and how they’ve helped me grow creatively and professionally
As a knitwear designer, it’s easy to slip into the rhythm of solo work, just you, your yarn, your sketches, and your needles. There’s something beautifully introspective about that. But over the years, I’ve learned something that has completely transformed how I grow, connect, and thrive in this creative industry: collaboration is everything!
This week, I tuned into episode 880 of The Goal Digger Podcast with Jenna Kutcher: "Survive and Thrive: Why Collaboration is the new secret weapon for Small Business Owners", and wow… she hit home on a few key reminders about the power of collaborating as a creative. Here’s why I believe collaborations are essential in our knitwear space, and how we can make the most of them.
1. Collaboration Creates Momentum
Momentum doesn’t come from standing still, it comes from movement, from taking a step, and often, that step includes other people. In knitwear design, collaborating with yarn dyers, tech editors, photographers, or even fellow designers allows you to create something bigger than yourself.
When I teamed up with Helen from @untangledyarn for the Sweet Pea Cowl, it wasn't just about using her yarn... it was about combining our strengths to create a product and story that felt deeply connected. That partnership gave the design purpose and a broader reach.
2. You Expand Your Audience (and Theirs)
When you collaborate, you open doors to new eyes, hearts, and hands. Your work gets seen by people who trust and follow your collaborator, and vice versa. That’s organic growth, and it’s deeply rooted in community, not algorithms. "The algorithm might be unpredictable, but generosity is going to win every single day of the week"- Jenna Kutcher.
Real talk? I’ve found more pattern sales, social engagement, and authentic support from one thoughtful collaboration than from a month of posting solo content.
3. Fresh Perspective, Real Growth
Collaboration invites new ideas and challenges you to stretch your creative voice. As knitwear designers, we often live in our heads—so bouncing ideas off a yarn dyer or brainstorming styling with a photographer can breathe so much life into your process.
(This picture is from a collaboration with @blueskyfibers In this case, I knit with their yarn Sweater, and it inspired The Canterbury Cowl, a piece that conveys my cultural roots and a personal story).
Surrounding myself with creative makers in this industry pushes me to keep being creative with a meaningful purpose in mind.
4. It's just more fun:
Let’s be honest... being a solo business owner can feel isolating. Collaborations remind us that we’re part of something bigger. When I get to work with a dyer, or jump on a Zoom call with another designer, it recharges me.
(In the image you can see one of my Knitting Patterns, The Ridge beanie. It featured yarn from @roundmountainfibers This was not the first time I have worked with this yarn company, and it shows that I loved the quality of this yarn so much, that when they reached out to me to design a new piece with their yarn, I did not hesitate).
You don’t have to do this alone. That’s the beauty of the fiber world, it’s made of fibers that connect us all.
5. Tips for meaningful collaborations (Inspired by Jenna Kutcher)
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Know your brand. Before you collaborate, get clear on what you stand for, what your audience loves, and how you want to show up. That way, you can partner with others who truly align.
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Lead with value. Ask: “How can I make this a win for them too?” Bring ideas to the table that benefit both parties.
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Start small. You don’t have to launch a huge campaign. A simple cross-promotion or shared Instagram Post, Reel, or Story can be a great start.
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Be a good communicator. Set expectations early, follow through, and be clear about timelines, deliverables, and goals.
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Keep it human. Real connection always wins. Don’t be afraid to be yourself—quirks, creativity, and all.
6. How to Start Collaborating as a Knitwear Designer:
- Reach out to a yarn dyer you admire and suggest a seasonal design idea
- Pitch a guest post or podcast swap with another maker
- Join or host a KAL that invites your community to engage together (I still have to put this one into practice)
- Offer to co-create content (reels, tutorials, giveaways) that benefits both parties
- Lead with value—show what you bring to the table before asking for anything
I’m currently working on a few exciting Fall/Winter collaborations, and I can’t wait to share what’s coming. If you’re a yarn dyer, or maker looking to collaborate, my inbox is always open (yessysdesigns@gmail.com).
So if you’re a designer wondering if it’s worth reaching out to someone you admire or proposing a joint project: do it.
Because the truth is, the creative process becomes even more beautiful when it’s shared. Collaboration brings color, texture, and heart to our work, and it reminds us that we were never meant to create alone.
SAVE FOR LATER!
Let’s continue to build something beautiful together.
Yessy
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