Pattern Previews for the The Art of the Sea
The Art of the Sea: 23 Knitwear Designs Inspired by the Moomins features knitting patterns by 18 talented designers from around the world. They are timeless designs inspired by Tove Jansson’s beloved Moomin characters, as well as her artistry, lifestyle and philosophy.
Fiona Alice – Shelter
The Moomins’ author and illustrator, Tove Jansson, was herself the muse for this sweater design. Inspired by photographs of Tove in knitwear, Fiona Alice envisioned a piece that Tove might have worn at her summer cottage on the small, distant island of Klovharun on the Baltic Sea. Though set in summer, the idea was for a hearty sweater that would keep the wearer warm against cold archipelago winds and sea spray. The result is a relaxed Johnny-collared pullover. The front of Shelter features Wheat Ear Rib, a faux cable worked over three stitches, while slip-stitch 1 × 1 ribbing is used for the hem, cuffs and collar.
Yarn: Shelter by Brooklyn Tweed.
Alma Bali – The Inner Moomin
Alma Bali’s The Inner Moomin sweater has a curvy silhouette and a neutral palette that pays tribute to the Moomin family’s quiet sweetness, chic charm and whimsical spirit, echoing Tove Jansson’s beloved characters in both shape and mood. The top-down raglan pullover features a bell-shaped body finishing just above the hip and sleeves that taper gently to the wrists. Front and back are adorned with a bold patchwork pattern in soft whites and muted tones, created with simple, intuitive stitches. Casual yet elegant, it is a timeless staple and cosy companion. The sweater is worked flat from the top down using intarsia for the patchwork, with each colour worked in its own stitch pattern.
Yarn: Heavy Merino by Knitting for Olive.
Dee Hardwicke – Tulip Garden
Designer Dee Hardwicke’s long-standing admiration for the Moomins and Tove Jansson’s artistry is reflected in this design. Tulip Garden is inspired by the scarf of Snufkin, Moominvalley’s philosopher and free-spirited wanderer. It is worked in the round as a knitted tube, beginning and ending with five rows of contrasting colour. Tove Jansson’s passion for flowers, especially tulips, has been echoed through embroidered motifs. They, together with Snufkin’s hat, form a personal Moomin garden. Light in texture yet generous in length, the scarf can be worn year-round, styled loosely in warmer weather or wrapped several times for warmth in colder months.
Yarn: Sensai by Ito.
Kaori Katsurada – Painter
When Kaori Katsurada was a student, she discovered Tove Jansson’s artwork beyond the Moomins, along with photographs of Tove herself. Kaori was especially drawn to the well-loved painter’s jacket Tove often wore — a piece with a sailor-like collar. Kaori often searched vintage shops, hoping to find something similar. This design translates that memory into a sport-weight sweater with an easy, everyday feel and two suggested sleeve styles. The 2 × 2 ribbing adds a classic touch, while soft raglan shaping evokes a subtle Moomin-like charm. A single button allows for an open, nautical look when undone.
Yarns: Ulysse by De Rerum Natura (long-sleeved version), Candide by De Rerum Natura (short-sleeved version).
Soumine Kim – Moomellow
The white, cabled Moomellow sweater by Soumine Kim was inspired by the appearance of the Moomin family: their friendly, rounded noses and soft bodies. The sweater combines a saddle-shoulder construction with raglan shaping, blending classic style and modern sensibility. Worked from the neckband down, the ribbing and large cable patterns flow seamlessly through the body and sleeves for a clean, refined silhouette. Short rows are used to shape a smooth neckline. The cable motif forms rounded shapes and graceful curves, while the mix of wool and mohair gives the garment both bold presence and inviting warmth.
Yarns: Como Grande by Lamana and Premia by Lamana.
Maja Kløvdal – Flower Loop
Flower Loop is a soft raglan sweater inspired by the idea of Moominmamma, Moomintroll’s loving mother, gathering wildflowers in the Moominvalley. Maja Kløvdal envisioned how, petal by petal, blossoms fall across the fabric like little stories. Their light and red tones are drawn from Moominmamma’s iconic apron, a symbol of care and love. The sweater is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down. The yoke is knitted in stockinette stitch before stranded colourwork is added with raglan increases. The body and sleeves are finished in dot stitch with a wide colourwork border, floats on the right side and a rolled edge.
