Andi Javori is the knit and crochet fashion designer behind Javori Designs.
Welcome to the fourth edition of our Designer Showcase, a series dedicated to spotlighting the talent behind Cascade Yarns’ designs. Each showcase offers an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into the creative process and passions inspiring the designers who bring our yarns to life.
Andi Javori joins us this month to share her journey as a knit and crochet fashion designer, and the inspiration behind her work.
What first drew you to the craft and later designing?
I started knitting at the age of 10. I grew up in Europe, where at the time written knitting patterns weren’t widely available, so I learned by figuring things out on my own with help from my best friend’s mother.
That experience really shaped the way I approach knitting today. I’ve always loved making things, whether for myself or for others.
How would you describe your design aesthetic or signature style?
I’m naturally drawn to geometric designs, which often become a defining element in my work. I like to create pieces that feel elegant but still easy to wear every day.
My goal is to design timeless styles where the yarn and the craftsmanship can really shine.
Long Cabled Cardigan by Andi Javori
Yarn: Pacific®
Download Pattern
Where do you find creative inspiration these days?
My inspiration often begins with the materials themselves. I’ve always loved visiting yarn and craft shops—both at home and while traveling—and exploring the wide variety of yarns available today.
When I see and feel different types of yarn, ideas often come to me. I then develop those ideas further in my studio.
Can you walk us through your design process – from first spark to finished sample?
Once I start swatching with a particular yarn, that’s usually when design ideas begin to take shape. I explore stitch patterns that best suit the yarn and sketch out the design to visualize how it will look, especially in different colors. Before I begin knitting, especially for sweaters or cardigans, I work out all the necessary math and shaping details.
I actually enjoy that part of the process, including grading the design across different sizes. From there I knit the sample, refining the piece along the way until everything feels just right.
Chunky Cardigan by Andi Javori
Yarn: 128 Superwash®
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What do you look for in a yarn when starting a new design?
There are so many different types of yarn, and each one lends itself to a different kind of garment. I’m especially drawn to thinner yarns like lace, DK, and worsted weight, as they allow for more refined textures and elegant drape. The choice of yarn really defines how a piece will look and feel, the drape, structure, and overall fit all depend on the fiber and weight, so selecting the right yarn is an essential part of the design process.
Do you have a Cascade Yarns favorite? What makes it special for you?
That’s like asking me to choose a favorite child! Each Cascade yarn has its own personality, and I tend to fall in love with whatever I’m working with at the moment.
The beauty of their range is that there’s always the perfect yarn for each design, which makes it hard to pick just one favorite.
I especially enjoyed working with Pacific for my long cardigan. For my Oh-So Soft sweater, the combination of Heritage and Kid Seta was perfect, the yarns complemented each other beautifully and truly lived up to the sweater’s name. The quality, feel, and versatility of Cascade Yarns make them a joy to work with and a key part of bringing my designs to life.
Textured Tank Top by Andi Javori
Yarn: Botanika
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Where did the inspiration for your Cascade Yarns projects come from?
The inspiration often comes from the yarn itself. The colors, texture spark ideas for both the design and the type of garment. Beyond the yarn, my travels, love of art and architecture also influence the overall aesthetic, helping me create pieces that feel both wearable and timeless.
What tips do you have for makers working through your patterns?
My main tip for makers is to take your time and enjoy the process. Pay close attention to the stitch patterns and construction details. Don’t be afraid to make small adjustments to suit your style or size; knitting is as much about personal expression as it is about following the pattern. Most importantly, have fun and let the yarn inspire you along the way.
Textured Tee by Andi Javori
Yarn: Nifty Cotton Splash
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If you could tell every new maker one thing, what would it be?
If I could tell every new maker one thing, it would be: stick with it. When I used to teach knitting, I always told my students that knitting is like learning an instrument, practice makes perfect.
Don’t get discouraged by mistakes, every stitch is part of the learning process. And there are a lot of happy accidents!
Creating your own garments is incredibly rewarding, and there’s nothing quite like the joy of giving a hand-knit gift to friends and family.
What’s lighting you up creatively these days, or what are you excited to work on next?
These days, I’m inspired by both fashion trends and the endless possibilities of new yarns. I especially love receiving sample yarns from Cascade, it’s always exciting to explore their textures and colors and imagine what I can create with them.
Each new yarn sparks fresh ideas, and I’m always eager to design something innovative and beautiful for makers to enjoy.
Oh-So Soft Pullover by Andi Javori
Yarn: Heritage® | Kid Seta
Download Pattern
What excites you most about the future of fiber arts?
What excites me most is the incredible variety and creativity that’s emerging in the field. There are so many innovative yarns, techniques, and patterns available today, and more people are discovering the joy of making by hand.
I love seeing traditional skills evolve alongside new ideas, and I’m inspired by how fiber arts continue to connect communities, spark creativity, and bring beauty into everyday life.
Stay tuned for more from our Designer Showcase series!
Until then, explore Andi Javori’s creative world through the links below.