Pattern Previews for Nordic Chic: Knitting a Modern Wardrobe

Pattern Previews for Nordic Chic: Knitting a Modern Wardrobe

Leeni Hoimela’s Nordic Chic: Knitting a Modern Wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated collection of 18 stunning patterns, including sweaters, dresses, vests, trousers, shorts, scarves, socks, and a sewn bag. Designed to be mixed and matched, the knits in this book can be combined into effortlessly elegant, timeless outfits. The designs are also easily customizable, leaving plenty of room for your own stylistic expression. Get inspired by these elegant knits and create your own signature Nordic style!

Victoria

Victoria by Leeni Hoimela

This sweater exudes Stockholm style. The cables are plump, the yarns high-quality, and the design delightfully unexpected. The Victoria sweater comes in two variations: the off-white version with a classic turtleneck and the burgundy option with a crew neck.  

Yarns:  

Off-white sample: Heavy Merino by Knitting for Olive, in the colourway Cream.  

Burgundy sample: Merino and Soft Silk Mohair by Knitting for Olive held together, both in the colourway Bordeaux.  

Sofia

Sofia by Leeni Hoimela

This hat features a high double-folded ribbed brim and an eye-catching cable pattern across the body and crown. The Sofia hat pairs equally well with a leather jacket or a timeless cabled sweater.  

Yarns: Merino and Soft Silk Mohair by Knitting for Olive held together, both in the colourway Ballerina.  

Sanna

Sanna by Leeni Hoimela

This minimalistically elegant turtleneck sweater is worked from a wonderfully plush angora yarn and features a slightly cropped close-fitting silhouette. A true cornerstone of any style icon’s capsule wardrobe.  

Yarn: Coeur D’angora by Fonty in the colourway grey (211).  

Alisa

Alisa by Leeni Hoimela

These irresistibly cute shorts have two variations: the sporty version features casually rolled hems and a relaxed fit while the winter edition is knit from angora, and the oversized fit prevents the delicate yarn from being stretched out.  

Yarns: 

Pink sample: Cotton Merino by Knitting for Olive in the colourway Ballerina. 

Grey sample: Coeur D’angora by Fonty in the colourway grey (211).

Pernille

Pernille by Leeni Hoimela

The Pernille can be knitted as a sweater with a relaxed fit and a folded collar or a maxi dress with a high collar and a slit nested into the left side to allow easy movement. The all-over cable pattern is so rich and texturised that no additional design elements are needed.  

Yarns:

Off-white sweater: Merino and Soft Silk Mohair by Knitting for Olive held together, both in the colourway Marzipan.  

Brown dress: Cotton Merino by Knitting for Olive in the colourway Mole held together with Cashmere Lace by Gepard Garn in the colourway Walnut Wood.  

Matilda

Matilda by Leeni Hoimela

A plaid scarf is a familiar sight in Stockholm. The Matilda scarf is worked in double knitting and intarsia, featuring a randomized color rotation that makes it extremely addictive to knit. The pattern is significantly easier than it seems, and the yarn ends are woven in as you go. The fringes at both ends are optional.  

Yarn:  

The Sample with fringes: Chunky Ballerina Mohair by Sandnes Garn in the colourways Arctic Ice (5811), Ballet Tutu (3409), Black (1099), Mocha Mousse (3342), Natur (2012), Monks Robe (2573), Mork Sjokolade (3880), Marsipan (2321) and Dyp Marine (5581). 

The sample without fringes: Chunky Ballerina Mohair by Sandnes Garn in the colourways Blossom (4213), Ballet Tutu (3509), Dyp Burgunder (4372), Provence Blue (5824), Natur (1012), Lilac (5023), Dyp Marine (558), Marsipan (2321) and Mocha Mousse (3342).

Loreen

Loreen by Leeni Hoimela

Designed to use just one skein of cashmere, this scarf features a beautiful cable pattern and is completely reversible: the cables run along the right side, while the wrong side looks like neat ribbing. Wrap the scarf around your neck or knot it onto a bag strap. 

Yarns:

Red sample: Cashmere Kumula by Gepard Garn in the colourway Bright Red (330).

Beige sample: Cashmere Klassik by Gepard Garn in the colourway Sand (142).

Inger

Inger by Leeni Hoimela

The Inger vest pattern is an incredibly versatile design. Knitted from cloud-soft cashmere, it doubles as a sleek top during the summer months and transforms into a cozy layering piece underneath a blazer or a cardigan as autumn rolls around. If knit in a bulkier yarn, it layers over a shirt as well. It features a repeating cable pattern that is easily memorized, while the button band and armholes are finished with a double-knit edge.  

