In the vibrant world of knitwear design, Elizabeth Margaret stands out as a visionary who not only crafts exquisite garments but also believes in the transformative power of embracing diverse ideals of feminine beauty. With a passion for creating truly wearable knits that accentuate femininity, Elizabeth Margaret has become a beacon of inspiration for those seeking a more inclusive and empowering approach to fashion.
Elizabeth Margaret’s journey as a knitwear designer has been deeply intertwined with her belief in the importance of embracing a broader range of feminine beauty ideals. She understands that true beauty knows no boundaries and aims to showcase this belief through her meticulously crafted hand-knit garments. For her, knitting is not just a hobby or profession; it’s a medium through which she strives to make a positive impact on the world.
Join me as we explore her creative journey, uncover the stories behind her stunning knitwear designs, and gain insights into her vision for a better worldโone stitch at a time.
Could you introduce yourself to my readers?
Hi! I’m Elizabeth Margaret, I’m a knitwear designer that strives for truly wearable knits that highlight feminine beauty. I believe that embracing a wider range of feminine and beauty ideals is imperative for a better world, and I think well fitting hand knit garments are a great place to start. There is something beautifully defiant about creating your own clothes, that look and feel amazing, outside of the fashion industry and it’s toxic, archaic standards.
Letโs start at the beginning. When did you learn to knit?
Well, technically I started crocheting first, as a young child probably four or five years old. I first took up knitting sometime later in my Freshman year of college. It definitely “stuck” more.
How did you first become interested in knit design?
For most of my knitting life I’ve been interested in knitting garments. Design was a really natural next step so that I could knit the garments I really wanted for myself. During the pandemic in 2020, while quaraniting in my studio apartment in Brooklyn, I started designing and sharing my work in earnest.
What inspires your design style?
The clothes and knits I have worn the most over the years, dream items that I wish I had in my wardrobe, and the fashion I saw constantly during my life in New York (and I still keep an eye on fashion trends, I wouldn’t call myself trendy but I am really inspired by clothes!)
Can you walk us through your design process, from ideation to finished product?
I find I’m often making tweaks and changes to my process to become more and more efficient, but here it is right now!
- I’m never short on ideas, so I usually know what the next thing I want to knit is going to look like because it’s a garment I want in my wardrobe or that I know my knitters have been asking for!
- I spend time sketching, I’ve just started doing this digitally which has been great. I really think of how the piece will look on a body and try to get all of that info in the sketch, plus my initial ideas. Sometimes I’ve swatched before this step, sometimes I swatch after in which case I may end up sketching again when I’ve settled on the fabric.
- I do all of the grading and determine the measurements for the garment in every size first. Sometimes I bring in my friend Jen Parroccini to consult on this so I know I’ll be happy with the final fit.
- I write the whole pattern out and do all the calculations for every size.
- Then (finally!) I get to cast on and knit my sample following the pattern and making any edits I find along the way.
- Then the pattern goes to my tech editor, then to test knit for a few months, and then out to the world!
I didn’t include all of the marketing stuff and testing responsibilities, but it’s definitely a ton of work to put a garment pattern out into the world!
How do you incorporate feedback from testers or customers into your design work?
I love feedback from testers, in some cases I’ve extended tests or even started them over when an issue has popped up with fit. I think the only way designers and knitters can know that their work is really good is to see it on a lot of bodies, so visual feedback is really important. I think it’s also important as a designer to listen to everything and also discern where someone just needs some individual help.
Whatโs in store for the next season?
I can’t wait to show you!
How do you like to spend time outside work?
My girlfriend and stepdaughters and I do a lot of kayaking, nature walks, swimming and outdoor activities which are my favorite. I also indulge in my fair share of streaming TV and relaxing on the couch, balance is important to me!
Where can we find you?
elizabethmargaretdesigns.com and @elizabeth.margaret.knits on Instagram!