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

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

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

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

Find out key elements needed to design sleeveless knitwear tops and what knitters should consider when selecting a sleeveless tee pattern.

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

Adding a hood to a knitted garment can be practical, fun, and create an interesting look. A hood can be an extension of the body that...