Yarns: Isager Tweed by Isager, Silk Mohair by Isager and Tvinni by Isager.
Pauliina Leisti – Aallokko
For Pauliina Leisti, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Moomins and Tove Jansson is the sea. Visits to Klovharun, the small island where Tove and her life partner, Tuulikki Pietilä, spent their summers, inspired the Aallokko sweater — a soft, oversized “hugging” garment meant for wearing by the shore. Its wavy stripes recall the sea’s ever-moving surface and seaweed swaying gently below — ”aallokko” is Finnish for “swell”. This dropped-shoulder, oversized sweater with wide sleeves is worked seamlessly from the top down. The body features a wavy stripe pattern created with slipped stitches, requiring no stranded colourwork.
Yarns: Loch Lomond by BC Garn and Tilia by Filcolana.
Lotta H. Löthgren – Journey
The Journey scarf is a simple yet striking accessory, inspired by the calm yet restless spirit of Snufkin, who follows the road wherever it leads. Its easy stitch pattern creates a textured fabric with rhythmic repeats along the entire length. A classic wool knit, Journey is timeless and practical — the perfect companion for long walks when the destination is unknown. Fringes add movement and flair. The scarf, worked from end to end, can be easily modified in both width and length by adjusting the number of stitches cast-on or the number of pattern repeats. It pairs beautifully with the Wander sweater, which features the same stitch pattern.
Yarn: Lore by The Fibre Co.
Lotta H. Löthgren – Wander
The Wander sweater is a cosy, relaxed design made for any kind of wanderlust, whether in the wild or a bustling city. Designed by Lotta H. Löthgren, the sweater and its matching Journey scarf share the same stitch pattern: a tribute to Snufkin, the great adventurer of Moominvalley. A circular yoke begins with a high ribbed neckline that flows into cables spreading across the shoulders like branches. Smaller cables fill the spaces between, enhancing the organic, nature-inspired look, and reappear on the hem rib and long cuffs. The fit is easy and comfortable, with roomy sleeves shaped by decreases into a gentle balloon silhouette.
Yarn: Bauma by Xolla.
Sari Nordlund – Adventure
This pullover is inspired by Tove Jansson’s black-and-white line drawings of the Moomins. Its small colourwork motif also recalls traditional Scandinavian fishermen’s sweaters, echoing the Moomins’ deep connection to the sea and sailing. The name Adventure reflects both this maritime spirit and the sense of curiosity and courage that runs through the Moomin stories. Worked seamlessly in an all-over colourwork pattern, the sweater features a relaxed fit with dropped shoulders, a folded ribbed collar, and a tiny embroidered Moomin on the left sleeve. The back and fronts are worked flat before being joined together and worked in the round to the hem.
Yarns: Merino by Knitting For Olive and Soft Silk Mohair by Knitting for Olive.
Paula Pereira – Comfort
When the weather turns cold, nothing is more comforting than wrapping up in something soft and warm. Inspired by that feeling and the sense of comfort found in Tove Jansson’s world, Paula Pereira designed Comfort: a seamless, easy-to-knit poncho worked in two colours of bouclé yarn. It is a garment that Moomintroll would have needed when he accidentally woke up from his winter hibernation in the book Moominland Midwinter! Knitted sideways in garter stitch, the poncho features a clever construction with rounded edges that echo the gentle shapes of the Moomins. A simple piece with a contemporary touch, it is a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
Yarn: Bouclé by Isager.
Olga Putano – Snorkmaiden
Snorkmaiden is a simple, versatile sweater with a sprinkle of creativity and charm. Inspired by the loyal, brave, and imaginative Moomin character, the design reflects her soft, fluffy fur in smooth stockinette fabric. Worked seamlessly from the top down in stockinette stitch, the sweater features playful sleeve ruffles shaped with short rows and finished with a delicate picot bind-off. These details echo Snorkmaiden’s fun fringe and her love of adornments such as flowers and her gold anklet. Romantic yet resourceful, this sweater is a sweet tribute to her elegance, adventurous spirit, and eye for beauty.
