Our Story

Knitting is
in the blood.

Two grandmothers, one Cornish and one Kiwi, who kept their families warm long before mass-produced garments arrived. Their love of craft didn’t just pass down — it flourished into something the whole world can share.

The Beginning

Six years old,
on a school bus,
with two needles.

It started young — first attempts at knitting on the school bus, full of holes, dropped stitches, and grandmotherly guidance. Those patient corrections turned into a lifelong love. Both grandmothers, one from Cornwall and one from New Zealand, were the kind of women who knitted everything for their families. That hands-on generosity left a deep impression.

Annie's Designs

From wool company
to published designer.

Working for a wool company opened a door to a freelance knitwear design business — “Annie’s Designs.” Patterns found their way into magazines, books, and titles like Kidknits and Aussie Originals.

Life then moved on to new careers, but the creativity never stopped. It simply waited for the right moment to find a new home.

What We Do

Patterns for every kind of knitter.

At Clever Hands we offer unique knitting patterns in 8 ply (NZ/Aus), also known as double knit (UK) and 3 or light (USA). We cater especially for new knitters, quick-project knitters, and knitters with bags of leftover 8 ply scraps.

New Knitters

Clear, encouraging patterns that build confidence from cast-on to cast-off.

Scrap-Friendly

Designs made for leftover 8 ply yarn — nothing wasted, everything charming.

Quick Projects

Satisfying makes you can start and finish in a weekend — or a commute.

Free & Paid

Some patterns are free, some you pay for. All of them are worth making.

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