Knit with Sari
Retreat #4: Sari Nordlund
Sari Nordlund is a Helsinki-based knitwear designer whose elegant, nature-inspired patterns have appeared in leading publications including Laine, Pom Pom Quarterly, and Amirisu. She has collaborated with renowned yarn companies such as Woolfolk, Brooklyn Tweed, and Hobbii, and shares her expertise globally through workshops and her popular Domestika course on cable knitting.
Drawing from Scandinavian minimalism and the textures of Nordic landscapes, Sari designs timeless garments that balance clean lines with intricate stitchwork. She is known for her skillful use of cables, lace, and rustic natural fibres in soft neutrals, while also embracing colourwork in select pieces. Her process often combines classic techniques with contemporary forms, resulting in patterns that are both wearable and artful.
Sari’s books, Softly – Timeless Knits (October 2023) and Summer Knits (May 2025), showcase her signature style—romantic silhouettes, delicate textures, and thoughtful construction—set against inspiring European backdrops. Signature designs such as the Laulu shawl, Poet sweater, Kuutar pullover, Seleste pullover, and the Icelandic-inspired Ruka pullover have earned her a devoted following among knitters who value elegance, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to place.
Classes
Workshop 1 — SPES SHAWL
In this class we will learn the techniques you need to knit your own Spes shawl. During the class we will cast on the shawl and you will learn to read charts and knit the charted pattern.
Materials needed for the course: worsted weight yarn for knitting the swatch (for example merino or other smooth fibers with good stitch definition in light, unicolor colorway so you can easily see your stitches), 4 mm / US 6 needles, a couple of stitch markers, tapestry needle and waste yarn.
Workshop 2 — We have a special guest who will be teaching some of the techniques that Sari uses.
Workshop 3 — VENILIA TEE
In this class we will learn the techniques you need to knit your own Venilia tee. During the class we will prepare a swatch, where you learn to read charts, knit the lace pattern and work the German Short-row technique needed for shaping the back of the tee. We will also learn the I-Cord Off technique.
Materials needed for the course: fingering weight yarn for knitting the swatch (for example merino or other smooth fibers with good stitch definition in light, unicolor colorway so you can easily see your stitches), 3 mm / US 2.5 needles, a couple of stitch markers, tapestry needle and waste yarn
Gallery
