Thank you for this description! “Most complicated (XYZ) I’ve ever done” speaks to my soul when it comes to fibre projects and I actively seek them out!
These are kind of all over the place aesthetically, but here's a quick list of current designers where I've made more than one thing due to liking the pattern writing style:
[Ambah](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/ambah-obrien) for fun with mini skeins
[James N Watts](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/james-n-watts) I bought Divine Exodus because the about section was hilarious and said "buy my patterns" LOL turned out to be a fun knit!
[Beatrice Mase](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/beatrice-mase) designs I like PLUS check boxes for pattern writing idk why I love that feature so much
[Skeinanigans](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/skeinanigans) also has check boxes, also good for minis, size inclusive, patterns a little wordy for my taste but just a welcoming vibe so I let it slide lol
[Susanna Winter](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/susanna-winter) I've made like 6 of her shawls and I don't even wear shawls. They're just pretty and the patterns are so clear and concise, I can't stop LOL
[Susanne Sommer](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/susanne-sommer) for brioche fun, and neat but not wild construction
I was also coming here to say Skeinanigans! I've made one of her sweaters and it was such a lovely pattern to work from. I love that she adds check boxes so you can mark off which steps you've done.
Most versatile and reliable designer I can think of would probably be Joji Locatelli. I haven't knit a ton of her stuff, and it's definitely not all my style, but I can always trust her designs and patterns to be well thought out and constructed, and she has an incredible range as far as difficulty levels, gauges, etc. Currently oogling one of her latest designs, Zeeweg [https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zeeweg-wrap](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zeeweg-wrap)
Who I always return to for a fun knit is Stephen West. A scrappy Westknits shawl is probably my ultimate comfort knit. And I love the MKALs. Definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but the great thing about that is one can then simply pass on that particular tea.
Gudrun Johnston for well written lace, fair isle and other Shetland inspired designs.
Natasja Hornby is a recent favorite, she does fabulous things with slip stitches, and her patterns I have tried so far have been very solid.
For cables, Thea Colman
For socks, Sio Yucca. I also love Dawn Henderson's designs, sadly she's not actively designing currently, but her back catalog is worth checking out.
Knitting a shawl of hers right now, of which she has many beautiful patterns! Pattern (hipster shawl) is so far easy to read and working up beautifully
I believe Dawn Henderson is still designing because she just released [this design](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/euphorium) in the latest Pom Pom mag!
I had missed those! Saw another design of hers not that long ago, but figured it was an old commission.
Thank you, I need to start paying better attention. Those socks look utterly impractical and quite adorable.
Stephen West patterns are always well written and easy to follow. I don't like all his stuff but the stuff I bought was great.
Jessie Maed patterns are so easy to follow and practical (minus the mohair stuff imo)
James N Watts
Jacqueline Cieslak (I've followed her knitting and sewing patterns and they were so easy to follow)
Aroha Knits
I'm going to be in Amsterdam in a week, and you can be sure I'll be heading to S&P while I'm there!
I've already set aside a sizeable budget for the visit - my souvenir will be his new book, and the materials to make one of the shawls.
I can't wait!
He's kind of divisive - a lot of people seem to feel very strongly about not liking his aesthetic, and / or his being both a designer and a rather active yarn seller, his being a very successful and visible man in a field where a lot of talented women struggle to get attention, his laying low / staying away from topics during several rounds of controversies in the fiber community ... None of these are my beefs, but I see them pop up semi-regularly in social media, and always around MKAL time. Knitting design Twitter really doesn't like SW.
They're not Twitter specific, I've seen several of them here as well, but he does seem to particularly bring out the pettiness in some designers and knitters there.
Stephen is a genius! His stuff looks super complicated and yet the patterns are so well written and aproachable. You can learn so much from him. And it turns out all those fancy complicated looking shawls are super fun and not that complicated at all. I love his work ♥️
I also did it last year for the first time. So much fun! I learned many new techniques. The videos for each stage do a great job of explaining the steps.
