Mette Wendelboe Okkels, a former medical student, has successfully transitioned from a career in medicine to founding PetiteKnit, a Denmark-based knitting pattern brand. Established in 2016 during her maternity leave, the company has grown into a well-regarded name within the knitting community, known for its precise, scientifically-based pattern instructions that make complex designs accessible to a wide range of knitters.
Based in Aarhus, some 100 miles from Copenhagen, PetiteKnit operates out of a modest studio that houses a team of 10 full-time employees along with several part-time workers. The studio functions both as a production hub, where PetiteKnit-branded tools and accessories are packaged, and as an office with a communal workspace fostering collaboration. The brand’s collection features approximately 370 digital knitting patterns available in up to 18 languages, including Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, German, English, French, Italian, Polish, Finnish, Spanish, Korean, and Japanese. The company employs professional translators and a diverse group of test knitters to ensure patterns accommodate various skill levels and body sizes.
Okkels incorporates her commitment to detail and clarity, reminiscent of scientific methodology, in every pattern she designs. She emphasizes thorough explanations to ensure that knitters can replicate the results reliably. This meticulous approach has contributed to the brand’s appeal among hobbyists seeking both quality and precision.
Initially focused on simple baby garments, PetiteKnit expanded its offerings to include women’s knitwear in classic Scandinavian styles such as crewneck cardigans and oversized turtlenecks. Although early collections were limited to sizes XS through XL, the size range has since broadened significantly. Since 2019, PetiteKnit has included sizes from XXS to 5XL, carefully adjusting proportions rather than scaling measurements uniformly to maintain quality and fit. This shift addressed criticism related to the brand’s earlier focus on smaller body types, reflecting growing awareness and inclusivity.
The brand’s patterns highlight natural fibers like wool and linen, often combined with mohair to provide softness and texture. Okkels sources these materials mainly from European manufacturers and is known to personally model the finished garments in local settings around Aarhus, blending product design with lifestyle imagery. This “ego knitting,” as she terms it, allows her to develop patterns that reflect personal style and daily wearability.
While knitting once served practical needs, Okkels acknowledges that today the craft is often a luxury hobby, noting the high material costs involved. For example, creating an XL size Maggie cardigan using the recommended Pascuali Cashmere yarn costs about $345 in materials, substantially more than comparable ready-to-wear options. She attributes the value of knitting to its customization and personal engagement, as wearers invest significant time and effort into creating a garment tailored precisely to their preferences.
As PetiteKnit has grown, it has faced challenges including unauthorized copies of its designs. Despite this, Okkels chooses to direct her energy towards innovation rather than legal battles. She values maintaining close involvement in all aspects of the business, balancing her role as a designer with family life. Knitting remains her passion, and she describes it as the best part of her weekends, a creative pursuit she continues to enjoy even as it has become her profession.