Styling Viva Magenta Handknits

✓Let the Interweave Knits Winter 2024 issue transport you to a winter wonderland of cozy knits! This remarkable edition features 14 extraordinary projects to immerse yourself in the uniqueness of specially crafted yarns.

It was glorious to see the unveiling of Pantone’s 2023 color of the year, Viva Magenta. This vivid shade is lush, joyous, dramatic, exuberant, and as far as we’re concerned, just what the fashion doctor ordered to liven things up! Whether you’re down to wear magenta head to toe or wear it as an accent piece, we’ve got some ideas for you to create Viva Magenta handknits!

Above: Image source – Adobe Stock

And for those who find it tough to picture projects in alternative colorways, we’ve played with these images to show you how to rock the project in magenta!

Ways to Style Viva Magenta Knitwear

James Cardigan knitting pattern by Michele Wang in magenta — James Cardigan by Michele Wang

Magenta Cardigans

A runway trend we’re still seeing that easily translates to normal folk like us—the 80s! Michele Wang’s James Cardigan is a modern update to the slouchy cardigans of the late 80’s and early 90’s and is super wearable. Knit one up in Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed in the color 149 Marakesh, pair it with a graphic tee and blue jeans, and you’ll be ready for anything the day has to throw at you.

Cambridge Jacket knitting pattern by Ann Budd in magenta — Cambridge Jacket by Ann Bud

Another welcome style that is still going strong: Athleisure. (We hope this one never goes away!) It’s also a bonus when living life in comfort looks good, too. The sporty Cambridge Jacket designed by Ann Budd is a staple piece for anyone and knits up quickly in worsted weight Galway Worsted from Plymouth Yarn. The color 0163 Magenta is a deep and moody take on our color of the year. A head-to-toe magenta look would make a bold statement, pairing this sweater with matching sweats, tee, and running shoes. Or for those of us who don’t like to be fully in the spotlight, try wearing it as a pop of color in an otherwise neutral outfit.

Vana Shrug knitting pattern by Teresa Gregorio in magenta — Vana Shrug by Teresa Gregorio

Magenta Accessories

The LBD is going nowhere in 2023, thankfully! We all know how reassuring it is to put on that one dress that fits us so well and is comfortable to boot. A shrug is the perfect thing to throw on over said dress. And this year, make it viva magenta! Teresa Gregorio’s Vana Shrug is a relatively quick knit, worked from the top down in Fino by Manos del Uruguay. Color 457 Brocade is a stunning hand-dye that has gorgeous, varied tones from the magenta family.

Snowball Hat knitting pattern by Katie Himmelberg in magenta — Snowball Hat by Katie Himmelberg

Not ready to commit to a whole sweater that’s bright pink? How about a hat instead? The Snowball Hat by Katie Himmelberg is a classic cabled beanie that is always in style! Worked up in Valley Yarns Superwash 321 Mulberry, it can be your pop of color on a dreary winter day. Or make it part of an all-over brightly colored outfit – anything goes!

There are so many fun ways to incorporate color into your wardrobe and your knits! Has this article given you some inspiration for your own knitting? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Originally from Iowa, Amy Gunderson lives in sunny Reno, NV. She’s been the creative director for Universal Yarn, yarn director for Jimmy Beans Wool, and all-around yarn enthusiast for over a decade. Her knit and crochet designs have appeared in most major magazines including Interweave Knits. When she’s not dreaming up a crazy sweater idea, you can find her violining, knitting at the dog park or smashing balls on the tennis court. Follower her on Instagram as @amyyounggunderson or on Ravelry as @amygunderson.

Projects to Make Magenta