A New Kind Make Nine For A New Year

This year, I decided to reflect on my style evolution and how my hand knits fit into that. Rather than do a standard Make Nine, I decided to curate an Editorial Make Nine. The Editorial Make Nine is more than a list of patterns one plans on knitting, it’s an exercise in reflecting on personal style and understanding what truly resonates when it comes to hand-knit wardrobe pieces. Unlike a traditional Make Nine where the focus might be on patterns to knit in a given year, the Editorial Make Nine shifts the focus to patterns that inspire, represent a vision, identify and guide wardrobe needs and goals.

Engaging in this exercise encourages thoughtful consideration of what makes a garment feel right—whether it’s the fit, design details, or the way it integrates into daily life. For knitters, it can help refine future project choices and even lead to more intentional crafting. It’s a fun, creative way to align knitting goals with personal style, while also exploring how hand-knits can elevate a wardrobe.

This collection was curated as a response to a personal realization: hand-knits that once served me well no longer felt aligned with my shifting sense of style, taste and need. Over time my preferences evolved, and it became clear that a new direction was needed—one that required exploration into what felt right to me stylistically and what would truly serve me in the future. This Editorial Make Nine reflects that journey, highlighting the design elements and characteristics that resonate most with me at this time and represent the vision for an intentional, wearable hand-knit wardrobe.

The patterns in this collection aren’t all bright, shiny, and new. What matters most is not their release date but the style elements they embody. Whether it’s the stitch patterns, textures, drape, overall silhouette or something else, each one reflects a design characteristic that aligns with this point in the journey. Whether  you choose to knit the exact patterns in your make nine, or like me use elements of those patterns as inspiration and guidelines, it is helpful to  remind ourselves that good design is timeless and that finding pieces that truly resonate is far more important than chasing the latest trends.

These are the patterns that in one or multiple ways inspire me, even if I don’t knit a single one. They reflect my love of timeless designs, tailored comfort, and versatility. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each piece shine and why they earned a spot in this collection.

Author’s Note: I want to acknowledge the inspiration I drew from the wonderful hosts of the Knitting A Good Yarn Podcast, who first floated the concept of an Editorial Make Nine. Their thoughtful discussion sparked this reflection, and I’m grateful for the creativity they’ve shared and continue to share with the knitting community.

Henningsen

Henningsen perfectly balances relaxed fit with a touch of elegance. The drop shoulder and positive ease make it cozy and casual, while the seed stitch front bands and option to add a belt elevate it into something more tailored. It’s a cardigan that could transition seamlessly from lounging at home to stepping out for a coffee date and even dinner.

Limetta

I’m drawn to Limetta’s structured yet easy going vibe, thanks to the short row shoulder shaping and visible seams. While it has a lot of fabric and may be a touch bulky for my liking, I love how it teeters between oversized coziness and contemporary lines. Its design is versatile, even if I’d tweak the excess fabric to suit my preferences.

Mondo Cable Shell

This piece exemplifies tailored-yet-relaxed perfection. With its clean single cable detail and multi-seasonal versatility, it’s easy to imagine wearing this layered over a blouse in cooler months or sleeveless in warmer weather. While I’d add more positive ease and split the hem for a modern touch, I love how it bridges the gap between casual and professional. The only drawback? The aran-weight yarn feels a bit heavier than I typically prefer.

Windlass

Windlass is the definition of timeless. The nature-inspired lace and cable details are perfectly balanced—just enough to feel intricate without overwhelming the design. I’d love to knit this in linen for a fresh, airy texture, and splitting the hem would modernize it even more. This is the kind of piece I believe will never go out of style. Full disclosure: I knit this when it first came out, and I wear it all the time, so much so that it’s time for another!

Dreje

Dreje channels “grandpa chic” in the best possible way. The cables—focused just on the front—keep it from looking overly heavy, and the oversized pocket adds a playful, functional detail. I also love the dropped shoulder and cabling along the shoulder seam. It’s effortlessly versatile, easily dressed up with a belt or down for a cozy day at home. A sport-weight yarn keeps it light and wearable.

Muka Pullover

Muka feels contemporary and airy, with its wide ribbing, split hem, and cropped length. While I’d simplify the lace repeat to shorten the sleeves, the overall design feels light and fresh. My only hesitation is the exaggerated drop shoulder, which might feel too oversized for my taste.

Classic Cardi

The Classic Cardi is a staple for any wardrobe. Its straightforward silhouette makes it endlessly versatile—perfect for layering over everything from dresses to tees or being worn buttoned on it’s own. While there’s nothing overly complex about its design, that simplicity is its strength, and I love how dependable and wearable it feels. Pattern not yet available.

Kette Tee

Kette Tee’s detailed ribbing and high V-neck make it a standout piece for me. The balance of modern and classic design elements—like the flattering short sleeves and perfectly cropped length—make it a go-to top for any outfit. It’s clean, unfussy, and utterly wearable, which is exactly what I want in my wardrobe.

Ondawa

Though Ondawa is over a decade old, it still looks contemporary and fresh today. The intricate cables are beautifully balanced by the ribbed arm details, giving it both structure and softness. The neckline and drape elevate it to a timeless piece I could see styled casually or professionally. To me, this is proof that a great pattern truly transcends trends.

What Ties This Collection Together

Several overarching themes emerge from this Editorial Make Nine:

•Tailored Yet Relaxed: These patterns strike a balance between structure and comfort, making them suitable for a wide range of occasions.

•Timeless Yet Modern: Clean lines and subtle, thoughtful details ensure these designs remain stylish for years to come.

•Versatile and Wearable: Each piece works across multiple seasons and can be styled in a variety of ways.

•Contemporary Details: Features like split hems, textured ribbing, and cropped lengths keep these classics feeling updated and relevant.

These characteristics reflect my desire to curate hand-knits that blend seamlessly with a contemporary wardrobe while emphasizing tailored yet relaxed styles. They represent a cohesive “capsule wardrobe” approach, ideal for a variety of occasions and adaptable to different personal styles.

I encourage you to take a moment to reflect and create your own Editorial Make Nine, a collection of elements—whether patterns, colors, or textures—that represent where you are on your personal journey. This isn’t just about knitting, it’s about connecting with the deeper layers of your style, your growth, and what truly resonates with you right now. Allow this exercise to be a mirror, helping you see what you’ve learned, what inspires you, and where you’re headed next. Trust in the process to guide you toward what feels authentic and aligned with your evolving story.

We talk in depth about this subject on the Your Knitting Companion Podcast.

Additional Resources: