If you’ve been looking for knitwear essentials that you can make yourself RIGHT NOW, look no further. Today, I’m sharing with you my favorite Ravelry knitting patterns (well, most of them are) that fit that timeless, minimalist aesthetic style.
Classic elegance has a simple formula: clean lines, not too tight, tasteful drapes across the body, with little twists of style or pops of color. When it comes to knitwear, easy-to-learn stitches like the stockinette, garter, or cable stitches are ideal for a minimalist capsule closet. These looks are also perfect to wear to work.
If you want designer knitwear that’s much more affordable, read on to find some great inspiration! You’d be surprised at how many ways you can make a beautiful garment with basic knitting stitches!
Knitting Your Own Clothes
Maybe you’re new to knitting. Congratulations for wanting to learn something new! Don’t be daunted, knitting is totally accessible, and it’s affordable. Here’s some good news: the garter and stockinette stitches are the easiest to learn. In fact, they are usually the first two stitches you learn. That means a lot of these minimalist looks are knitting patterns for beginners!
What supplies do you need to get started? I’d recommend getting circular knitting needles in two sizes. Most garments can be made using 4.00mm and 5.00mm size needles. You’ll also need a tapestry needle and a tape measure. These basic supplies, along with patience and determination, will get you to making your first garment in no time.
As for the skills, I recommend you make something (anything!) with a YouTube tutorial that will teach you all the basics. I personally learned how to knit with Florence Miller’s Step by Step Sweater, which is a completely free knitting pattern for beginners. But there are definitely much simpler patterns to start with on the internet!
Consider this a capsule wardrobe list of options. I specifically curated this list with styles you’ll want to grab for time and time again. Even if you make only one of these, it can compliment most outfits! Without further ado, let’s get started!
Accessories
Classic Ribbed Hat by Purl Soho (free!)
Beanies are the gateway project to a whole new world of possibilities. While there are a ton of beanie patterns out there, this one is my favorite. And it’s free!
Once you realize that you just 100% customized your own wearable accessory, it’s hard to come back from such a high. Obviously, you can make these in any color or material to fit your needs. A nice, bright beanie to an otherwise neutral outfit can be just the pop of interest you’re looking for.
Berlin Scarf by Susanne Muller
Speaking scarves, let’s face it. We all need a giant scarf sometimes. It’s a proven staple, and the large size of this accessory can diminish any flaws in your outfit that day. Also, making your own really ups the quality of this scarf that machine-made versions can’t compete with. I would invest in nice material, such as cashmere wool or mohair, which will make your scarf worthy of a luxury brand.
Saturday Shrug by Jackie Rose (free!)
A shrug that hugs your shoulders looks so elegant. I would personally knit this as a solid color, like charcoal gray or black, to enhance the allure of this look. If you have longer hair, you can wear it up in a bun to achieve that effortless look.
Dumpling Bag by Jeannie Lee (free!)
This minimalist accessory is a knitted version of a bag that I’m sure we’ve all seen elsewhere. Playing with texture in unexpected places provide interest to your capsule wardrobe. This dumpling bag is made up entirely of the stockinette stitch, which makes it very beginner friendly.
Boulevard Bag by Lily Kate France
If the Dumpling Bag isn’t your thing, you can try the Boulevard Bag. Bold lines on bags can provide a clean finish to your outfit. While the sample for this pattern also demonstrates a lovely boucle texture, you can also swap the boucle for regular yarn and still achieve the same look. This is perfect for a monochrome minimalist capsule wardrobe.
Tops and Tanks
Summer Secret Crop by Jessie Maed Designs (free!)
I will always advocate for cost-effective alternatives. This classic tank takes the cake with needing the LEAST amount of yarn for a top. However, the beauty lies in the adjustability of this pattern, you can adjust the strap placement or make the torso as long as you want. You can style it plain or wear it with a breezy button down if you’d like more cover up.
Thea Top by Susanne Miller
This gorgeous tank has more drape if you prefer that. Knitted tanks may seem counterintuitive, but it makes perfect sense when you consider that knitting these up with bamboo or linen blend yarns make for one of the most comfortable and breathable garments.
Camisole No. 9 by My Favorite Things Knitwear
Another classic tank I love is this Camisole No. 9 by My Favorite Things Knitwear. A higher neckline can compliment your jewelry, while bearing the shoulders can balance out the look.
Tombo Tee by Florence Miller
The Tombo Tee by Florence Miller was based on one of her favorite go-to cotton tees. This ultimate classic staple looks great with stripes or as a solid color. I think the sleeves are the perfect length while providing comfort (I personally don’t like cap sleeves). You’ll want to grab for this over and over again. You can’t go wrong with a basic tee!
Tee No. 1 by My Favorite Things Knitwear
I was SO excited to discover that My Favorite Things Knitwear published a t-shirt pattern. I absolutely love the shoulder construction and relaxed sleeves, which lend themselves very nicely for a loose but elegant look. You can use breezier yarn materials if you’re looking for more of a warm-weather top. That’s the joy of making your own clothes!