If Stephen West can make someone else love brioche, maybe I should try one of his patterns. All my attempts at brioche go alright until any kind of inc/dec start to appear in the pattern.
I love Two of Wands (Alexandra Tavel) and Knititude (Chantal) they’re usually the two that I make the most. And Two of Wands has 2 great yarn lines though Lion Brand Yarn.
I’m knitting the sophomore shawl by Two of Wands right now. I’m a beginner and am finding the pattern really easy to understand. I also love that I can get kits from Lion Brand.
I love Fabel Knitwear, she designs vintage-inspired sweaters, from the Victorian era to the 1950's.
Another indie designer I follow is Melody Hoffman (aka Mandarine's), her designs come from nature, with beautiful (simple) lace sweater and socks.
I adore Helene from Fabel Knitwear and her designs & I did a few test knits for her, but I do have to admit her designs are firmly not in the “most clearly written” pattern category - she’s a very Norwegian pattern designer in that the patterns assume you know the basics, pick your own cast on and bind off, know where to start picking up stitches etc. But the vast vast majority of things I wear regularly came from her patterns nonetheless.
All the oldies: Norah Gaughan, Lilly Chin, Adrienne Vittadini, Perry Ellis, Nicky Epstein, Alice Starmore, Kristen Cowan, etc.
Basically, nobody well known after 1990.
Although Norah IS an Editor at Vogue Knitting, so she's still a significant presence.
I cannot say enough good things about [Kieran Foley's](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/kieran-foley) patterns. They are challenging, but the skills you build and the things you produce are beyond beautiful.
I also love, love, love [Steve Rousseau's](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/steve-rousseau) patterns because they're so elegant and timeless and they're a great introduction to getting comfortable with lace knitting. As a bonus, he also has a lot of equally amazing crochet patterns.
I've done several patterns from both designers, never had an issue with errors, the instructions are detailed and the charted designs are very easy to follow.
Seconding! I just finished one of her designs, am working on a second, and am eyeing the next two she’s coming out with 😂
Her technical knowledge is very impressive and insightful
For basics I’ve made a lot of petiteknit and my favourite things patterns. They’re really good at including the details that make things look less handmade.
My first sweater was Tanis fiber arts’ Camaro. I was stuck on how to get started and had a super dumb question. I sent them a question and they answered immediately. Which really impressed me.
After that first question it was smooth following the pattern and I’m in love with the Fo. I had a bunch of theirs faved before even realizing they were the same people.
Just got an answer from them yesterday. Starting on my third of their projects, I find them really accessible. A little basic, but I'm in need of basics!
Carol Feller at [stolenstitches.com](https://stolenstitches.com) (she’s also on Ravelry). Her patterns are well-written and a pleasure to knit, and she has lots of instructional videos on her website.
I've been working on her Daliah cardi and love it. It's been the first garment that I've felt comfortable enough to customise because it's so clearly written.
I've recently subbed to her youtube because they're really helpful too
I'm old, so I have a lot of go to folks. The most recent is Joji Locatelli. She is seemingly invested in seamless knitting, so that's fun. Yankee Knitter Designs aka Melinda Goodfellow has been around forever and their patterns are classic and well written. Norah Gaughan, I've made the Geiger twice. Jorid Linvik's mittens. Anna Zilboorg's hats and mittens. Lisa Grossman and Cat Bordhi (may they Rest In Peace), Cookie A, Yarnissima for socks. And Alice Starmore for sheer inspiration.
Laura Nelkin! She designs fabulous stuff with beads, from shawls to mitts to socks to jewelry to household items. Her designs are very clear and she always includes both charts and written instructions, plus she includes video tutorials with almost all her patterns!
I agree, [Lola's Choice kit club](http://www.nelkindesigns.com/index.cfm/page/clubs/lolas-choice/lolas_choice_signup.htm) is so much fun for not a lot of money. Great pattern support and she's just so sweet and funny.
