Visual Patterns are the creation of Anne Lavene, a design-led knitwear creator, domestic textile innovator, and educator. To understand the inspiration behind this groundbreaking method of creating knitted textiles, garments, and accessories, you can read our exclusive Interview with Anne Lavene. Crucially, the Visual Pattern System is intentionally designed to be universally accessible, user-friendly, and neurodivergent-friendly.
To create any of the Designer-Direct garments and accessories available in The Souk UK online shop, makers only need a single-bed domestic knitting machine, suitable yarn, and the downloaded Visual Pattern of their choice. For those new to the craft, both new and used domestic knitting machines are readily available online at inexpensive prices.
Each Visual Pattern is delivered as part of a comprehensive Creative Portfolio download. This portfolio covers supplemental information regarding yarn selection, joining techniques, finishing, and sizing. It also outlines exactly which of the ten core knitting processes—known as “The Keys”—are required to craft that specific piece. This structure makes it an ideal way of mastering a new skill while simultaneously creating a professional garment of your choice. Every Designer-Direct item listed in The Souk UK online shop explicitly displays the precise Keys you will need, making the system perfect for artisans completely new to the craft as well as those with years of machine knitwear experience.
If you are new to Visual Patterns and the core processes involved, we highly recommend starting with Anne’s free YouTube educational video series. In these tutorials, Anne Lavene demonstrates and explains each of the 10 Keys alongside the supplementary techniques needed to bring her designs to life in real time.
Once you are proficient and familiar with The Keys and their practical processes, you will have developed the skills to not only craft any Designer-Direct creation, but also to design and produce custom garments, accessories, and textiles of your own. Many of Anne’s former students have used this exact foundation to successfully launch, monetise, and run their own independent machine-knit businesses.
To explore the collection and purchase your first Designer-Direct Visual Pattern, visit The Souk Online Shopping Centre
