10 indie knitwear patterns from down under

Whether it's Latvia's historical city of Riga, South Africa's vibrant heart of Johannesburg, or the mountainous region Wyoming in the US, LoveCrafts has independent designers from all over the world. This week we're heading down under to celebrate some fab patterns from our Australian and New Zealand indie designers.

1. Dollface knitting pattern by Amanda Buckley

A beginner knit is a fabulous thing and we have a great one for you! Dollface by Australia's Amanda Buckley is a gorgeous, easy knitting pattern to add to a touch of vintage charm to any outfit. With sizes from newborn through to adult, this pattern is perfect for dressing to match your mini-me!

2. Whakairo Cowl knitting pattern by Francoise Danoy

Taking its name from the art of wood carving in Maori culture, the Whakairo Cowl is a gorgeous intermediate level knit. Designed by Australian-born, Franco-Māori, and now resident of Japan, Francoise Danoy, this cowl is one to add to your WIPs. Full of beautiful detail and worked from the bottom up, this cowl can be made in your favourite 4-ply yarn, in a fibre you love.

3. Thousands knitting pattern by Kelly van Niekerk

Designed to fit children with a chest measurement of 35 - 52 cm, the Thousands knitting pattern by New Zealander Kelly van Niekerk is an intermeidate knit to add to your WIPs. Thousands blends a solid, sensible shade of Lang Yarns Merino 200 Bebe with the fun variegated Lang Yarns Mille Colori Baby to create a simple design with a bright accent. Kelly loves variegated yarns, and designed this cardigan to feature the best parts!

4. Murnong knitting pattern by Georgie Nicolson

Australia's Georgie Nicolson is one of our most popular designers on LoveKnitting. This intermediate knitting pattern takes its name from native Australian yam daisy, the Murnong, which is where the inspiration for this gorgeous pattern's colour palette comes from. Murnong is knitted in the round from the bottom up, resulting in a seamless finish.

5. Hemisphere knitting pattern by Lynnette Hulse

An advanced knit, made in a fabulous combination of Malabrigo Rios, Spud & Chloe Sweater, and Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted, the Hemisphere hat from Australia's Lynnette Hulse is simply beautiful. Worked in the round from the brim up, this pattern is the challenge you've been looking for. Trust us, the result will be worth it!

6. Maroo Mitts knitting pattern by Ambah O'Brien

Ambah O'Brien has a passion for colour. Her knitwear designs are full of gorgeous shades and tones, reflecting the Australian landscape. The Maroo Mitts pattern knitted in Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light is perfect for beginners. These stylish mitts take their name from the Australian Aboriginal word meaning hand. With extra length, you'll love knitting these up in the round, for when the chill of autumn and winter hits the air.

7. Origin knitting pattern by Jessica Gore

Australia's Jessica Gore loves to knits socks, shawls, and mittens. With a soft and muted colour palette running throughout her designs, the plum tones of the Origin sock pattern is no exception. Knitted in just one ball of Regia Silk 4 Ply 100g, this toe up design is one you'll love to make and to wear.

8. Gumnut Cardigan knitting pattern by OGE Knitwear Designs

The Gumnut Cardigan by OGE Knitwear Designs is an intermediate pattern made in beautiful Willow & Lark Ramble. Knitted seamlessly from the top down, this delicate pattern has no sewing or seaming required!

9. Myrtle Ridge knitting pattern by The Restless Knitter

Australia's The Restless Knitter brings us the lovely intermediate knitting pattern, Myrtle Ridge. This elegant shawl with lace edging is inspired by the trees in the south west of Western Australia. Knitted in sport weight yarn, it is the perfect shawl to cosy up in when the cold weather hits, or provide a light layer on warmer days.

10. Sentinel knitting pattern by Mary-Anne Mace

The Sentinel knitting pattern is a gorgeous lace crescent shawl from New Zealander Mary-Anne Mace, which can be knitted with just 100 grams of your favourite lace weight yarn. There are no lace stitches on wrong side rows, which makes this lovely shawl a breeze to knit!