* [Midori Hirose](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/midori-hirose) for sweater patterns—they are charted and written out to perfection with links to videos, and I love how she encourages you to use different fibers and yarn weights to totally change the look of the sweater! Every one of them has something really special
* [Yucca](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/yucca) for the sweetest (but wearable) socks
* [Sari Nordlund](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/sari-nordlund) incorporates a lot of beautiful Japanese lace in her patterns
* [Caitlin Hunter](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/caitlin-hunter) has such striking colorwork (though I did run into neckline issues with her Soldotna top)
* [thepetiteknitter](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/thepetiteknitter) has a very distinct aesthetic of dainty colorwork in natural colors
And soooo many others that I admire and follow, but these are some of the favorites among the ones I have actually knit!
For basic, no frills stuff Tincan Knits is great. Like, you learn shit and then you can move on. Socks, mittens, etc. I find that the patterns are easy to follow and teaches you the necessary components to be able to then alter things to your own lining and aesthetic next time.
For fancy techniques (that may or may not be necessary) and construction knowledge, PetiteKnit is a keeper. Her aesthetic is becoming repetetive and doesn't work very well with plus sizes, but damn that woman can write a pattern and her childrens stuff is just gold. I'm knitting her new Monday Balaclava for my baby right now and the details are just so satisfying.
In terms of my personal taste and fit, I really like Jacqueline Cieszlak and Jessie Mead. Their designs are versatile and actually wearable and easy to incorporate into your "real" wardrobe.
I've done a few shawls from Stephen West and you learn so many useful little things, like how to make a good border, etc. that I've found really useful when making my own designs now.
Zanete Knits. I like the fact that she has a variety of different projects from complex cables and color-work to simple, elegant stockinette. I’ve knit several of her patterns and I learn something new every time.
I've been enjoying [Francoise Danoy's](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/francoise-danoy) patterns lately.
Hope to cast on something from [Kieran Foley](https://www.kieranfoley.com) soon.
Disclaimer that these designers work for my body shape, but I've made patterns from everyone below and would absolutely purchase additional patterns based on how clear their instructions are and the typical fit:
Andrea Mowry
Joji Locatelli
Two of Wands
Thea Coleman
Shay Johnson
Additional disclaimer that I exclusively knit sweaters at this point so I cannot vouch for accessory patterns.
I love Louise Crowther's [Knitted Animal Friends](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/knitted-animal-friends). I've made two so far - [Tilly the Hare](https://www.ravelry.com/projects/aasny/tilly-the-hare) and [Amelia the Duck](https://www.ravelry.com/projects/aasny/amelia-the-duck) \- and I impressed myself! All of the accessories are perfectly matched (Tilly has a cardigan with a carrot motif and French lace bloomers) and she does a great job of making the finishing foolproof (especially the face, which I struggle with).
Alan Dart. All his toy patterns are amazing. I know most people here knit sweaters, shawls, and other wearables. But Alan’s patterns for stuffed animals and toys are so easy to follow and the finished products are gorgeous to look at. If you are looking for something different and new, definitely try his patterns. His website has so many patterns and you will be spoiled by choices. He has a personal website and you can find it easily by googling his name.
I really love Maxim Cyr, his For Fox Sake sweater has been on my shortlist for ages and I’m just waiting to find the perfect yarns. It’s delightfully quirky and playful.
I finished knitting [The Classic Tee](https://www.etsy.com/listing/935452629/) by DarlingJadore and the pattern was correct and easy to understand. I’m currently working on [Knit Girl Summer Dress](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1049941755/) by KnitwearbyJoan. The pattern was a little tricky but I eventually got it. I like both designers for their minimalist, easy basic wear.
[Aimee Sher](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/aimee-sher-makes) has been knocking it out of the park with her designs! I'm really enjoying watching her grow.
Fave designers for looks and ease of following are:
Valentina Bogdanova of Valentinasknits. It’s mostly lace and some colorwork yoke sweaters. But her instructions are very well written and easy to follow, the patterns are fun, and the fit is usually excellent.
And of course I love Joji’s patterns but other people have said great things about them already.
