In this second part of New Season Knitwear, I look at the trend for embellished sweaters on the catwalks- and give suggestions for how knitters can be inspired by this trend, including some pattern suggestions.
The 2017-18 trend of embellishing knitwear has continued to thrive in the new season, Autumn/Winter 2018-19.
This embellishment ranges from small accents to more dense, all-over decoration, with the full range of haberdashery and needle crafts being employed. For example, there was floral appliqué at Oscar de la Renta and Chanel, a sprinkling of sequins at Valentino, metallic sparkle and embroidery at Christopher Kane, feathers at Prada, crystal edgings at Alexander Wang and Miu Miu, and all over crystal embellishments at Gucci.
Clockwise, from left: Christopher Kane Embroidered Wool Blend Cardigan (here), Burberry Crystal-embellished Merino Wool Cardigan (here), Alexander Wang Crystal-embellished wool-blend sweater (here).
Dangling threads and other edgings were still present, although less widespread than last year. At Alexander McQueen, ties were left hanging, and there were fringe edgings at Stella McCartney, dangling embroidery at Calvin Klein 205W39NYC, pompoms at Ulla Johnson, and frayed, distressed edges at Helmut Lang and Saint Laurent.
Clockwise, from top left: McQ Alexander McQueen Lace-up wool and cashmere-blend turtleneck sweater (here), Calvin Klein Embroidered Wool Sweater (here), MM6 Maison Margiela Oversized Sequin Embellished Wool Blend Bouche Mini Dress (here).
(See more about these trends in 2017-18: Trending: more is more and Spotlight: dangly bits.)
Knitting inspiration
This look offers a great way to revive tired pieces of knitwear: you can add interest to an otherwise plain piece, or even conceal stains or holes by the careful application of embroidery, sequins etc.
There are lots of free online tutorials for all kinds of embellishments, e.g. see a clear tutorial for how to appliqué on knit fabric by The Creative Blog here. If you’re interested in learning more about knitting with beads in particular, Craftsy also has an online course, Knitting with Beads with Laura Nelkin (here).
From left to right: Angel Pullover by Natalia Aksyonova (here), Elizabeth-with three style options by Kim Hargreaves (here).
From left: Cappuccino by Filipa Carneiro (here), The Little Garden by Junko Okamoto (here).
For more in the New Season Knitwear series, see category ‘Trending’ or see the complete collection listed in the post New Season Knitting.
Over to you
What do you think of this trend? Do you like all these embellishments or do you prefer knitwear that is a little more simple? Please share any of your suggestions for embellished knitwear to wear or make!
knitting through the back loop 
I love the purple with the knit in decoration
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s really pretty, isn’t it? A bit more subtle than some of the others, but enough to make it more than just a plain purple sweater.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Embellishing is great when not overdone. But well, ‘overdone’ is subjective. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I think this is one of those design areas where we all have very different feelings of what is too much or not enough. I think a lot of designers to go with the ‘more is more’ philosophy though, which is not always all that wearable… Although I have to admit that as the weather gets more dreary and the nights draw in, I do find myself appreciating the bright, flashy bedazzled garments a lot more! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person