The Art of the Sea: 23 Knitwear Designs Inspired by the Moomins

Laine is a high-quality Nordic knit & lifestyle magazine for knit folks. We cherish natural fibres, slow living, local craftsmanship and beautiful, simple things in life. Our intention is to inspire you to gather and share, to be part of a community of like-minded knitters, makers and thinkers from near and far. Knitting is more than just knit, knit, purl. It is a feeling.

Laine includes patterns from the leading knitwear designers, insightful, long-format stories from the world of wool, interviews, exciting travel articles, seasonal recipes and strong, visual storytelling.

Yarns that we know would be amazing for these patterns!

Fiona Alice – Shelter

The Moomins’ author and illustrator, Tove Jansson, was herself the muse for this sweater design. Inspired by photographs of Tove in knitwear, Fiona Alice envisioned a piece that Tove might have worn at her summer cottage on the small, distant island of Klovharun on the Baltic Sea. Though set in summer, the idea was for a hearty sweater that would keep the wearer warm against cold archipelago winds and sea spray. The result is a relaxed Johnny-collared pullover. The front of Shelter features Wheat Ear Rib, a faux cable worked over three stitches, while slip-stitch 1 × 1 ribbing is used for the hem, cuffs and collar.

Yarn Recommendations:
Manchelopi by Wool Dreamers
Mota by Wool Dreamers
Snefnug by CaMaRose
Le Gros Lambswool by Biches & Buches
Dìle DK by Uist

Alma Bali – The Inner Moomin

Alma Bali’s The Inner Moomin sweater has a curvy silhouette and a neutral palette that pays tribute to the Moomin family’s quiet sweetness, chic charm and whimsical spirit, echoing Tove Jansson’s beloved characters in both shape and mood. The top-down raglan pullover features a bell-shaped body finishing just above the hip and sleeves that taper gently to the wrists. Front and back are adorned with a bold patchwork pattern in soft whites and muted tones, created with simple, intuitive stitches. Casual yet elegant, it is a timeless staple and cosy com­pan­ion. The sweater is worked flat from the top down using intarsia for the patchwork, with each colour worked in its own stitch pattern.

Yarn Recommendations:
Woolstok Worsted by Blue Sky Fibers
Woolia by Gepard
Eco Cashmere Vintage by Gepard
Feli by Illimani
Blown Alpaca Cotton undyed
Origin by Walcot

Dee Hardwicke – Tulip Garden

Designer Dee Hardwicke’s long-standing admiration for the Moomins and Tove Jansson’s artistry is reflected in this design. Tulip Garden is inspired by the scarf of Snufkin, Moominvalley’s philosopher and free-spirited wanderer. It is worked in the round as a knitted tube, beginning and ending with five rows of contrasting colour. Tove Jansson’s passion for flowers, especially tulips, has been echoed through embroidered motifs. They, together with Snufkin’s hat, form a personal Moomin garden. Light in texture yet generous in length, the scarf can be worn year-round, styled loosely in warmer weather or wrapped several times for warmth in colder months.

Yarn Recommendations:
Any of the lace weight yarns in this collection.

Kaori Katsurada – Painter

When Kaori Katsurada was a student, she discovered Tove Jansson’s artwork beyond the Moomins, along with photographs of Tove herself. Kaori was especially drawn to the well-loved painter’s jacket Tove often wore — a piece with a sailor-like collar. Kaori often searched vintage shops, hoping to find something similar. This design translates that memory into a sport-weight sweater with an easy, everyday feel and two suggested sleeve styles. The 2 × 2 ribbing adds a classic touch, while soft raglan shaping evokes a subtle Moomin-like charm. A single button allows for an open, nautical look when undone.