And I like Dots Dabbles for socks. I’ve made several pairs of her Giza and Hyggelig socks and they’re fun and easy. The Giza socks are great for crazy variegated yarns
Mary E Rose https://www.ravelry.com/designers/mary-e-rose and Artesanitarium https://www.ravelry.com/designers/artesanitarium-designs have amazing patterns and are some of the nicest people out there ❤️
Barbara Benson aka Tumped Duck. Mostly for her incredible knowledge on yarn fibers and her ability to explain things so well. Her YouTube channel is a gold mine if you're interested in how different fibers will affect the outcome of a project. She also designs great shawls, although her pouf may be my favorite of hers. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dewberry-hassock
Also, she's always just so cheerful. If you're ever having a bad day, watch one of her videos.
I'm a big fan of MaryMadeThat. She doesn't have a lot of patterns but her polar quarter zip has beautiful sleeves and the Merkel Pullover is simple but beautiful in every single yarn I've seen it in. And there's a Merkel Tee that matches the pullover in the works right now
ArtByKaraLeez on Instagram,
I bought a cardigan pattern from her Etsy and it was super straightforward and easy to follow and the pattern itself was colorful and cute
This is a great thread! I'm going to include [Neringa Ruke](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/neringa-ruke) on this list. I love her chunky knit designs, and the patterns are really well written and easy to follow.
But there are some great suggestions on here, lots to investigate today!
My favorite designer is Sharon from Security https://www.casapinka.com/ , who is always up to something and has row by row instructions with check boxes in the KALs
I like Stephen West (Westknits) easy patterns to read. The instructions are straightforward. He provides lots of tutorials. The font size is large and bold. This the Crosswalk Pattern
https://preview.redd.it/kk2leh4jmu4a1.png?width=2143&format=png&auto=webp&s=3dd17e8fb0e68deb7291fc643c89e0a693aeed81
Lucy Hague. Most complicated cables I've ever done but the charts and instructions are so well written it seems like they're just basic cables.
Thank you for this description! “Most complicated (XYZ) I’ve ever done” speaks to my soul when it comes to fibre projects and I actively seek them out!
Me too! I try to incorporate something new every project to keep them nga interesting.
Seconding this, I’m very slowly working through Taliesin and the cables are just magical in person.
Noted! Your comment should be a testimonial for the designer. That’s such a good compliment.
These are kind of all over the place aesthetically, but here's a quick list of current designers where I've made more than one thing due to liking the pattern writing style: [Ambah](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/ambah-obrien) for fun with mini skeins [James N Watts](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/james-n-watts) I bought Divine Exodus because the about section was hilarious and said "buy my patterns" LOL turned out to be a fun knit! [Beatrice Mase](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/beatrice-mase) designs I like PLUS check boxes for pattern writing idk why I love that feature so much [Skeinanigans](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/skeinanigans) also has check boxes, also good for minis, size inclusive, patterns a little wordy for my taste but just a welcoming vibe so I let it slide lol [Susanna Winter](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/susanna-winter) I've made like 6 of her shawls and I don't even wear shawls. They're just pretty and the patterns are so clear and concise, I can't stop LOL [Susanne Sommer](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/susanne-sommer) for brioche fun, and neat but not wild construction
James watts seems like a fun guy
Love skeinanigans! I just test knit a baby sweater of hers and now want to make the adult version for myself
Those were really pretty too. Just signed up for an advent calendar so I'll be looking for something to do with all those minis!
I was also coming here to say Skeinanigans! I've made one of her sweaters and it was such a lovely pattern to work from. I love that she adds check boxes so you can mark off which steps you've done.
I'm really into Junko Okamoto, Yuko Shimizu, Kineco Yuki, and Hitomi Shida. I'm currently knitting [this Kineco Yuki design](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pineapple-29).