Cardis
The First Cardigan by Lizzie Hester
Sezanne and this cardigan are a perfect match. In fact, a good amount of already-existing knit patterns carry that effortless feminine elegance that Sezanne has. The puffed ribbed sleeves add feminine charm to an otherwise simple look. I can imagine this being a staple piece with a pair of jeans and loafers.
Vivienne Cardigan by Wool and the Gang
I’ve seen folks wear this cardigan in the wild, and the form fitting yet cozy look highlights the unimposing garter stitch in the best way possible. This can easily be lengthened to become your next favorite duster cardigan as well. This is definitely a beginner friendly pattern!
Calm Down Cardigan by Lily Kate Makes
This is another basic piece that you could easily find in a Sezanne catalog. If you prefer simpler basics, this one is for you. The shoulder lines on the construction elevate this cardigan to a unique, timeless staple.
Sweaters
Kelly Sweater with Slit by Anita Brathetland
I love so many things about this sweater: the loose mock neck, the exaggerated ribbing, the bottom split, and even the tweed material all add interest to this minimalist look. The overall style creates the image of a lengthened neck, while the large split balances out an otherwise top-heavy look to compliment the bottom half. Speaking of, this sweater would go GREAT with trousers. Great for the office.
Velvet Pullover by EweKnit Toronto (free!)
You’ve probably noticed by now that I like to include plainer-looking items to each section. That’s because you just can’t go wrong with a blank canvas piece. It’s clean, it’s simple, and it’s a great opportunity to elevate other elements of your outfit. This sweater is also a free pattern. Where’s the downside?
Cocoon Chokki by Noriko Ichikawa
I don’t often see slipovers like this in stores. Maybe it’s because it’s shapeless form makes it a less popular item for streetwear fashion. However, this slipover is the perfect layering piece in my opinion. I think it fits in well with a minimalist wardrobe. It can be worn over a clean button down as shown. It’s also a great piece for transitional weather when you just don’t want to wear something too heavy.
Jackets
Ridgeline Wrap Cardigan by Purl Soho
Another very valid choice for outerwear is this Ridgeline Wrap Cardigan by Purl Soho. It’s meant to be an outer layer, especially with such an attention-grabbing collar. Much like the Berlin Scarf above, throw this over any outfit and rest assured you’ll look put-together even when you’re in a rush to get out the door.
Brombaer by Annette Caughman
Same idea, different piece. I LOVE the texture on this jacket. Clearly, this is a unisex look that’s giving “expensive and effortless.” It’s perfect to throw on to step out for a little, or just stay in!
Sets
Cozy Cable Sweater and Cozy Cable Shorts by Ann-Kathrin Knits
Having lounge sets is my new favorite thing. Feeling so effortlessly coordinated is what a minimalist capsule wardrobe is all about. And it’s just so luxurious to have a classic cable set.
Aran Knit Pants by Pierrot Yarns (free!)
If you prefer joggers over shorts, I happened to find this lovely free pattern that matches well with the set above.
Crazy Feeling Sweater and Heartbreaker Shorts by Wool and the Gang
This set really reminds me of what you’d find at H&M back in the mid-2010’s. I found these images here. While these can’t be found on the Wool and the Gang site directly anymore, I’m still so hyped about them for obvious reasons. You can probably still get a hold of the pattern booklets secondhand.
Hallevik Blouse and Hallevik Skirt by Wool & Beyond
Lastly, I found an incredible set by Wool & Beyond that’s perfect for summertime coordination. This blouse and skirt set BREATHES minimalist elegance and simplicity. While you can knit this up as a solid color, I think the houndstooth like pattern elevates it to a more expensive and elegant look.
Conclusion
There you have it! I do love a good minimalist aesthetic, don’t you? Mixing and matching your favorite clothes becomes a breeze… every piece is practical and intentional, and that lets you make very satisfying outfit decisions. Handmade knitwear fits right into this practice (and your closet!).
Knitwear IS affordable, and you can learn a great new skill. Also, materials don’t always have to be expensive. As of writing this, Lion Brand sells 300-400 yards of wool for $13 dollars. Most cardigans and sweaters are about 1100-1600 yards – a bit more or less depending on your body and ease preference. That roughly adds up to about $52 dollars average for a handmade garment. And because you are using all natural fibers, compare that to the price of luxury brands. It’s priceless when you realize that these garments can last generations.
Making your own knitwear isn’t for everyone, but if it is, I’m here to help you on that journey. I hope you enjoyed my roundup of knitting ideas for a minimalist capsule wardrobe. If you like these, check out my other curated knitting patterns soon.
Till next time, xo.
Note that am not affiliated with any of the brands, authors, or organizations mentioned in this post.