, crew neck

We're living in a time when authentic creativity is more valuable than ever. The certainty that when you looked at an image and knew it was real, is now being questioned. I made the decision years ago to NOT use AI in knitwear design. I don't use it in photos, patterns, on social media, or anywhere in the process of design. Hiring a local photographer, local models, and using different locations in town for our photo shoots is real and feels right. For everything else, li

Sweaters are making their appearances on the runways and definite trends are emerging. There is a difference in Trendy and Trends and you don't need to be trendy to follow emerging trends in sweaters. "Trendy" is popular right now. It might or might not be around tomorrow. But "Trends" can last for years and years. A few trends show more staying power than others. When several top designers are showing the same design elements across a wide range of shows from pre-fall t

When you want a visible seam as a decorative design feature, especially at the shoulders, work this method of Three Needle Bind Off. It creates a pretty chain that lies nice and flat on the right side of your knitting. It stays centered between the two pieces without bending forward. This is created by alternating knit and purl stitches as you bind off. Watch how it's done here: Step-by-Step Directions Setup: Make sure you have the same number of stitches on separate needle

Thank to you everyone who has purchased patterns from my website! I've quietly found a way to give back to each of you and have rolled out a rewards program awhile ago. I've been working on the back end to make sure it's a good program, that is fair, rewards loyal knitters, and works as it should. If you're a member of the loyalty program you should have received an email when you signed up. If you're not yet... How to Begin You can join the loyalty program by becoming a site

When you buy from indie artists, designers and crafters, your money goes directly into local communities. We hire photographers, models, tech editors, sample knitters, buy crafting supplies, and give back. Keeping creatives employed, ensures that as a society, we have authentic art in all forms. That true creations will continue to be born from the heart and minds of people, not copies churned out by computers. We understand that you have a choice. You can choose free. You c

If you’re a designer incorporating button bands into your garment, or a knitter wanting to add a button band – read on because buttonholes and bands are all about advanced planning especially if your pattern will be graded over a large number of sizes. Your Goal: Design a functional band that lies flat without distorting the fabric, with evenly spaced buttonholes that is written out clearly in the pattern. Stitch Pattern of Band Can be any stitch pattern that lies flat lik

The relationships that bind the knitting community are many. While we share a common craft, in some ways we are so different. A farmer may not care about what's coming down the runway this fall. A designer may never want to get her shoes muddy. Yet between the ends of the hand-knitting spectrum, one trade blends into another until a perfect chain of passion is formed. Through this passion are shared values which form a stronger bond than any personal divide. At the heart

I used to felt in my washing machine, but now I only felt by hand. What prompted this change was the death of my old washing machine. I replaced it with a modern washer with all the bells and whistles. It's one big computer. It's constantly sensing the wash. I can no longer fill it up with super-hot water and let it agitate until my knitting is a firm piece of boiled wool. So now I felt by hand. It takes longer. But it does allow more control over the felting process,

Knitters are creative souls who love to bring our own style and fair to knitting. When knitters and designers blend their own yarns, we create a unique fiber! Sometimes you can’t find the perfect yarn for a design, or you may just like the look and feel of two yarns held together. By holding two different colored yarns together while knitting, you can tone down a bright color (try combining a neon yarn with a dark neutral color like grey or brow n. ) You c an also lighte

See what's trending in sweaters for the Fall 2025 and Winter 2025/2026 season

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It's that time of year when the fashion shows are walking more sweaters down the runway! After watching so many sweaters appear, certain...

I'm super excited to be teaching two design-related classes at Next Level Knitting Conference in April 2024. Writing Patterns Learn the...