"Working at our local yarn shop, Emily and I could see that shop folk needed a great set of free beginner patterns to point new knitters toward. With Flax, we wanted to create a really simple beginner sweater, in our classic baby-to-big size range, along with a step-by-step tutorial. So many knitters are afraid to take the plunge into garment knitting, and we wanted to make it a little easier for them to get started.
The design started with a sock actually. I was knitting the cuff of our Rye socks and I put the tube over my arm to take a look at it. I immediately thought the garter panel would make a great sleeve detail.
One of my favourite things is seeing Flax as a knitter's first sweater. Those projects aren't always perfect, but you can tell by the smile on the knitter's face that they are proud to have knit themselves a sweater.
I love that Flax has not only resonated with beginner knitters - there are also experienced knitters who love it, and many people use it as a base for their own designs. It is a joy to see our pattern on so many different people!"
Photo courtesy of Tin Can Knits.