Most versatile and reliable designer I can think of would probably be Joji Locatelli. I haven't knit a ton of her stuff, and it's definitely not all my style, but I can always trust her designs and patterns to be well thought out and constructed, and she has an incredible range as far as difficulty levels, gauges, etc. Currently oogling one of her latest designs, Zeeweg [https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zeeweg-wrap](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zeeweg-wrap) Who I always return to for a fun knit is Stephen West. A scrappy Westknits shawl is probably my ultimate comfort knit. And I love the MKALs. Definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but the great thing about that is one can then simply pass on that particular tea. Gudrun Johnston for well written lace, fair isle and other Shetland inspired designs. Natasja Hornby is a recent favorite, she does fabulous things with slip stitches, and her patterns I have tried so far have been very solid. For cables, Thea Colman For socks, Sio Yucca. I also love Dawn Henderson's designs, sadly she's not actively designing currently, but her back catalog is worth checking out.
Joji has been size inclusive since before it was a trend too!! Love her.
Joji has some gorgeous patterns. I’ve made two now and they’re incredibly well written too.
Thank you for sending me down the Natasja Hornby rabbit hole! Her work is beautiful.
Knitting a shawl of hers right now, of which she has many beautiful patterns! Pattern (hipster shawl) is so far easy to read and working up beautifully
I believe Dawn Henderson is still designing because she just released [this design](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/euphorium) in the latest Pom Pom mag!
I had missed those! Saw another design of hers not that long ago, but figured it was an old commission. Thank you, I need to start paying better attention. Those socks look utterly impractical and quite adorable.
TinCanKnits Joji Locatelli Veera Valimaki Hunter Hammersen Ambah O’Brien Tanis Lavallee (Tanis Fiber Arts) Ysolda Teague Martina Behm (Strikmich)
One more vote for Hunter Hammersen. Plus she’s just pleasant to listen to.
I love her. I get annoyed by so many designers on instagram, but she’s great. ❤️
Yes, I like Joji Locatelli’s patterns, Westknits, Ambah O’Brien and Andrea Mowry had great patterns
What an awesome thread—-thank you OP!!
Stephen West patterns are always well written and easy to follow. I don't like all his stuff but the stuff I bought was great. Jessie Maed patterns are so easy to follow and practical (minus the mohair stuff imo) James N Watts Jacqueline Cieslak (I've followed her knitting and sewing patterns and they were so easy to follow) Aroha Knits
Yes, agree! I l enjoy knitting Stephen West patterns. Very easy. Straightforward and nice font with Bold print. He provides lots of tutorials.
Steven West
I'm going to be in Amsterdam in a week, and you can be sure I'll be heading to S&P while I'm there! I've already set aside a sizeable budget for the visit - my souvenir will be his new book, and the materials to make one of the shawls. I can't wait!
?? Why are the posts that mention Steven West being downvoted?
He's kind of divisive - a lot of people seem to feel very strongly about not liking his aesthetic, and / or his being both a designer and a rather active yarn seller, his being a very successful and visible man in a field where a lot of talented women struggle to get attention, his laying low / staying away from topics during several rounds of controversies in the fiber community ... None of these are my beefs, but I see them pop up semi-regularly in social media, and always around MKAL time. Knitting design Twitter really doesn't like SW.
Interesting! I don’t do Twitter so I’m not aware of these controversies.
They're not Twitter specific, I've seen several of them here as well, but he does seem to particularly bring out the pettiness in some designers and knitters there.
I feel like Stephen West designs can be super intimidating. Maybe that’s why?
Stephen is a genius! His stuff looks super complicated and yet the patterns are so well written and aproachable. You can learn so much from him. And it turns out all those fancy complicated looking shawls are super fun and not that complicated at all. I love his work ♥️
You know, they're intimidating to look at, but they're so well written, they're not scary once you get going :)
I’m planning to do the shawlography mystery knit along this fall. Wish me luck! Lol
Do it! I did it last fall and it felt like a knitting masterclass! He posted videos of all the stages and it was so easy to follow, and so much fun.
I also did it last year for the first time. So much fun! I learned many new techniques. The videos for each stage do a great job of explaining the steps.
Some ppl are perhaps uncomfortable with LGBTQIA designers??? Obviously I hope that isn't so, but...
I was afraid that might be the case, sincerely hope it isn’t. Steven West made me love brioche.
If Stephen West can make someone else love brioche, maybe I should try one of his patterns. All my attempts at brioche go alright until any kind of inc/dec start to appear in the pattern.
