Kotona’s very own craft star: Annette Saksman’s 5 must-knit hits
Producer Annette Saksman has designed numerous easy knitting instructions for the Kotona website. “It’s a lovely thought that someone might get into knitting or even learn a new skill thanks to my instructions.” Annette’s coworkers are more than used to her knitting during meetings, and she also knits almost daily in her free time.
Annette, what’s on your needles right now? How would you describe yourself as a knitter?
I’ll soon finish a colorful striped scarf. I always have a long list of ideas for what I want to knit next. Often, I’m knitting an accessory, such as socks, mittens, or a beanie. About five years ago, I also started knitting sweaters. They take more time, but the reward is huge—there’s a real sense of accomplishment after putting in so much effort.
I knit year-round. Last spring, I learned to crochet too, so unusually, I ended up crocheting more than knitting this summer.
Like many knitters, I sometimes leave projects unfinished when a new idea catches my attention. For instance, I have a striped skirt in my closet that still needs finishing, and I hoped to have it done by summer 2024.
Also read Annette's column:Wool pants for hot weather and a tank top for fall—why do knitted projects finish at the wrong time of year?
Do you remember your very first knitting project?
Like many Finns, I learned to knit in elementary school crafts class. My first project was probably a stuffed snake made from leftover yarn.
I struggled with the purl stitch at first, and I wasn’t that excited about knitting in elementary school. When I was a teenager, though, I got inspired and made my first sweater without a pattern. It was brown, blue, and orange. The sleeve seam started to unravel, but I fixed it with safety pins and happily kept wearing it.
“It’s important that when someone is learning to knit, they experience success right away.”
What kind of patterns do you like to design?
I’ve designed many patterns for the Kotona website, and I aim to make them simple. It’s wonderful if someone gets excited about knitting or learns a new skill because of my designs. It’s also crucial that a new knitter feels successful right off the bat—otherwise, their enthusiasm might fade.
I find it interesting to see how easy I can make the instructions. Many of my patterns are simple in style, without too many details or decorations.
Check out Annette’s most popular knitting patterns below!
1. A beautiful and practical neck warmer
Annette wanted to design a neck warmer with no unnecessary increases or decreases.
“I still wanted it to have a fun twist, so I used a simple half-brioche stitch. The half-brioche makes it plush and warm.”
2. Fun waffle mittens
“We needed a men’s mitten pattern for the Kotona website, so I made these mittens with a simple waffle texture by alternating knit and purl stitches.”
3. Playful banana socks
A couple of years ago, Instagram was full of fun-looking banana socks, especially from Germany. There wasn’t a Finnish pattern yet, and Annette jumped at the chance to design one for Kotona.
“A big reason for the banana socks’ popularity is definitely their playful curved shape, plus there’s no need to knit a heel. Heel-less socks make a great gift, because you don’t have to know the recipient’s exact shoe size.”
4. Super-simple leg warmers
Annette focused on simplicity and practicality with these leg warmers. They’re done in a rib stitch of knit and purl so they stay snug instead of becoming baggy.
“I planned the length so that one ball of each yarn recommended in the pattern would suffice. I usually share how much yarn the sample used, because it makes it easier to use leftover yarn.”
5. Decorative (but surprisingly easy!) mock cable socks
At the moment, mock cable socks are Annette’s personal favorite among her designs.
“I love knitting mock cables because they’re an easy way to get a decorative texture. I wanted them to continue all the way to the toes.”
