Brian Smith, a UK-based designer, started knitting at age 15.
Welcome to the premiere edition of our Designer Showcase, a new series created to celebrate the incredible talent behind Cascade Yarns’ creations. Each feature offers a closer look at the designers who bring our yarns to life through an interview-style spotlight filled with personal insights, creative influences, and helpful tips. We are honored to begin this series with Brian Smith, who shares an exclusive glimpse into the passion and creative process behind some of his most popular designs.
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Adara by Brian Smith
Yarn: Botanika®
Pattern Link
What first drew you to knitting and later designing?
What first drew me to knitting was the quiet magic of turning a single strand of yarn into something useful and beautiful. Knitting quickly became both a creative outlet and a way to slow down.
Designing let me combine creativity, problem-solving, and storytelling—and that’s what really hooked me.
How did you learn the craft?
I learned the craft in a very hands-on, layered way. It started with the basics—simple stitches taught by watching others knit on YouTube and following beginner patterns.
From there, a lot of my learning came through practice and experimentation, making mistakes, and figuring out how to fix them.
Enderby by Brian Smith
Yarn: Cascade 220®
Pattern Link
How would you describe your design aesthetic or signature style?
I’d describe my design aesthetic as thoughtful, timeless, and quietly modern. I’m drawn to clean lines and balanced proportions, with texture playing a key role rather than overly complex details. I like designs that feel wearable and lived-in—pieces you reach for again and again.
Where do you find creative inspiration these days?
These days, my inspiration comes less from trends and more from my surroundings and daily rhythms. Letting ideas arrive organically has become an important part of my process.
Can you walk us through your design process—from first spark to finished sample?
What does your workflow usually look like?
I usually work two or three swatches in my chosen stitch pattern on different-sized needles.
Just to see how the stitch sits. How it drapes.
Wrapped by Brian Smith
Yarn: Friday Harbor
Pattern Link
Do you typically begin with yarn choice, emotional concept, color, or something else entirely?
Yarn usually comes first. The fiber, weight, and drape have such a strong influence on how a design behaves. Color tends to arrive later, once the structure feels right; I prefer letting texture and form lead, then choosing a palette that supports the overall feeling rather than competing with it.
What part of the design journey (sketching, swatching, math, photography, etc.) brings you the most joy?
It’s got to be the actual knitting.
What’s the most challenging step of designing for you—and how do you tackle it?
The most challenging step for me is refining a design—knowing when to stop. It’s easy to keep adjusting details, second-guessing choices, or wondering if one more tweak would make it better. To tackle it, I step away from the piece for a while and come back with fresh eyes.
Highlighter by Brian Smith
Yarn: Heritage® 6
Pattern Link
What do you look for in a yarn when starting a new design?
When I’m starting a new design, the first thing I look for is how the yarn behaves. Drape, elasticity, and stitch definition matter more to me than color at the outset. I want to understand how it moves, how it holds structure, and whether it enhances the texture or shape I have in mind.
Do you have a Cascade Yarns favorite? What makes it special for you?
Cascade 220® in all its forms. I love its versatility.
Explore the Cascade 220® Collection
Can you share the inspiration behind the Cascade Yarns projects you have designed?
The Cascade Yarns projects were inspired by the desire to create designs that felt approachable, versatile, and grounded in everyday wear. Cascade’s yarns have a strong reputation for reliability and thoughtful fiber blends, which encouraged me to focus on pieces where construction, texture, and fit could really shine without feeling overworked.
What tips do you have for makers working through your patterns?
My biggest tip is to take your time at the beginning. Read through the entire pattern before casting on so you understand the construction and where the piece is headed. That context makes the process much smoother and helps prevent surprises later on. Swatching is also essential—not just for gauge, but to get familiar with the stitch patterns and how the yarn behaves.
Electric Wave by Brian Smith
Yarn: 220 Superwash® Sport Wave
Pattern Link
If you could tell every new maker one thing, what would it be?
I’d tell new makers that progress matters more than perfection. Every project—especially the imperfect ones—is teaching you something valuable, even when it doesn’t feel like it in the moment. Mistakes aren’t a sign that you’re doing it wrong; they’re part of how you learn the language of making. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small wins, and keep going. Skill comes from time spent with the craft, not from getting everything right on the first try.
What’s exciting you creatively right now, or what’s next for you?
What’s next is more experimentation with texture and subtle structure, as well as continuing to design garments that feel adaptable and personal for the maker.
Look At Me! by Brian Smith
Yarn: Cascade 220®
Pattern Link
What inspires you about the future of fiber arts?
I’m inspired by the growing sense of community and care around making. There’s more emphasis on sustainability, mindful consumption, and valuing handmade work, as well as a broader range of voices shaping what the craft looks like. The future feels thoughtful, connected, and creatively open, and that makes it an exciting space to be part of.
Stay tuned, because we are excited to share more stories in our Designer Showcase, a series dedicated to shining a light on the artistry and dedication shaping the projects makers love. You can explore more of Brian Smith’s work by visiting his links below.