There were a lot of things left hanging on the catwalks this autumn/winter 2017.
Opulent feathers, playful pompoms, dramatic fringe and pretty lace were all added to the bottoms of cardigans/jumpers or the underside of sleeves, adding a touch of quirkiness to otherwise simple pieces or bringing another element to already flamboyant garments.
Clockwise from top: Stella McCartney Large Volume Fringe Jumper (here) , MaxMara Pure Wool Cardigan (here), MaxMara Wool and Feather Sweater (here) .
Some designers looked beyond decorative trims and instead played with the conventions of sweater construction. At Balenciaga they quite literally deconstructed their knitwear, partially hacking off the bottom portions of garments and leaving them to hang down. At Sonia Rykiel and Stella McCartney they effected a similarly ragged finish by turning intarsia jumpers inside out and leaving threads dangling to highlight this inversion.
From left: Balenciaga Lurex Draped Sweater (here), Sonia Rykiel Jacquard Knit Sweater with Ruffles (here).
Knit-inspiration: Tassels, fringe, lace and pompoms can all be added quite easily to your knitted project to give a contemporary, quirky edge.
You can use them to update and refresh old projects: add colourful tassels to a shawl, knit a lace border on the jumper that’s always been a bit too short, add fringe to the end of a scarf that is looking shabby.
There are some great tutorials on how to make and add these edgings. E.g. Knitting help- Making tassels (here) and Knitting help-Adding Fringe (here)by VeryPink Knits, and How to Make Mini Yarn Pom Poms Easy DIY by giddyupworkshop (here).
And for the simplest way to achieve this look? Turn your newly knit sweater inside out and leave some of your yarn ends hanging!
See the patterns below for some examples of garments and accessories with a variety of dangling decorations!
From left: Sonder Shawl by Helen Stewart, detail of tassel from Marled Magic Shawl by Stephen West.
TASSELS: Sonder Shawl by Helen Stewart (here) This chunky weight shawl is knitted in a luxurious blend of alpaca, wool and silk. The simple eyelet design is given a playful edge by the large tassels at each corner, which also help the shawl sit well on the shoulders.
TASSELS: Marled Magic Shawl by Stephen West (here). Tassels are again a feature in this large, stashbusting shawl worked in seed stitch and using a mix of yarn weights, fibres and colours. Here, they offer yet another point of interest, adding a further touch of drama to the multicoloured, multi-textured fabric.
From left: Bon Bon by Joji Locatelli, Cabled Cowl with Pompom Edge by Bernat Design Studio
POMPOMS: Bon Bon by Joji Locatelli (here). These elegant fingerless mitts are knit in dk weight yarn and feature twisted stitches and lace. The cute pompom is an optional extra that is sewn on at the end and gives a fun twist.
POMPOMS: Cabled Cowl with Pompom Edge by Bernat Design Studio (here). Knitted in seed stitch and with sideway cables, this aran weight cowl is given a more quirky feel with multi-coloured pompoms.
From left: Santa Fe by Carol Sunday, Dylan Tank by Wool and the Gang (Photo copyright 2017 Rowan Yarns).
FRINGE: Santa Fe by Carol Sunday (here) – this 5-ply/sport weight, merino cardigan was published in 2014 but is right on trend this season with its striping, asymmetric waterfall front and multi-coloured fringe. You can buy kits to knit this cardigan in 5 different colour ways at Carol Sunday’s online store here.
FRINGE: Dylan Tank by Wool and the Gang (here). This aran weight, cotton tank top is new for 2017 and right on trend with its stripes and dangling fringe hem. Though it is intended as a summer top, it could easily be knitted in a warmer, wool based yarn and styled as a layering piece over long sleeved tees this winter. A free pattern from Rowan Yarns, it is knitted flat in simple garter stitch stripes.
From left: Penny Candy Winter by Jenjoyce Design, Puntilla by Joji Locatelli.
LACE: Puntilla by Joji Locatelli (here). A 4-ply/fingering weight sweater with a modern, boxy silhouette, Puntilla is knitted from the top down in one piece. Contrast coloured lace details edge the sleeve cuffs and the bottom hem, giving a pretty, whimsical note to an otherwise simple, every-day sweater.
Penny Candy Winter by Jenjoyce Design (here). Striped, worsted weight wool jumper with lace details at neckline, hem and sleeve cuffs. Also featuring another popular trend: stripes! Knit bottom-up, in the round, and with options for different body shapes and fits, including two necklines.
Over to you: Do you enjoy fluffy pompoms or the drama of a swish of fringe?
What do you think of the deconstructed look- is it a thoughtful challenge to our conventional ways of thinking or just an excuse not to sew in ends or a needless destruction of our hard work?
Have you got any suggestions for patterns that feature dangly bits?
knitting through the back loop 
3 thoughts on “Spotlight: dangly bits”