25 Years of Creative Knitting Themes: Our Favorite Interweave Knits Pattern Stories

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In each issue of Interweave Knits, as you know, we feature one or more collections of stunning knitting patterns. We call these themed collections “stories,” reflecting the thoughtful throughline that joins the patterns together. Often we group the patterns around a theme, whether seasonal, historic, whimsical, or aesthetic. Sometimes we focus on a specific fiber family, a specific technique, or project type. Often we dive into our bookshelves for literary inspiration. Whatever the theme, our incredible family of designers always rise to the challenge!

These themes are always close to our heart and continue to resonate with us years after the issue is released. As part of our 25th anniversary celebration, we’re looking back at our all-time favorite pattern stories from issues past. We hope these themes inspire you, and maybe you’ll find a pattern or two to add to your queue! Don’t forget—you can get access to all these patterns and complete digital issues for one low price when you subscribe to Interweave+!

Stephanie’s Pick: Lab of Curiousities

Interweave Knits Winter 2019

I love a story with a strong theme and a good amount of variety, which is why my vote for favorite Knits story is the science issue, Winter 2019.

The whole issue is devoted to this single story, allowing for plenty of room for all sorts of techniques—unique cables, colorwork, even brioche. And while the patterns in this collection are gorgeous, I have a soft spot for the feature article in this issue: STEM + Knitting: Finding a Place for Craft in the Classroom.

Julia’s Pick: Luxe Fibers

Interweave Knits Spring 2020

Within my first year of working at Interweave, we were putting together the Spring 2020 issue of Interweave Knits. This particular issue focused on fibers, and within that focus there was one story that completely captured me: Luxe Fibers. All knitters know that yarn can be expensive. But there are some fibers—like vicuña, cashmere, and qiviut—that are on the highest of high-end fibers. This story featured four beautiful accessory projects done in buttery soft, luxury fibers.

Of course, the photo shoot went a long way to making me fall in love with this story. We were fortunate enough to be able to shoot at The Farm at Lee Martinez Park in Fort Collins. We had the whole farm to ourselves—except, of course, for the animals, who were delightfully friendly. The farm cat even curled up on my coat for the whole day (see the photo above) giving me a sweet friend to hang out with between looks. Combine that with deliciously soft fibers, and you have a knitter’s dream day.

Andrea’s Pick: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Interweave Knits Summer 2017

If you know me well, you know I’m a big Shakespeare nerd. Imagine my excitement when we released an issue packed with patterns inspired by the bard! Knits Summer 2017 has a special place in my heart, and my queue is full of projects from its pages. While I really loved both of the pattern stories in the issue, the dreamy photography for the Midsummer Night’s Dream story pushes it into first place for me.

The only project I’ve knit from the issue so far is Helena’s Shawl, which was my first project with beads. There are so many more in my queue, though. The Goodfellow Top and Puck’s Tunic are top priority, but I’m also eyeing Hippolyta’s Cover-Up, Titania’s Shawl, and more. My favorite part of the issue is the iambic pentameter poetry included with each pattern. Here’s the poem for the Goodfellow Top: “Alive like hands in lovers’ tipsy stroll / This swirling top mocks doubters of art’s worth / As mischief plays throughout her waves of lace / And moonbeams dance across her rippled face”—isn’t that just lovely? I’ll treasure this issue for many years to come, even just to turn its pages and smile.

Allison’s Pick: North Country

Interweave Knits Winter 2018

Location shoots always bring something to the table, precisely because so much is out of your control. Like the rapidly melting ice from the North Country story in Knits Winter 2018. Shot on a semi-frozen(!) lake, the rugged, rustic sweaters and outerwear practically radiate cold, crisp mountain air.

The Nome and Iditarod pullovers are my favorite patterns of the story; the bearded models look smashing, and the heavy cables are gorgeous. Also, it’s probably the only shoot we’ve done that includes an axe, and the models are on ice skates half the time.

There are so many more amazing pattern stories in the back issues of Interweave Knits, and many more to come in future issues. You can get access to the complete backlog as part of an Interweave+ membership, or you can shop individual issues. If you’d like to get print issues and always get your new issue before anyone else, subscribe to Interweave Knits here! And don’t forget to enter our 25th anniversary giveaway while it lasts.

Happy Knitting!