Interview with Tanja Koenigs - The designer behind LOTILDA

September 2024

A renowned knitwear designer from Germany, Tanja Koenigs has carved a unique niche for herself by blending the traditional art of knitting with modern aesthetics, establishing herself as a true trailblazer in the industry.

We had the immense pleasure of interviewing Tanja to discuss her journey, inspirations, and the philosophy that drives her innovative knitwear designs.

Can you tell us something about yourself and your background?

First of all, thank you very much for the invitation to this interview, dear Wako. When I heard that you wanted to learn more about me as the designer behind LOTILDA, I was very happy, and I am happy to share a little bit about myself ...

My name is Tanja, and I live with my family on the outskirts of Bonn, very close to the Kottenforst, where I also enjoy walking with our Labrador, Rosi.

I grew up in Iserlohn and studied Business Informatics in Dortmund. After my studies, I moved to Mannheim in 2000 to work at my dream employer, SAP in Walldorf. However, love eventually brought me to Bonn after a few years.

After our two daughters were born, I continued to work part-time in my profession for a while. At that time, my husband had already started his own business with a small boutique hotel in Bonn, where I was responsible for the bookkeeping on the side. Our youngest daughter was born with an extra chromosome, and at some point, I realized that trying to juggle too many responsibilities and caring for a child with a disability was not a good idea, so I decided to give up my main job.

However, the bookkeeping at the hotel alone did not fulfill me, so I sought a creative outlet. And that was essentially the beginning of LOTILDA.

After COVID and 15 years in the hotel industry, we closed our hotel at the end of 2022, and I am now back working part-time as an SAP developer with a focus on travel management at an IT provider in Bonn.

There was also the option of working 100% as a knitting designer, but last year that seemed too uncertain for me, and I simply sleep better with the security of a steady salary. Moreover, it’s different when you "have to deliver" because the rent is due; the freedom to design what you want is missing.

Can you tell us how you started designing knitwear and offering hand-knitting patterns through LOTILDA?

Initially, I wrote about sewing on my blog. A little later, during a mother-child cure, I rediscovered knitting, as I had actually knitted back in the 1980s. Back then, I learned from my grandmother, creating very simple square vests or sweaters in a checkerboard pattern—typical 80s style.

In early 2015, I began knitting more intensively and quickly realized that the designs I liked were hardly found in magazines. I was looking for roughly knitted oversized jackets and sweaters. Not necessarily made of mohair—that came later when I realized that roughly knitted oversized jackets work best with mohair. I then inevitably fell in love with the look and feel of mohair and essentially specialized in knitting with it.

Being a self-taught person, I taught myself everything about knitting over the years, or simply tried things out. Although a design I had in mind was always the main focus at first, I was more fascinated by the techniques—how I had to knit something to achieve a particular cut, including the calculations needed for it. I shared this on the blog, and that’s how my first models came about, which I initially shared for free. After realizing that my designs were clearly not only liked by me and receiving so much positive feedback, I decided to write down the first patterns, grade them into different sizes, and offer them as paid patterns.

Since then, I’ve been constantly working on new designs and, unfortunately, often realize that different rules apply to chunky knits. The past few years have therefore also been very tough learning years, but they are now paying off, and I can benefit from this wealth of experience. Nevertheless, a design sometimes takes 1 to 2 years before it is (for me) perfect and ready for a pattern. This tinkering brings me incredible joy.

Fortunately, there are also designs that sometimes just fly off the needles.

Where do you get inspirations for your knitwear designs?

I get inspired by the simplest things — by nature, the environment, advertising, people on the street, or even by luxury knitwear labels. Generally, I go through the world with open eyes and absorb everything like a sponge. Often, different things come together and an idea for a new design forms in my mind. Sometimes, however, it's a specific swatch, a yarn combination, that dictates the design. It's hard to generalize. I primarily design the knit pieces for myself personally, for example, because I'm in the mood to try something new or because I urgently need a particular knit piece in my wardrobe.

What key elements do you believe contribute to creating a great knitwear design?

First and foremost, there is a lot of love and passion behind every model for me. When I wear a model, I need to feel 100% comfortable—my heart has to skip a beat. Almost equally important is wearability. What good is the most beautiful design if you can't wear it in everyday life? Necessity also plays a part; often, the best designs are those created for a specific occasion, like the MIKA Summer Cardigan for our eldest daughter's prom or the black ISA Cardigan that I wanted for the funeral of our best friend. Strictly speaking, the design was created for a specific outfit.

If you then add a love for detail combined with clean lines, nearly perfect craftsmanship paired with top-quality yarns, I believe you can speak of a great knitwear design, regardless of fashion trends. Last but not least, great designs are also those with a special cut or unique construction, such as the KIM V Neck Jumper with its integrated sleeves that are knitted directly from the top.

I can only speak for myself, but it really boils down to this: a great knitwear design is always one where the fit and materials allow for long-term wear over the years, regardless of pattern or construction.

Finally, how do you like working with Pearl Mohair from MAJO GARN? And what is your favorite color of Pearl Mohair?

My love for Pearl Mohair is undeniable. The first time I held the yarn in my hands and knitted the first swatch, I was hooked, and my long-held wish resurfaced: With this yarn, I can imagine creating my own knitting kits for my designs! We've been working on that since this year, and hopefully, we'll be able to share more soon.

Personally, I am an earthy type, and pretty much all colors in the pink, purple, and green range make my heart skip a beat, though the shades vary a little. I particularly enjoy combining different colors to create a melange effect that shimmers differently depending on the light.

If I had to choose, I would go with the color Mauve. It’s exceptionally beautiful and special. Additionally, this year, I was particularly taken by the new color Limeade. With its slight greenish tint, it’s perfect for me. I hope Majo will soon bring out some wonderful new colors that can be incorporated into many new designs in the future...

Thank you, Tanja, for sharing your inspiring journey and thoughtful insights with us. Your passion and creativity continue to shape the future of knitwear, and it's been a privilege to delve into the world you've so beautifully crafted!

by MAJO GARN

  • ISA Cardigan
    Pearl Mohair - LILAC
  • SORA Blouse
    Pearl Mohair - ROSE
  • RITA Blouse
    Pearl Mohair - LILAC & POPPY
  • BIG JUNA Cardigan
    Pearl Mohair - PISTACHIO
  • KIRA Jumper
    Pearl Mohair - ALMOND & GRAPE
  • KIM V-NECK Jumper
    Pearl Mohair - MAUVE & POPPY
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Featuring Tanja's designs - Marta Jumper & Big Juna Cardigan.