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Knitwear from The Knotty Ones is much more than chunky sweaters, adorable shorts, or sophisticated cardigans—the Lithuanian label is knitting together a community. Every piece has a bit of Lithuanian heritage woven in by the talented women employed by the brand. We talked with The Knotty Ones' co-founder, Danutė Rasimaviciute, about their inspiration, craftsmanship, and admirable mission.
What inspired the foundation of The Knotty Ones?
It stemmed from our own need for high-quality knits that celebrate the traditional Baltic craft of knitting and the artisans behind it, while also feeling contemporary and fresh. My two co-founders and I, all Lithuanian natives, attended grad school together, and that's where we met. Almost jokingly, we said that if no one would be up to the task, we'd set out to do it ourselves. Eventually, we did. It quickly grew and became much more than just us—it became a tight-knit community (pun totally intended) of knitters we have facilitated in marginalized areas of Lithuania.
How do you incorporate traditional Baltic heritage and tradition into your pieces?
Growing up in the Baltics comes with a few certainties: being dressed from head to toe in knits made by our grandmas and aunties, and spending summers outdoors in forests, lakes, and meadows. We take great pride in our Baltic heritage and the traditions passed down by our ancestors. Hence, our designs are deeply inspired by freedom-filled, wild-spirited energy and our Pagan roots.
At times, it shows up in the colors and silhouettes sparked by sleepless nights spent absorbings the environment of a tiny fishing village along the Baltic Sea. Other times, we design our interpretation of what modern-day Baltic goddesses would wear while dancing around forests or calling for rain. This concept also extends to the yarns we use, as we exclusively opt for natural materials, colors inspired by local landscapes, and textures that resemble local rivers or tree bark.
What made you decide to work primarily with Lithuanian women and women-run factories in marginalized areas of the country?
When we posted our first job listing calling for knitters for our handmade pieces, we didn't expect that almost all the women reaching out to us would be from small villages or rural areas. However, it all quickly made sense. Women in larger cities in Lithuania have more job and career opportunities, but in remote areas of Lithuania, these opportunities are virtually nonexistent. Many women in these areas find themselves becoming full-time stay-at-home moms or caregivers, even though they desire both financial independence and career opportunities that can be balanced with their families.
Our artisans choose schedules that suit them and their families, whether part-time, full-time, or during their kids' napping hours. They can work from the comfort of their homes, equipped with everything they need for safe and comfortable work. In full disclosure, we have not received a single application from a male knitter. This is probably because, for centuries, knitting was traditionally passed from mothers to daughters in the Baltics or because males are still perceived as traditional "bread-winners" in rural areas of Lithuania, with more career opportunities outside of knitting. We will gladly hire anyone who can knit up to our quality standards, regardless of their gender identity.
As for our partner factories that also produce a significant portion of our knits, our main goal has always been to select those that share our values and brand ethos. Coincidentally, these factories are run by other incredible women who care about local communities.
How do you incorporate ethical fashion practices into your brand?
While our brand's use of only the highest-quality, always natural, and cruelty-free certified yarns is significant, our primary focus lies on our knitters. As consumers, we often overlook the fact that real people stand behind the creation of our clothes. Your jeans weren't just spat out by a factory machine—someone meticulously sewed them together, attached the buttons, labeled them, and steamed them just for you.
At The Knotty Ones, we aim to foster a connection between our consumers and the individuals crafting their pieces. All our knits arrive signed by the knitter who crafted them. Along with your purchase, you'll receive her photo and a brief narrative about who she is, her passions, her daily routine, and her hobbies. This personal touch makes these pieces extra special and valued—items that won't be discarded after a couple of wears but rather cherished for years to come. Knowing that a specific person dedicated time and effort to create it adds a unique and enduring significance to each piece.
