Andreas Ruthemann
knitwear designer
Germany
It all began in the 1980s. Knitting was experiencing a renaissance, fashion was extremely expressive, the Green Party was knitting in parliament – and Andreas was knitting in school.
His mother taught him the basics, and even before he could read a pattern, he was creating his own designs. A later internship in the design atelier of a large textile company ended with the boss saying, “We’ll definitely be hearing a lot more from you.” The goal was a career in fashion, but things turned out differently at first.
His path led him into the advertising and design industry, where the intense workload left no time for knitting or sewing, and only after a long break did the knitting fever return a few years ago.
A huge thirst for knowledge had built up, and no challenge was too great. Andreas persevered through Russian patterns and modified almost every design according to his own ideas. After several years of this intense research — practically a self-directed education — he published his first knitting pattern in 2023: the Mårvej Sweater. Like most of his designs, it combines a personal memory with a passion for sophisticated techniques.
His many years of conceptual work as a creative professional, along with the Danish skills he has acquired over time, now form an ideal foundation for all aspects of a knitting designer’s job beyond the knitting itself. So the dream he had back in school is finally being lived.
His mother taught him the basics, and even before he could read a pattern, he was creating his own designs. A later internship in the design atelier of a large textile company ended with the boss saying, “We’ll definitely be hearing a lot more from you.” The goal was a career in fashion, but things turned out differently at first.
His path led him into the advertising and design industry, where the intense workload left no time for knitting or sewing, and only after a long break did the knitting fever return a few years ago.
A huge thirst for knowledge had built up, and no challenge was too great. Andreas persevered through Russian patterns and modified almost every design according to his own ideas. After several years of this intense research — practically a self-directed education — he published his first knitting pattern in 2023: the Mårvej Sweater. Like most of his designs, it combines a personal memory with a passion for sophisticated techniques.
His many years of conceptual work as a creative professional, along with the Danish skills he has acquired over time, now form an ideal foundation for all aspects of a knitting designer’s job beyond the knitting itself. So the dream he had back in school is finally being lived.
7 sense-ible questions for Andreas
1) What are your favourite views, sights or reads such as books, movies or others?The Port of Hamburg, the Danish Jammerbugt-coast and the South Indian city of Mysore. Muted colours, preferably warm greys, cool greens and pale pink tones.
Films by Pedro Almodovar and James Ivory.
2) What are your favourite feels/things to touch?
Wool, of course – especially carded yarns: rather rustic and minimally processed. I don’t mind if it’s a bit scratchy.
3) What puts your life in balance?
Ashtanga Yoga. Both daily practice and regular teaching give me inner balance and resilience. Walks with my dog and my husband are also true anchors.
4) Favourite odours/smells/perfumes?
Foraging for mushrooms, tart citrus notes, Indian spices, sandalwood smoke, wool that smells like sheep and the scent of coffee.
5) Favourite tastes/flavours/food?
South Indian and Italian. And afterwards, preferably liquorice. (All vegan/vegetarian.)
6) Favourite sounds such as music or others?
My favourite sound is silence – for hours. Otherwise, anything the sea and the forest have to offer. When it comes to music: everything by Suede.
7) Favourite quote
"You also have to be able to do hard things once in a while." — (My parents, whenever I complained that a task was too difficult).
To know more
- Ravelry: ruthemann-design
- Instagram: @andreas_ruthemann