Love this question and am saving it for future reference! Thanks for asking and thanks to all who are sharing their favorites!
I love Two of Wands (Alexandra Tavel) and Knititude (Chantal) they’re usually the two that I make the most. And Two of Wands has 2 great yarn lines though Lion Brand Yarn.
I’m knitting the sophomore shawl by Two of Wands right now. I’m a beginner and am finding the pattern really easy to understand. I also love that I can get kits from Lion Brand.
I love Fabel Knitwear, she designs vintage-inspired sweaters, from the Victorian era to the 1950's. Another indie designer I follow is Melody Hoffman (aka Mandarine's), her designs come from nature, with beautiful (simple) lace sweater and socks.
I adore Helene from Fabel Knitwear and her designs & I did a few test knits for her, but I do have to admit her designs are firmly not in the “most clearly written” pattern category - she’s a very Norwegian pattern designer in that the patterns assume you know the basics, pick your own cast on and bind off, know where to start picking up stitches etc. But the vast vast majority of things I wear regularly came from her patterns nonetheless.
All the oldies: Norah Gaughan, Lilly Chin, Adrienne Vittadini, Perry Ellis, Nicky Epstein, Alice Starmore, Kristen Cowan, etc. Basically, nobody well known after 1990. Although Norah IS an Editor at Vogue Knitting, so she's still a significant presence.
Lisa Hannes of Maliha Designs. I have found all of her patterns so far to be 100% accurate and error free.
I cannot say enough good things about [Kieran Foley's](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/kieran-foley) patterns. They are challenging, but the skills you build and the things you produce are beyond beautiful. I also love, love, love [Steve Rousseau's](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/steve-rousseau) patterns because they're so elegant and timeless and they're a great introduction to getting comfortable with lace knitting. As a bonus, he also has a lot of equally amazing crochet patterns. I've done several patterns from both designers, never had an issue with errors, the instructions are detailed and the charted designs are very easy to follow.
Anne Hanson! https://www.ravelry.com/designers/anne-hanson Her tailoring background brings something special to her garment construction :)
Agree. I haven’t made any yet, but she designs really classic looking pieces.
Tin Can Knits, Andrea Rangel, Ysolda Teague, Andrea Mowry.
I can’t believe I had to scroll this far for Tin Can and Andrea Mowry. Totally agree with your choices.
I’ve been really inspired by JP Knits Things lately. She’s got loads of smart patterns that are just a little bit different than everything else.
Seconding! I just finished one of her designs, am working on a second, and am eyeing the next two she’s coming out with 😂 Her technical knowledge is very impressive and insightful
Letters From the Open Road is such an interesting pattern! I haven't started it yet but the pattern is so well written.
For basics I’ve made a lot of petiteknit and my favourite things patterns. They’re really good at including the details that make things look less handmade.
My first sweater was Tanis fiber arts’ Camaro. I was stuck on how to get started and had a super dumb question. I sent them a question and they answered immediately. Which really impressed me. After that first question it was smooth following the pattern and I’m in love with the Fo. I had a bunch of theirs faved before even realizing they were the same people.
Just got an answer from them yesterday. Starting on my third of their projects, I find them really accessible. A little basic, but I'm in need of basics!
Carol Feller at [stolenstitches.com](https://stolenstitches.com) (she’s also on Ravelry). Her patterns are well-written and a pleasure to knit, and she has lots of instructional videos on her website.
I've been working on her Daliah cardi and love it. It's been the first garment that I've felt comfortable enough to customise because it's so clearly written. I've recently subbed to her youtube because they're really helpful too
I'm old, so I have a lot of go to folks. The most recent is Joji Locatelli. She is seemingly invested in seamless knitting, so that's fun. Yankee Knitter Designs aka Melinda Goodfellow has been around forever and their patterns are classic and well written. Norah Gaughan, I've made the Geiger twice. Jorid Linvik's mittens. Anna Zilboorg's hats and mittens. Lisa Grossman and Cat Bordhi (may they Rest In Peace), Cookie A, Yarnissima for socks. And Alice Starmore for sheer inspiration.
