Craft/Making

Estonian knitting is all about techniques, embellishment and regionality. Aleks Byrd’s book Traditions Revisited – Modern Estonian Knits is an introduction to contemporary Estonian knitting. It includes 19 patterns, ranging from mittens to sweaters, that blend seamlessly with modern knitting styles. They are based on traditional Estonian techniques, but have a distinctive graphic touch by Aleks. The book makes traditional techniques accessible to everyone and builds a bridge between Estonian knitters and the international knitting community

Aleks Byrd – whose mother is Estonian Canadian and father American – is an illustrator and knitwear designer living in Bath, UK. She is particularly well-known as a moderniser of Estonian knitting traditions. Aleks has introduced techniques such as roosimine (an inlay technique that creates the look of embroidery) and vikkel (a twisted stitch pattern that creates a cable-like pattern) to knitters around the world.