Meet the Designer: Anna Husemann

Get to know the German knitter, Anna Husemann, widely known for her amazing intarsia knitting techniques. She creates wearable art! 🖼️ Her new mini collection features three free patterns bursting with color play and artistic experiments with funky shapes.

Featuring Anna Huseman's new collection Rust and Rhythm with a cozy bonnet, a chic scarf, and a playful bandana, this collection is all about bringing an artistic edge to your handmade wardrobe. Think industrial vibes meets soft, squishy yarns. 🧶🚢

Behind the Stitches: Anna Husemann

For those who are just discovering your work, how would you describe Anna Husemann?

I am a textile and knitwear designer based in Hamburg, Germany. My work is all about color, shapes and materials and how they interact with each other. I create paper collages and turn these abstract illustrations into knitted textiles by filling each shape with various materials. In doing so, the intarsia technique is my favourite tool.

You are widely known for your incredible use of Intarsia. What is it about this specific technique that makes it your favorite way to "paint" with wool?

Yes, intarsia is my favourite of all the knitting techniques! It is a creative approach – playful and experimental – and it allows me to create both bold and subtle abstract shapes and illustrative motifs. It requires patience and, at times, a slower pace, but I feel it is well worth the effort because intarsia enables a spontaneity and irregularity that I love to work with.

The collection is titled "Rust & Rhythm." Can you tell us the story behind that name and how it’s reflected in the bonnet, scarf, and bandana?

The name Rust & Rhythm is inspired by a special place called Hansahafen, a historic part of Hamburg’s harbour that is now part of a museum. The area is filled with old cranes and ships, weathered tools and a special industrial atmosphere. Rust references the industrial surfaces – the various textures corroded by rust and also the inspiring color combinations found on the painted cranes. Rhythm reflects both the repetitive structures of industrial architecture and the garter stitch ribs used throughout the designs.

Behind the Scenes of The Creation of Rust & Rhythm

Intarsia can sometimes feel intimidating to knitters. What’s one pro-tip you can share to help people keep their yarn tension even and their bobbins organized?

My tip for achieving an even tension is to work with a slightly tighter gauge, as this helps create neater color changes. When it comes to yarn management, I recommend trying out different techniques to find the one that best suits both you and your project – for example using butterfly bobbins, ready-made bobbins, or a turning technique to keep yarns from tangling.

If someone is new to colorwork, which of the three "Rust & Rhythm" patterns would you suggest they start with to build their confidence?

I’d say the Rust & Rhythm Scarf is the most suitable pattern for intarsia beginners. The shapes are rather large, which means only a few skeins are used in each row, making it easier to manage. It’s a great way to understand how intarsia works without feeling overwhelmed.

For more adventurous beginners, the Rust & Rhythm Bandana is another great option. It has a manageable size and results in a finished piece quite quickly. Combining garter stitch ribs with colorful shapes while working increases and decreases makes the process engaging and satisfying.

Do you sketch or swatch before casting on – or just dive right in?

I definitely sketch and swatch before casting on. My process usually starts with a series of paper collages to brainstorm colors and shapes. I then swatch to explore stitch patterns and textures and use these swatches to turn my abstract illustrations into color charts. Once the motif and the size feel right, I start knitting the actual piece.

The Speed Round

Bold brights or earthy neutrals?

Soft, nuanced colors – sometimes pastel, sometimes warm and earthy, but always with depth.

Do you prefer to knit in total silence to focus on the "rhythm" or do you have a go-to playlist or podcast?

With a podcast – or outside, if the weather allows.

Neatly wound bobbins or "organized chaos" while you work?

Neatly organized chaos.

What is your favorite way to style the pieces?

I like styling them simply, letting color and texture speak – layered with garments in similar tones.

Is it a statement piece or an everyday staple?

Ideally both. They’re designed to stand out, while still feeling wearable for everyday life.

Find Your Flow with Rust & Rhythm 🌊

Whether you're an intermediate colorwork pro or a total intarsia newbie, Anna Husemann’s Rust & Rhythm collection is the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy the process. There’s something so meditative about watching those abstract shapes come to life, one stitch at a time.

Ready to turn your yarn stash into a masterpiece? We can't wait to see your versions of the Rust & Rhythm pieces!

Discover the Anna Husemann x Hobbii "Rust & Rhythm" Mini Collection here.