Yarn: Som Aran by Camellia Fiber Company.
Marie Régnier – Clouds & Mists
Clouds & Mists is a top-down sweater inspired by Moominpappa, Moomintroll’s adventure-loving father. Soft, colourful embroidery evokes drifting clouds across the fabric — you can imagine them gathering in the sky on the faraway island where Moominpappa leads his family to live in the book Moominpappa at Sea. Short rows raise the back neckline for a better fit, and the sweater is knitted in stockinette stitch holding wool and silk-mohair together. Neckband, cuffs and hem are worked in double knitting for a soft, snug finish. The design is decorated with colourful embroidered clouds in duplicate stitch, worked in Suri alpaca from the hem and cuffs upward.
Yarns: Wensley Worsted by La Bien Aimée, Soyeux by La Bien Aimée and Kumo by La Bien Aimée.
Marie Régnier – La Blouse
Loose like an artist’s smock and soft as filtered morning light, La Blouse is inspired by the quiet elegance of painters at work. Its high collar and flared sleeves suggest freedom of movement and grace, echoing a portrait of Tove Jansson painting in her studio. Worked top-down with two strands of lace-weight yarn held together, the sweater begins with a 1 × 1 ribbed neckband, shaped with increases into a funnel neck and shoulders before eyelets are added. These eyelets can be left as a lace motif or threaded with an i-cord or ribbon to form a bow, adding a feminine touch. Mohair lends ethereal softness, while the loose fit invites comfort and ease.
Yarn: Plumette by La Droguerie and Susurro by Malabrigo.
Camille Romano – Dynamite
The inspiration for the Dynamite slipover comes from the character Stinky, whom Camille Romano finds visually intriguing. She drew on his fluff and rounded little horns, reflected in the reverse stockinette and bobble panel at the centre front of the garment. The slipover is worked from the top down with a slightly cropped hem. It is easy to style and combine with different outfits. Stinky is Moominvalley’s mischievous little troublemaker, who is obsessed with finding “Manhattan dynamite” to help him rob a bank — hence the name of the pattern! The zigzag ribbing recalls cartoon strings of dynamite being lit.
Yarn: Le Petit Silk & Mohair by Biches et Bûches.
Camille Romano – Laakso
This shirt is inspired by the vibrant primary colour combinations of the Moomins, especially those seen in characters such as Little My and Ninny the Invisible Child. Its name, Laakso (“valley” in Finnish), is a direct reference to the place where the Moomins live, the Moominvalley. The airy, fluffy yarn lends lightness, making the shirt suitable for year-round wear. The sample is worked in a versatile, toned-down red paired with light pink. The design is worked top down with dropped shoulders and an oversized fit. It is finished with a deep ribbed hem, wide sleeves and a distinctive open collar shaped with an i-cord edge and ribbing.
Yarn: Saperlipopette by Fonty.
Jihyun Seong – Moominmamma
Knitting the Moominmamma vest is like wrapping yourself in the gentle warmth and comfort she embodies — practical, caring, and always ready to offer cosiness. The vest is worked bottom up, entirely in double knitting, creating a double-layered fabric that makes it thick, warm and reversible. The large Moominmamma motif on the back is achieved with double-knitting colourwork rather than intarsia, and the shaping methods for shoulders, increases, and decreases are all adapted for this technique. Designed by Jihyun Seong (better known as grey level knitter) with a generous fit, this vest is both functional and cosy.
Yarns: Teddy Dear by Gepard Garn and Puno by Gepard Garn.