Yarns Recommendations:
Eco Melange by Isager
Rustic Heather Sport by Lichen & Lace
Merino Possum by Circus Tonic
Cautiva by Wool Dreamers
Merilin by Isager

Soumine Kim – Moomellow

The white, cabled Moomellow sweater by Soumine Kim was inspired by the appearance of the Moomin family: their friendly, rounded noses and soft bodies. The sweater combines a saddle-shoulder construction with raglan shaping, blending classic style and modern sensibility. Worked from the neckband down, the ribbing and large cable patterns flow seamlessly through the body and sleeves for a clean, refined silhouette. Short rows are used to shape a smooth neckline. The cable motif forms rounded shapes and graceful curves, while the mix of wool and mohair gives the garment both bold presence and inviting warmth.

Yarn Recommendations:
Alpaca 3 by Isager
Chunky Andean by KAOS

Both held together with a lace weight silk mohair.

Maja Kløvdal – Flower Loop

Flower Loop is a soft raglan sweater inspired by the idea of Moominmamma, Moomintroll’s loving mother, gathering wildflowers in the Moominvalley. Maja Kløvdal envisioned how, petal by petal, blossoms fall across the fabric like little stories. Their light and red tones are drawn from Moominmamma’s iconic apron, a symbol of care and love. The sweater is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down. The yoke is knitted in stockinette stitch before stranded colourwork is added with raglan increases. The body and sleeves are finished in dot stitch with a wide colour­work border, floats on the right side and a rolled edge.

Yarn Recommendations:
Isager Tweed by Isager, Silk Mohair by Isager and Tvinni by Isager. (All as per the pattern.)

Alternatively, for the fingering weight yarns, we recommend:
Le Petit Lambswool by Biches & Buches
90 Varas by Wool Dreamers
Woolstok Light by Blue Sky Fibers

And a lace weight silk mohair.

Pauliina Leisti – Aallokko

For Pauliina Leisti, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Moomins and Tove Jansson is the sea. Visits to Klovharun, the small island where Tove and her life partner, Tuulikki Pietilä, spent their summers, inspired the Aallokko sweater — a soft, oversized “hugging” garment meant for wearing by the shore. Its wavy stripes recall the sea’s ever-moving surface and seaweed swaying gently below — ”aallokko” is Finnish for “swell”. This dropped-shoulder, oversized sweater with wide sleeves is worked seamlessly from the top down. The body features a wavy stripe pattern created with slipped stitches, requiring no stranded colourwork.

Yarn Recommendations:
Yak in the Buff
Skinny Andean by KAOS held with Brushed Alpaca by KAOS
Brushed Suri by Blue Sky Fibers (alone)
Soft by Isager (alone)
Kumula by Gepard (alone or with Cashmere Lace)

Lotta H. Löthgren – Journey

The Journey scarf is a simple yet striking accessory, inspired by the calm yet restless spirit of Snufkin, who follows the road wherever it leads. Its easy stitch pattern creates a textured fabric with rhythmic repeats along the entire length. A classic wool knit, Journey is timeless and practical — the perfect companion for long walks when the destination is unknown. Fringes add movement and flair. The scarf, worked from end to end, can be easily modified in both width and length by adjusting the number of stitches cast-on or the number of pattern repeats. It pairs beautifully with the Wander sweater, which features the same stitch pattern.

Yarn Recommendations:
Lore by The Fibre Co (as per original design)
Eco Cashmere by Gepard
Sayama by Pascuali
Santi by Illimani

Lotta H. Löthgren – Wander

The Wander sweater is a cosy, relaxed design made for any kind of wanderlust, whether in the wild or a bustling city. Designed by Lotta H. Löthgren, the sweater and its matching Journey scarf share the same stitch pattern: a tribute to Snufkin, the great adventurer of Moominvalley. A circular yoke begins with a high ribbed neckline that flows into cables spreading across the shoulders like branches. Smaller cables fill the spaces between, enhancing the organic, nature-inspired look, and reappear on the hem rib and long cuffs. The fit is easy and comfortable, with roomy sleeves shaped by decreases into a gentle balloon silhouette.

