Textiles & Patterns

Knit Textile

Knit textiles are fabrics produced by interlocking loops of yarn using needles, creating inherently stretchy, flexible materials with distinctive visual and tactile qualities. Knitting traditions span centuries across Northern Europe, the British Isles, and the Middle East, with regional techniques producing characteristic patterns from Aran cable knits to Fair Isle colorwork and Scandinavian stranded patterns. In interior design, knit textiles have become essential elements for creating warmth, comfort, and the much-celebrated hygge atmosphere. The textural dimensionality of knit patterns, from simple stockinette to complex cable and bobble designs, adds visual interest that invites both eye and hand. The contemporary trend toward oversized chunky knits has elevated knitting from humble craft to statement-making interior textile, with massive knit throws and pillows serving as sculptural decor elements.

Key Characteristics

  • Interlocking yarn loops creating stretchy, flexible fabric
  • Inherent textural dimensionality from stitch patterns
  • Warmth and comfort through insulating yarn construction
  • Wide range of stitch patterns creating varied surface textures
  • Available in machine-knit yardage and handknit pieces
  • Strong associations with comfort, hygge, and domesticity

Types & Variations

Cable knit with raised twisted rope patterns
Fair Isle with multi-color stranded geometric bands
Rib knit with alternating raised and recessed columns
Seed stitch with alternating bumpy texture
Chunky arm-knit with oversized dramatic loops

Common Materials

Merino wool for soft, fine gauge knitwearChunky wool roving for oversized arm-knit piecesCotton for lightweight, year-round knit textilesCashmere for luxury knit throws and accessoriesAlpaca for warm, hypoallergenic knit itemsAcrylic blends for durable, washable knit furnishings

Placement & Usage Tips

Layer knit throws over the arms and backs of upholstered seating for instant warmth and texture. Use cable knit pillow covers to add dimensional interest to smooth fabric sofas. Display chunky knit blankets in baskets near seating areas for accessible cozy styling.

💡 Pro Tip

The key to making knit textiles feel sophisticated is limiting the color palette. An all-white or all-cream collection of varied knit textures, from cable to seed stitch to chunky, creates a tonal layering that reads as intentionally designed rather than accidentally grandmotherly.