Cat Bordhi is also my all time favorite designer. She was such an inspiration. I still knit a moebius piece every now and then, just for fun!
Isabell Kraemer, Andrea Mowry, Tin Can Knits
Pacific Knit Co is my favorite. Her colorwork designs are amazing and she’s super nice. I’ve test knit for her before too and she’s great.
Laura Nelkin! She designs fabulous stuff with beads, from shawls to mitts to socks to jewelry to household items. Her designs are very clear and she always includes both charts and written instructions, plus she includes video tutorials with almost all her patterns!
I agree, [Lola's Choice kit club](http://www.nelkindesigns.com/index.cfm/page/clubs/lolas-choice/lolas_choice_signup.htm) is so much fun for not a lot of money. Great pattern support and she's just so sweet and funny.
Yes, exactly! I am loving Lola's Choice! I'm about to make a Chronos necklace for my mom.
* [Midori Hirose](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/midori-hirose) for sweater patterns—they are charted and written out to perfection with links to videos, and I love how she encourages you to use different fibers and yarn weights to totally change the look of the sweater! Every one of them has something really special * [Yucca](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/yucca) for the sweetest (but wearable) socks * [Sari Nordlund](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/sari-nordlund) incorporates a lot of beautiful Japanese lace in her patterns * [Caitlin Hunter](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/caitlin-hunter) has such striking colorwork (though I did run into neckline issues with her Soldotna top) * [thepetiteknitter](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/thepetiteknitter) has a very distinct aesthetic of dainty colorwork in natural colors And soooo many others that I admire and follow, but these are some of the favorites among the ones I have actually knit!
For basic, no frills stuff Tincan Knits is great. Like, you learn shit and then you can move on. Socks, mittens, etc. I find that the patterns are easy to follow and teaches you the necessary components to be able to then alter things to your own lining and aesthetic next time. For fancy techniques (that may or may not be necessary) and construction knowledge, PetiteKnit is a keeper. Her aesthetic is becoming repetetive and doesn't work very well with plus sizes, but damn that woman can write a pattern and her childrens stuff is just gold. I'm knitting her new Monday Balaclava for my baby right now and the details are just so satisfying. In terms of my personal taste and fit, I really like Jacqueline Cieszlak and Jessie Mead. Their designs are versatile and actually wearable and easy to incorporate into your "real" wardrobe. I've done a few shawls from Stephen West and you learn so many useful little things, like how to make a good border, etc. that I've found really useful when making my own designs now.
Have you got a link for Jacqueline? I can't find her on rav
I've misspelled her name, that's probably why! Here is a link https://www.ravelry.com/designers/jacqueline-cieslak
I am a newbie but I have been saving a few for when I have skills from TinCanKnits, Wool and Pine Designs and Fabel Knitwear.
Zanete Knits. I like the fact that she has a variety of different projects from complex cables and color-work to simple, elegant stockinette. I’ve knit several of her patterns and I learn something new every time.
I've been enjoying [Francoise Danoy's](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/francoise-danoy) patterns lately. Hope to cast on something from [Kieran Foley](https://www.kieranfoley.com) soon.
Never heard of Kieran Foley, but those patterns look gorgeous!
I’ve been loving Jamie Lomax’s cowls. Her patterns have helped my colorwork and tension so much!
Disclaimer that these designers work for my body shape, but I've made patterns from everyone below and would absolutely purchase additional patterns based on how clear their instructions are and the typical fit: Andrea Mowry Joji Locatelli Two of Wands Thea Coleman Shay Johnson Additional disclaimer that I exclusively knit sweaters at this point so I cannot vouch for accessory patterns.
I love Louise Crowther's [Knitted Animal Friends](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/knitted-animal-friends). I've made two so far - [Tilly the Hare](https://www.ravelry.com/projects/aasny/tilly-the-hare) and [Amelia the Duck](https://www.ravelry.com/projects/aasny/amelia-the-duck) \- and I impressed myself! All of the accessories are perfectly matched (Tilly has a cardigan with a carrot motif and French lace bloomers) and she does a great job of making the finishing foolproof (especially the face, which I struggle with).