Yarn Recommendations:
Woolstok Worsted by Blue Sky Fibers
Woolia by Gepard
Eco Cashmere by Gepard
Sayama by Pascuali
Alpine Polwarth Possum
Le Gros Silk & Mohair by Biches & Buches

Sari Nordlund – Adventure

This pullover is inspired by Tove Jansson’s black-and-white line drawings of the Moomins. Its small colourwork motif also recalls traditional Scandinavian fishermen’s sweaters, echoing the Moomins’ deep connection to the sea and sailing. The name Adventure reflects both this maritime spirit and the sense of curiosity and courage that runs through the Moomin stories. Worked seamlessly in an all-over colourwork pattern, the sweater features a relaxed fit with dropped shoulders, a folded ribbed collar, and a tiny embroidered Moomin on the left sleeve. The back and fronts are worked flat before being joined together and worked in the round to the hem.

Yarn Recommendations:
Soft Merino by KAOS
Fior di Lino by mYak
Le Petit Lambswool by Biches & Buches
90 Varas by Wool Dreamers

And a lace weight silk mohair.

Paula Pereira – Comfort

When the weather turns cold, nothing is more comforting than wrapping up in something soft and warm. Inspired by that feeling and the sense of comfort found in Tove Jansson’s world, Paula Pereira designed Comfort: a seamless, easy-to-knit poncho worked in two colours of bouclé yarn. It is a garment that Moomintroll would have needed when he accidentally woke up from his winter hibernation in the book Moominland Midwinter! Knitted sideways in garter stitch, the poncho features a clever construction with rounded edges that echo the gentle shapes of the Moomins. A simple piece with a contemporary touch, it is a versatile addition to any wardrobe. 

Yarn Recommendations:
Bouclé by Isager (per original design), held double
Feli by Illimani (held double)
Soft Bouclé Undyed (held alone)
Teddy Dear by Gepard (held alone, or with a lace weight contrast)

Olga Putano – Snorkmaiden

Snorkmaiden is a simple, versatile sweater with a sprinkle of creativity and charm. Inspired by the loyal, brave, and imaginative Moomin character, the design reflects her soft, fluffy fur in smooth stockinette fabric. Worked seamlessly from the top down in stockinette stitch, the sweater features playful sleeve ruffles shaped with short rows and finished with a delicate picot bind-off. These details echo Snork­maiden’s fun fringe and her love of adornments such as flowers and her gold anklet. Romantic yet resourceful, this sweater is a sweet tribute to her elegance, adventurous spirit, and eye for beauty.

Yarn Recommendations:
Manchelopi by Wool Dreamers
Le Gros Lambswool by Biches & Buches
Mota by Wool Dreamers
Snefnug by CaMaRose

Marie Régnier – Clouds & Mists

Clouds & Mists is a top-down sweater inspired by Moominpappa, Moomintroll’s adventure-loving father. Soft, colourful embroidery evokes drifting clouds across the fabric — you can imagine them gathering in the sky on the faraway island where Moominpappa leads his family to live in the book Moominpappa at Sea. Short rows raise the back neckline for a better fit, and the sweater is knitted in stockinette stitch holding wool and silk-mohair together. Neckband, cuffs and hem are worked in double knitting for a soft, snug finish. The design is decorated with colourful embroidered clouds in duplicate stitch, worked in Suri alpaca from the hem and cuffs upward.

Yarn Recommendations:
Le Gros Silk & Mohair by Biches & Buches
Manchelopi by Wool Dreamers
My Joy by Gepard
Soft Fine by Isager (held double)
Prairie by Blue Sky (held double)
Double Mohair (for clouds)
Isager Bouclé (for clouds)

Marie Régnier – La Blouse

Loose like an artist’s smock and soft as filtered morning light, La Blouse is inspired by the quiet elegance of painters at work. Its high collar and flared sleeves suggest freedom of movement and grace, echoing a portrait of Tove Jansson painting in her studio. Worked top-down with two strands of lace-weight yarn held together, the sweater begins with a 1 × 1 ribbed neckband, shaped with increases into a funnel neck and shoulders before eyelets are added. These eyelets can be left as a lace motif or threaded with an i-cord or ribbon to form a bow, adding a feminine touch. Mohair lends ethereal softness, while the loose fit invites comfort and ease.