Karoline Skovgaard – Into the Forest
The Into the Forest sweater is inspired by the Groke. Though often feared, this Moomin character is truly a figure of longing, seeking warmth and friendship. Shrouded in darkness and followed by chill, she symbolizes loneliness and sorrow more than menace — a reflection of the shadowy side of nature that Tove Jansson captured so adeptly. The sweater by Karoline Skovgaard (known as Aegyoknit) is worked top down, beginning from the back neck with shoulder shaping. Each shoulder is worked separately before joining the front; front and back are then worked in the round. The cable motif on the front evolves from simple knits and purls into narrow cables, evoking a path into the unknown.
Yarns: Merino Singles by Sysleriget and Silk Mohair by Sysleriget (charcoal version), Tweed by Isager and Alpaca1 by Isager (natural-white version).
Charlotte Stone – Dreaming
Step quietly into a world of whimsy with Dreaming, a sock pattern inspired by Tove Jansson’s enchanting original illustrations. Charlotte Stone wanted to capture the gentle magic of Moominvalley, where time slows, flowers bloom endlessly and adventures unfold with quiet charm. Worked from the top down, the socks begin with a classic ribbed cuff before moving into a landscape of stranded colourwork on the leg. Meadow flowers dance beneath the silhouette of the Moominhouse, while on the foot a curious Moomintroll peeks from the blooms, adding a touch of mischief and delight. The socks feature a ribbed heel, heel flap and gusset.
Yarn: Arwetta Classic by Filcolana.
Maaike van Geijn – Midsummer
Midsummer is a floral colourwork yoke sweater with a relaxed yet elegant fit, knitted seamlessly from the top down. It is inspired by the iconic photograph of Tove Jansson wearing a Midsummer flower wreath. Tove often depicted Midsummer as a magical, mysterious time of quiet seas and ponds, blossoming meadows, bonfires and deep wonder. This sweater is an ode to Tove and her art, inspired by a celebration she cherished. The flower garlands, worked in stranded colourwork, are enhanced with duplicate stitch to add more variety and soften the repeats, moving beyond the predictable rhythms of traditional stranded motifs.
Yarn: Sport Nouveau by La Bien Aimée.
Maaike van Geijn – Midwinter
The Midwinter jacket draws inspiration from the early black-and-white sketches of the Moomins, capturing Moomintroll in his purest, most abstract form — a warm, lovable character with wide eyes who wins hearts instantly. The jacket’s simple black-and-white lines evoke a richly imagined world and reflect the essence of Tove Jansson’s art, while the snow theme nods to the classic Moomin winter tales so deeply rooted in Nordic life. The piece features a relaxed, boxy fit with a loose silhouette and is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down, using a contiguous saddle-shoulder construction. Moomin patch pockets are knitted in one piece in the round, steeked, and then sewn onto the finished garment.
Yarns: ECO DK by PRU Yarns and LeFluff by PRU Yarns.
Julia Wilkens – Gentle Creatures
The stories of the Moomins were read to Julia Wilkens as a child. Their gentle yet slightly eerie nature — the perfect recipe for unforgettable tales — made them linger in her mind ever since. Julia is especially intrigued by the Moomins’ peculiar noses. With her own slightly upturned nose, she has long felt a special kinship with these little beings. Julia transformed her love of the Moomins into her Gentle Creatures vest, worked in stockinette stitch and finished with embroidery. Julia believes there is no such thing as too many vests: they are perfect for those in-between days when a jacket is too much and a sweater not quite enough.
Yarns: Haunui by Noro (for the vest), Organic Merino by The Dutch Yarn Barn & Gilliatt by De Rerum Natura (for the embroidery).
Julia Wilkens – Too-ticky
A classic raglan sweater is a must-knit — a timeless design worth making at least once in a lifetime. This version is inspired by the striped sweater worn by the character Too-ticky. Based on Tove Jansson’s life partner, Tuulikki Pietilä, Too-ticky lives in harmony with nature and its creatures. The stitch pattern, a variation of half-fisherman’s rib, shines in a bouncy three-ply yarn with strong stitch definition, creating a beautifully squishy fabric. Generous positive ease through the body, combined with slightly less ease in the sleeves, gives the sweater a relaxed fit without excess bulk.
Yarn: Tandem by West Wool.
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The Art of the Sea: 23 Knitwear Designs Inspired by the Moomins
