Art of Socks
Novita’s new article series delves into the world of wool socks, from inspiration and technique to design and colors. In February, we will publish four unique sock patterns by sock artists, where traditional craftsmanship meets art in a unique way.
Niina Laitinen: Ihastuttavat Socks
My socks are very practical because I always design them using a tried-and-true formula – I always knit them from the cuff down to the toes and often use a classic reinforced heel with different variations. I then create new, lovely patterns on this basic model. I am a big fan of lace and cable knitting. That’s why I wanted to design truly traditional “niinalaitinen” socks for Novita – textured pattern socks that flow beautifully, where the classic gray color elegantly highlights the intricate lace details.
The pattern for Ihastuttavat socks is now available on novita.com!
"I design beautiful, classic, and easy-to-knit socks, but always with a little twist. My patterns are clear and logical. I want knitting my socks to be so engaging that you always want to knit just a few more rounds. That’s why the design must be interesting but not too difficult. Even with simple techniques, you can create an entirely new look by combining different patterns," says Niina.
”Päädyin neulesuunnittelijaksi harrastuksen kautta. Aloitin neulomisen parikymppisenä, mutta en osannut neuloa ohjeista, vaan keksin mallit aina omasta päästäni. Vuonna 2013 julkaisin ensimmäisen lapasohjeeni, kun Taimitarha-blogini lukijat alkoivat pyytää ohjeita tekemiini villasukkiin ja lapasiin."
Minttu Wikberg: Oksalla Elämänpuun Socks
"I have been knitting since childhood, but I also studied fashion design at the University of Art and Design. I believe that the best works come to life when there is a deeper thought, idea, or story behind the design—something personally meaningful. For example, my inspiration for these socks, which I designed for Novita, came from the poetry of Aale Tynni. Tynni was my father’s second cousin, which led me to explore her poetry and our family history. Lately, I have been trying to read more poetry because I long for more slowness and time for reflection in my life. Poetry cannot be devoured quickly—you have to savor the words and contemplate their meaning."
The pattern for Oksalla Elämänpuun socks is now available on novita.com!
"I have knitted many wool socks. I like that socks are usually practical and get a lot of use—I myself wear wool socks almost year-round. When designing socks, it’s important to choose the yarn according to its intended use. If you want a durable sock, the yarn must also be strong. For bed socks, softer qualities can be chosen instead. There are countless sock designs and heel constructions, just as there are different feet and preferences. That’s why it’s impossible to create one pattern that suits everyone. I personally prefer a snug, narrow sock, while someone else might prefer a thicker and wider fit."
"In my design work, I strive to consider all aspects: A sock should look nice, be enjoyable to knit, and be comfortable to wear. But not all crafts need to be easy and quick. You can also learn something new, focus, grow – and rejoice in that feeling."
Piia Karttunen: Graffiti Socks
"Creativity is my top priority when designing, even though I naturally strive to make my socks practical as well. I enjoy creating slightly more demanding designs that take more time to knit. You don’t always have to finish quickly—it’s wonderful to watch the work grow, stitch by stitch, row by row," says Pia.
"The ideas for my socks just pop into my mind! They can be memories or other fun details. Every sock I design carries a little piece of me—something even my closest ones don’t always notice right away. The idea for the Graffitti socks I designed for Novita came by accident when I mistakenly sprayed hairspray on a mirror. Suddenly, the thought of spray paint flashed through my mind, and a moment later, I was looking for images of different graffiti styles. The socks are made using stranded colorwork and duplicate stitch. I love these techniques because they allow me to incorporate anything that comes to mind!"
"Creativity is my top priority when designing, even though I naturally strive to make my socks practical as well. I enjoy creating slightly more demanding designs that take more time to knit. You don’t always have to finish quickly—it’s wonderful to watch the work grow, stitch by stitch, row by row," says Pia.
"In my family, we have always done all sorts of crafts: woodworking, metalwork, glasswork, sewing, baking, and knitting. That’s probably where I inherited my love for handmade things and my passion for creating. My sock designing started when I couldn’t find a pattern I liked. I thought, ‘Well, I’ll just draw one myself—how hard can it be!’"
Kerstin Balke: Scandinavian Summer Socks
Colors are a major source of inspiration for Kerstin Balke, who designs under the name Stine und Stitch. Her signature stranded colorwork beautifully showcases playful color combinations. In the Scandinavian summer socks, fresh color pairings bring vibrancy to the beautifully graphic colorwork pattern. This easy stranded design is a joy to knit, and the chart quickly becomes intuitive as you work. Knitted with the lightweight Novita Viola yarn, these socks are the perfect accessory for a Nordic summer!
"Wool socks are very important to me. I primarily design socks and wear them myself year-round.”
The pattern for Novita Viola: Scandinavian summer socks will be published on February 19.
"The Scandinavian Summer socks I designed for Novita represent my style as a designer very well. Stranded colorwork socks are my favorite to knit, and I especially enjoy designing small pattern repeats—those that repeat every four stitches. This makes the pattern easy to remember and the socks simple to knit in multiple sizes. Practicality is important to me—a sock should fit well on the foot.”
"I became a knitwear designer by chance. A publishing house discovered my wool socks on Instagram and asked if I wanted to collaborate with them. I’m often asked about my color combinations, and colors are indeed the most defining aspect of my work. For example, in nautical designs and Christmas socks, color choices are essential to the final result. I draw inspiration from fabrics and wallpapers, so I enjoy browsing interior design magazines and books."
New Sock Knit-along starts on February 25th
Discover your inner sock artist!
Novita’s sock masters Minna Metsänen and Sisko Sälpäkivi have collaborated to design stunning socks inspired by the artworks in the Taidekoti Kirpilä art collection. The pattern will be released step by step as part of a KAL (knit-along).
Knitted in Novita 7 Veljestä yarn, these socks feature beautiful cables, lace, and stranded colorwork, offering just the right amount of challenge for knitters of all levels. The designers have prepared four gorgeous color combinations, but the yarn’s extensive color selection provides endless possibilities for other artistic interpretations. Join us in knitting these exquisite details of art treasures into stitches!