Yarn Recommendations:
Any lace weight silk mohair
For the icord - any scrap yarn you have. Around sport weight is good.

Camille Romano – Dynamite

The inspiration for the Dynamite slipover comes from the character Stinky, whom Camille Romano finds visually intriguing. She drew on his fluff and rounded little horns, reflected in the reverse stockinette and bobble panel at the centre front of the garment. The slipover is worked from the top down with a slightly cropped hem. It is easy to style and combine with different outfits. Stinky is Moominvalley’s mischievous little troublemaker, who is obsessed with finding “Manhattan dynamite” to help him rob a bank — hence the name of the pattern! The zigzag ribbing recalls cartoon strings of dynamite being lit.

Yarn Recommendations:
Any lace weight silk mohair . 3 strands held together for this pattern. We recommend using 3 strands that are all slightly different colours.

Camille Romano – Laakso

This shirt is inspired by the vibrant primary colour combinations of the Moomins, especially those seen in characters such as Little My and Ninny the Invisible Child. Its name, Laakso(“valley” in Finnish), is a direct reference to the place where the Moomins live, the Moominvalley. The airy, fluffy yarn lends lightness, making the shirt suitable for year-round wear. The sample is worked in a versatile, toned-down red paired with light pink. The design is worked top down with dropped shoulders and an oversized fit. It is finished with a deep ribbed hem, wide sleeves and a distinctive open collar shaped with an i-cord edge and ribbing.

Yarn Recommendations:
Isager Bouclé
Brushed Alpaca by KAOS held double
Plump DK by Mrs Moon
Feli by Illimani
Merino Possum by Circus Tonic
Fluff by Walcot Yarns held double

Jihyun Seong – Moominmamma

Knitting the Moominmamma vest is like wrapping yourself in the gentle warmth and comfort she embodies — practical, caring, and always ready to offer cosiness. The vest is worked bottom up, entirely in double knitting, creating a double-layered fabric that makes it thick, warm and reversible. The large Moominmamma motif on the back is achieved with double-knitting colourwork rather than intarsia, and the shaping methods for shoulders, increases, and decreases are all adapted for this technique. Designed by Jihyun Seong (better known as grey level knitter) with a generous fit, this vest is both functional and cosy.

Yarn Recommendations:
Teddy Dear by Gepard Garn and
Snefnug by CaMaRose or My Joy by Gepard Garn or Amelie by Illimani
(Much as we love Gepard, we don't stock Puno because it contains plastic.)

Karoline Skovgaard – Into the Forest

The Into the Forest sweater is inspired by the Groke. Though often feared, this Moomin character is truly a figure of longing, seeking warmth and friendship. Shrouded in darkness and followed by chill, she symbolizes loneliness and sorrow more than menace — a reflec­­­tion of the shadowy side of nature that Tove Jansson captured so adeptly. The sweater by Karoline Skovgaard (known as Aegyoknit) is worked top down, beginning from the back neck with shoulder shaping. Each shoulder is worked separately before joining the front; front and back are then worked in the round. The cable motif on the front evolves from simple knits and purls into narrow cables, evoking a path into the unknown.

Yarn Recommendations:
Tweed by Isager and Alpaca1 by Isager (as per the natural-white version)
Or any of these yarns plus a lace weight silk mohair or Alpaca1:
Fior di Lino by mYak
Sabri by Illimani
Isager Merilin
90 Varas by Wool Dreamers

Charlotte Stone – Dreaming

Step quietly into a world of whimsy with Dreaming, a sock pattern inspired by Tove Jansson’s enchanting original illustrations. Charlotte Stone wanted to capture the gentle magic of Moominvalley, where time slows, flowers bloom endlessly and adventures unfold with quiet charm. Worked from the top down, the socks begin with a classic ribbed cuff before moving into a landscape of stranded colourwork on the leg. Meadow flowers dance beneath the silhouette of the Moominhouse, while on the foot a curious Moomintroll peeks from the blooms, adding a touch of mischief and delight. The socks feature a ribbed heel, heel flap and gusset.

