Turning places into handknitted postcards and what you can learn from knitting five versions of the Cloud Sweater by Petiteknit
Conversations with Knitters No.2
For the second iteration of this series I had the pleasure of sitting down with Liz from @postcard.knits. What sparked my curiosity was her video on knitting the Cloud Sweater from Petiteknit at least five times. Since then, she has started to write and publish her own sweater patterns, which are inspired by her new city – San Francisco – and other places she has been to. Including a matching set for your dog or cat.
Liz: I first learned to knit as a child, thanks to my next-door neighbor, an avid crafter. She taught me how to knit and crochet, and while I enjoyed the process, the hobby didn’t quite stick. I set aside the needles for about two decades, only picking them up again last year. When I returned to knitting, I had forgotten everything I’d learned as a kid and had to start from scratch. This time, I fell in love with the art and haven’t stopped knitting since.
At the same time, I also loved watercolor painting and even ran a small business, where I created custom watercolors of people’s favorite places. Looking back now, it feels like I was unknowingly laying the groundwork for Postcard Knits, where I design knitwear inspired by my favorite places.
Sophie: I love learning about San Francisco through your patterns. When you started knitting again, what drew you back to this hobby?
I got back into knitting while searching for a hobby I could enjoy at home. During the pandemic, I was spending as much of my free time as possible outside on hikes, but the winter rain and cold had me wanting to stay cozy indoors. I’ve always loved making things (hence the watercolors!) and knitting lets me create with my hands. Plus, it’s been a fun way to connect with my crafty friends over yarn, sweaters, and our knitting projects!
The first video I saw of you was the one where you showed all the versions you knitted of the Cloud Sweater - I think it was five times. I was so intrigued, because I haven’t yet found a pattern that I wanted to knit twice or even five times. What made you come back to this sweater again and again?
I’ve definitely made a lot of cloud sweaters! Initially, the simplicity of the pattern drew me in. As a beginner knitter, I enjoyed the blank canvas, and I loved that it allowed the yarn to shine. It gave me the freedom to experiment with colors, fibers, and drape, helping me learn more about my personal style as a knitter.
Did your view on the pattern and experience change each time you re-knitted the Cloud Sweater pattern? I’m curious to know if you discovered new things by the fourth or fifth time.
As I knit the same pattern multiple times, I gained a deeper understanding of how sweaters are constructed. It all began to click as I re-read the pattern. I gained more confidence in my understanding of garment construction and began modifying the pattern to create exactly what I wanted to wear.
That makes a lot of sense! The more I knit, the more I understand about construction, too. You recently published your first patterns. What was the moment that inspired you to start designing knitting patterns?
I moved to San Francisco this year, and I was so taken by all of the beauty in the city. There was so much inspiration and I kept thinking about how I could translate it into stitches. So I did! It’s been such a fun way to explore my new community, and connect with my new home.
Your patterns are so rooted to real places around you. How do you go from an ordinary object or place to a knitting design?
I’m a very sentimental person, and I’m constantly thinking of how to document my favorite places so I can look back on them fondly in the future. I don’t want to forget the small, everyday details—the things that make my life what it is and the qualities of these places that I hold dear.
For example, my Bike Path Sweater design was inspired by the two parallel winding bike paths in Panhandle Park. The cables on either side of the body mimic the paths, where I’ve spent countless hours running. Now, whenever I wear that sweater, I’ll always have a tangible memory of this lovely spot. A hand-knit postcard!
Agree, knitting projects hold a surprising amount of memories. Can you tell me more about your next pattern the Fisherman’s Wharf Sweater. How did the idea and construction for this sweater come together?
One of my favorite things about San Francisco is how every neighborhood has its own vibe. You can walk just a few blocks and feel like you’re in a whole new world! I want to start a series of neighborhood-inspired sweaters, and the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf was the perfect first choice. I wanted to create a nautical-themed sweater to represent the wharf, drawing inspiration from Guernsey sweaters. This type of sweater originates from the isle of Guernsey, and combines function with beautiful stitch motifs. The Fisherman’s Wharf Sweater is my interpretation of a Whitby-style half-and-half Guernsey sweater, using Half Fisherman’s Rib (a knitting pun to pay homage to the Fisherman’s Wharf name) and rope-like cables to reflect the sea and its fishing roots.
Your thoughtfulness and attention to detail is amazing and I look forward to seeing the final result! Are there designers, patterns and yarn you keep coming back to and which you would recommend to other knitters and beginners?
This is such a hard question! :) There are so many wonderful designers, projects, and yarns for knitters of all levels. In general, I always recommend starting with whatever inspires you. Maybe begin with a simple, small scarf to practice the basics. Once you’re comfortable with those fundamental skills, I really think you can dive into any project that you’re excited about. Local yarn stores are a phenomenal resource, and they have a wealth of knowledge.
Was there something you learned or discovered this year that changed the way you knit?
I’ve started getting into colorwork this year, and it’s completely changed how I think about knitting. Incorporating color feels like opening a whole new dimension of creating interesting fabrics and motifs. It’s such a fun way to bring bold designs to life, and as a designer I love how it lets knitters customize a piece to reflect their own interests. For example, my upcoming Cabin Window Sweater shows a lake through a cabin window—but with different colors, that same scene can become a meadow of flowers, a snowy field, or even a vast desert. Colorwork has really shifted how I look at my yarn stash and what I can create with it!
Colourwork is on my list for next year. Looking forward to 2026 are there certain techniques, yarns, colours or sweater styles that you are drawn to?
There are a few things I’m really excited to dive into next year. Steeking has been at the top of my list for a while; so many stunning vintage patterns rely on it, and having that skill in my toolbelt would massively expand what I’m able to create. I’d also love to do more lace work. I had a great time knitting the Heartland Bandana by Trellis Creations this summer, and I’m looking forward to exploring knitting lace in more ways.
That sounds like a great plan, I’m curious to see what patterns you are going to come up with!
You can find all of Liz’s amazing patterns on Ravelry.
If you were to knit something based on a place you have visited - which place would it be and what kind of piece?
Thank you for being here and reading my article. If you enjoyed it, please leave a like, comment or share with a fellow knitter
xx, Sophie