Yarn: Cashmere Classic by Cardiff in the colourway off-white (501).  

Elin

Elin by Leeni Hoimela

These wide-leg knit trousers paired with Kirsti sweater create a perfect lounge set. The trousers feature a snugger fit at the waist and drape beautifully from the hips down. The legs flare out just a tiny bit for a flattering silhouette. An elastic band inside the waistband ensures the trousers stay in place.  

Yarn: Eco Cashmere Vintage by Gepard Garn in the colourway  dark brown (180).

Kirsti

Kirsti by Leeni Hoimela

This cozy sweater looks deceptively simple at a quick glance but the details reveal a true premium-quality knit. The ribbed edges are adorned with double-knit stripes, and the beautiful shoulder seams meet the neckline in perfect alignment. The Kirsti sweater is designed to be a permanent, reliable staple in your wardrobe.  

Yarn: Eco Cashmere Vintage by Gepard Garn in the colourway dark brown (180).  

Eva

Eva by Leeni Hoimela

The Eva scarf is a perfectly shaped triangular shawl featuring tapered, elongated corners. The larger size wraps comfortably around the head, while the smaller version can be tied around the neck or styled as a chic bag accessory.

Yarn: Coeur D’angora by Fonty in the colourway blue (318) or grey (211).  

Anine

Anine by Leeni Hoimela

This sewn bag allows you to carry your current project with you in style. The straps are intentionally short so you can easily rest the bag on your forearm and knit while on the go. It’s a great project for anyone who is reasonably familiar with a sewing machine.  

Materials: Sturdy upholstery-weight teddy or faux fur fabric for the exterior, sturdy canvas for lining, thick felt for reinforcing the bottom, 1 large popper.  

Edith

Edith by Leeni Hoimela

The Edith slipover is a classic vest with a modern twist. It features a timeless cable pattern, ribbed side panel and buttoned slits worked in double knitting. If your skills are not quite ready for the slits, you can easily omit them and work the vest in the round all the way down to the hem.

Yarn: Snefnug by CaMaRose in the colourway grey (7310).

Madeleine

Madeleine by Leeni Hoimela

The Madeleine sweater is a timeless beauty, knitted from cloud-soft silk mohair and featuring a generous fit and a v-neck. It is a perfect piece for layering. During cooler seasons it can be worn over a collared shirt and when it is warmer, the open neckline can be adorned with delicate chains.  

Yarn: Silk Mohair by Isager held double in the colourway Bordeaux (036).  

Tove

Tove by Leeni Hoimela

This charming collar is an excellent way to use up lonely skeins and experiment with new yarns and shades on a small scale. The drawstring casing is worked first, followed by a lace chart. 

Yarns: Ambiance by Fonty in the colourway light blue (360) held together with Coeur D’angora by Fonty in the colourway light blue (340).  

Armi

Armi by Leeni Hoimela

This cozy oversized sweater is a tribute to creativity and experimentation. It comes with two totally different variations: the short, pink version features stripes created by alternating single and double strands while the longer, white option boldly incorporates short sections of hand-spun art yarn.

Yarns: 

Pink sample: Halo by Sunday Knitting Club in the colourway Cotton Candy.  

White sample: Ballerina Chunky Mohair by Sandnes Garn in the colourway off-white (0012) and Dreamland Yarn by Knit Collage in the colourway Pixie Twist.  

Frida

Frida by Leeni Hoimela

These wonderfully playful socks are worked toe-up, featuring the word “LOVE” in stranded colourwork. The socks are designed specifically with leftovers in mind: a little over one skein is needed for the main colour and just a tiny amount of any matching-weight yarn for the letters.  

Yarn: Arwetta by Filcolana in the colourway off-white (101) and fingering-weight leftover yarns in various colours.  

Linda

Linda by Leeni Hoimela

This stunning cabled design offers two completely distinct versions: the Linda dress is feminine and close-fitting, finished with a beautiful ruffle at the hem, while the Linda sweater is more minimalist, featuring a long hem and the high, double-folded collar.  

Yarn:  

Off-white dress: Wild and Soft by Gepard Garn in the colourway off-white (101) held together with Cashmere Lace by Gepard Garn in the colourway off-white (101B).  

Brown sweater: Wild and Soft by Gepard Garn in the colourway brown (172) held together with Soft Silk Mohair by Knitting for Olive in the colourway Bark.  

Learn more:
Nordic Chic: Knitting a Modern Wardrobe

 

Latest from Our Journal