Yarn Recommendations: 
Some of these amazing sock yarns

Maaike van Geijn – Midsummer

Midsummer is a floral colourwork yoke sweater with a relaxed yet elegant fit, knitted seamlessly from the top down. It is inspired by the iconic photograph of Tove Jansson wearing a Midsummer flower wreath. Tove often depicted Midsummer as a magical, mysterious time of quiet seas and ponds, blossom­ing meadows, bonfires and deep wonder. This sweater is an ode to Tove and her art, inspired by a celebration she cherished. The flower garlands, worked in stranded colourwork, are enhanced with duplicate stitch to add more variety and soften the repeats, moving beyond the predictable rhythms of traditional stranded motifs.

Yarn Recommendations: 
Merino Cloud by artyarns
Baby Camel by mYak
Cautiva by Wool Dreamers
Pudding by Mrs Moon (esp for contrast colours)
Rustic Heather Sport by Lichen & Lace

Maaike van Geijn – Midwinter

The Midwinter jacket draws inspiration from the early black-and-white sketches of the Moomins, capturing Moomintroll in his purest, most abstract form — a warm, lovable character with wide eyes who wins hearts instantly. The jacket’s simple black-and-white lines evoke a richly imagined world and reflect the essence of Tove Jansson’s art, while the snow theme nods to the classic Moomin winter tales so deeply rooted in Nordic life. The piece features a relaxed, boxy fit with a loose silhouette and is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down, using a contiguous saddle-shoulder construction. Moomin patch pockets are knitted in one piece in the round, steeked, and then sewn onto the finished garment.

Yarn Recommendations:
Sayama by Pascuali
Camel DK by Pascuali
Plump DK by Mrs Moon
Lore by The Fibre Co
For the fluffy contrast:
Brushed Suri by Blue Sky
Kumula by Gepard
Feli by Illimani

Julia Wilkens – Gentle Creatures

The stories of the Moomins were read to Julia Wilkens as a child. Their gentle yet slightly eerie nature — the perfect recipe for unforgettable tales — made them linger in her mind ever since. Julia is especially intrigued by the Moomins’ peculiar noses. With her own slightly upturned nose, she has long felt a special kinship with these little beings. Julia transformed her love of the Moomins into her Gentle Creatures vest, worked in stockinette stitch and finished with embroidery. Julia believes there is no such thing as too many vests: they are perfect for those in-between days when a jacket is too much and a sweater not quite enough.

Yarn Recommendations:
Haunui by Noro (as per the original design)
Woolia by Gepard
Woolstok Worsted by Blue Sky
Mota by Wool Dreamers
Sabri II by Illimani
Manchelopi by Wool Dreamers

For the Embroidery - scrap yarn that's sport weight - worsted weight. Since you don't need much, check out the minis.

Julia Wilkens – Too-ticky

A classic raglan sweater is a must-knit — a time­less design worth making at least once in a lifetime. This version is inspired by the striped sweater worn by the character Too-ticky.Based on Tove Jansson’s life partner, Tuulikki Pietilä, Too-ticky lives in harmony with nature and its creatures. The stitch pattern, a variation of half-fisherman’s rib, shines in a bouncy three-ply yarn with strong stitch definition, creating a beautifully squishy fabric. Generous positive ease through the body, combined with slightly less ease in the sleeves, gives the sweater a relaxed fit without excess bulk.

Yarn Recommendations:
Woolia by Gepard
Skinny Andean by KAOS
Plump DK by Mrs Moon
My Soft One by Gepard
Giacomo by Illimani
Origin by Walcot