Stitching for Sustainability

Every business impacts the environment and can play a role in promoting sustainability. While not every company has a strong sustainability mandate, we can all consider our impact on the environment and the habits we encourage through our products and services. 

I've always believed that knitters should be free to use whatever yarn they want.

I never force people to use the yarns that I recommend. For example, my testers are encouraged to use any kind of yarn they like if they have yarn left over in their stash. I have always wanted people to feel empowered by their choices—not constrained by them.

I know that not all of my patterns have been the most environmentally friendly. I often use superwash yarns that are chemically processed to prevent shrinking because I collaborate with dyers that use them. But I'm learning more every day about how we can be better stewards of the environment as designers and makers, and going forward, I will reflect on how I can do better in the future.

Beyond yarn considerations, when discussing sustainability in the knitting industry, we also emphasize caring for our garments and upcycling materials for new projects – all important in the fight to use less and minimize waste. But did you know that the stitching patterns you choose can also help your efforts to be more sustainable? Some stitches are known for their durability and longevity, making them guardians of the environment, as they extend the lifespan of a garment. 

As we mark Global Recycling Day, we want to highlight techniques that have proven more durable than others:

1. Twisted Ribbing: Ribbing is a stretchy fabric often used for cuffs, collars and other areas where the garment must hold its shape. Twisting the stitch by working it through the back loop creates a beautiful rib pattern. This technique is also tighter and denser, albeit less elastic, though ideal for everyday wear. 

2. The Eye of Partridge Stitch: A pretty textured pattern that alternates knit and slip stitches, creating a diamond-shaped design. It makes a tight, dense fabric ideal for heel flaps in socks.

3. Double-knitting: Perfect for adding hems and button bands, especially if using luxury yarns with little twists such as singles. Double-knit means knitting back and forth while creating a double fabric. This is achieved by knitting only half of the stitches on the right side of the work and slipping the other half. Then, on the wrong side, knitting the stitches slipped on the right side and slipping the rest.

4. Cables: Cables are a more advanced technique, with a few variations, that involves crossing stitches over each other to create a braided effect. It's like taking a detour with some of your stitches only to bring them back to where they started. They make a highly textured fabric ideal for items that need to be warm and resistant – perfect for winter weather wear. 

Durable knitting patterns create a dense, sturdy fabric with plenty of elasticity to withstand regular wear and tear. Using these stitching patterns and techniques, we can create beautiful, detailed, comfortable, and long-lasting garments.

Want to explore some of these techniques? We’ve got patterns you might love. Consider:

• Barça Memories socks - a toe-up sock pattern that uses the Eye of Partridge stitch in the heel flap
• Sage Cardi - a top-down cardigan in fingering weight yarn that features a double-knit button band and cabled hem and cuffs
• Clotted Cream Pullover - an all-over textured turtleneck sweater with cables, bobbles and twisted stitch ribbing: 

We recognize our community has the power to promote a culture of environmentally conscious knitting – a culture that values quality over quantity, durability over disposability, and creativity over conformity. We hope this information empowers you to create garments you love to wear and will choose to hold on to for longer.