Knitting Patterns That Meet You Where You Are—And Take You Further.

From confident beginner to seasoned knitter, my designs invite you to stretch your skills and savor the process.

indira-cowl-knit-pattern-golden-yellow-stitch-texture-closeup-darkened.jpg

Who Am I?

Hi, I’m Vanessa—the heart and hands behind Vanessa Smith Designs, and a longtime lover of texture, rich colors, and a well-organized spreadsheet.

Knitwear designer Vanessa Smith smiles warmly while wearing the Nydia Hat knitting pattern she designed and an Ogden Cami she sewed for herself.

I learned to knit when I was 16, thanks to a kind friend who showed me how to do a long-tail cast on and the knit stitch. I was hooked right away. After that, I taught myself as much as I could about knitting—how to do different techniques, how stitches shape fabric, and how to make something beautiful.

A few years later, wanting to be part of the knitting community in a bigger way, I opened an online yarn shop. I loved working with my customers, and many of them encouraged me to start designing after they saw how often I changed patterns to make them my own. I published my first knitting pattern just shy of five years after casting on my very first stitch.

These days, I work full-time as an administrative professional and design in the quiet spaces of my day—early mornings, cozy evenings, and peaceful weekends. Because I don’t have much time to create, each pattern I share is made with care, purpose, and its own special story.

For the past 15 years, my mission has been the same: to design knitwear that teaches, builds confidence, and leaves you feeling proud of what your hands can do. Whether you’re learning something new or just enjoying the process, I’m so happy you’re here.

And when I’m not thinking about stitch counts or sweater shaping? I’m spending time with my husband Cody—who also takes the photos you see here—and our two dogs: Wes, a sweet pittie, and Brogan, our scrappy little Heinz 57. 🥰

Check Out My Knitting Patterns

View of the wide neckline and lace yoke detail on the deep blue Julissa sweater, showcasing its delicate features. PDF knitting pattern by Vanessa Smith Designs. — Sweaters & Cardigans

A detailed close-up of the intricate textured stitch pattern on version B of the mustard yellow Nydia Hat. PDF knitting pattern by Vanessa Smith Designs. — Hats

The purple Indira Shawl artfully displayed, highlighting its texture and handcrafted beauty. A knitwear design pattern from Vanessa Smith Designs. — Shawls & Cowls

Back view of a child wearing the hand-knitted Little Nydia Cardigan in forest green, highlighting its neat fit. PDF knitting pattern by Vanessa Smith Designs. — Kids

Explore The Whole Collection

My Patterns Are . . .

✅ Beautifully formatted

✅ Highly detailed

✅ Professionally tech-edited

✅ Thoroughly test-knitted

✅ Approachable & skill-building

✅ Enjoyed by many!

Just Look at What Other Knitters Say (I Can’t Make This Knit Up! 🥹)

“I love your designs. And I love how thorough and well thought through they are!! I always learn new things!!!”

— Jennifer, Test Knitter

“I really love your patterns! You write in a way that’s easy to understand, and your patterns have the right level of detail. They are truly a joy to knit!”

— Alia, Test Knitter

“You are an amazing designer. Thank you for sharing your patterns with the world!”

— Rachel, Test Knitter

“I seriously love your patterns and they’re so well thought out and constructed. I just really love knitting your designs!”

— Joy, Test Knitter

Community Favorites

Featured

Meant to Vee

$10.00

Bestie Vestie

$10.00

Nydia Hat

$8.00

Julissa

$10.00

indira-cowl-knit-pattern-red-stitch-texture-closeup.jpg

Knitting doesn’t have to be boring or scary.

That’s why I write my patterns with adventurous knitters in mind—those who are looking for a challenge and to learn new skills, without frustration or feeling left in the dark. And if you’re a visual learner (like me!), I’ve also got you covered with lots of knitting tutorials on YouTube. Take a look at some of my most-watched videos!