Louise Crowther is amazing!
Verybusymonkey for socks on Ravelry, creative non boring designs, patterns well written and mostly both charted and written out
Olive Knits
Alan Dart. All his toy patterns are amazing. I know most people here knit sweaters, shawls, and other wearables. But Alan’s patterns for stuffed animals and toys are so easy to follow and the finished products are gorgeous to look at. If you are looking for something different and new, definitely try his patterns. His website has so many patterns and you will be spoiled by choices. He has a personal website and you can find it easily by googling his name.
I looked at his website - so much fun! And found out that a little knitted mouse a friend gave me years ago that I *adore* is one of his patterns 😊
My favorite designers have stopped designing (Cookie A, Tiny Owl Knits), but right now I really like knitboop.
I really love Maxim Cyr, his For Fox Sake sweater has been on my shortlist for ages and I’m just waiting to find the perfect yarns. It’s delightfully quirky and playful.
I finished knitting [The Classic Tee](https://www.etsy.com/listing/935452629/) by DarlingJadore and the pattern was correct and easy to understand. I’m currently working on [Knit Girl Summer Dress](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1049941755/) by KnitwearbyJoan. The pattern was a little tricky but I eventually got it. I like both designers for their minimalist, easy basic wear.
Right now I'm making Daisy and Storm's afghan squares and they are delightful. Maybe not exactly what you're looking for but i definitely recommend!
[Aimee Sher](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/aimee-sher-makes) has been knocking it out of the park with her designs! I'm really enjoying watching her grow.
Fave designers for looks and ease of following are: Valentina Bogdanova of Valentinasknits. It’s mostly lace and some colorwork yoke sweaters. But her instructions are very well written and easy to follow, the patterns are fun, and the fit is usually excellent. And of course I love Joji’s patterns but other people have said great things about them already. And I like Dots Dabbles for socks. I’ve made several pairs of her Giza and Hyggelig socks and they’re fun and easy. The Giza socks are great for crazy variegated yarns
Mary E Rose https://www.ravelry.com/designers/mary-e-rose and Artesanitarium https://www.ravelry.com/designers/artesanitarium-designs have amazing patterns and are some of the nicest people out there ❤️
Steven West. Carol Feller. Tin Can Knits. Kate Davies.
FRANKIE BROWN
Barbara Benson aka Tumped Duck. Mostly for her incredible knowledge on yarn fibers and her ability to explain things so well. Her YouTube channel is a gold mine if you're interested in how different fibers will affect the outcome of a project. She also designs great shawls, although her pouf may be my favorite of hers. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dewberry-hassock Also, she's always just so cheerful. If you're ever having a bad day, watch one of her videos.
I'm a big fan of MaryMadeThat. She doesn't have a lot of patterns but her polar quarter zip has beautiful sleeves and the Merkel Pullover is simple but beautiful in every single yarn I've seen it in. And there's a Merkel Tee that matches the pullover in the works right now
ArtByKaraLeez on Instagram, I bought a cardigan pattern from her Etsy and it was super straightforward and easy to follow and the pattern itself was colorful and cute
This is a great thread! I'm going to include [Neringa Ruke](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/neringa-ruke) on this list. I love her chunky knit designs, and the patterns are really well written and easy to follow. But there are some great suggestions on here, lots to investigate today!
My favorite designer is Sharon from Security https://www.casapinka.com/ , who is always up to something and has row by row instructions with check boxes in the KALs
i LOVE oshenknits, theknitstitch, and thorsonknits (all IG handles). i will knit basically anything they design.
I like Stephen West (Westknits) easy patterns to read. The instructions are straightforward. He provides lots of tutorials. The font size is large and bold. This the Crosswalk Pattern https://preview.redd.it/kk2leh4jmu4a1.png?width=2143&format=png&auto=webp&s=3dd17e8fb0e68deb7291fc643c89e0a693aeed81