Have you met Josh Bennett?
Have You Met Josh Bennett?
Have you met Josh Bennett? He was our guest this week on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird.
Josh Bennett grew up in Pennsylvania where he learned to knit from his grandmother when he was 8 years old. After a short time, he stopped, because boys don’t knit. Then he got interested in musical theater, because all boys sing and dance. In 2000, Josh worked at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT where he picked up knitting again from the cast members in the show, and hasn’t stopped.
After moving to New York City in 2001 and knitting constantly, Josh worked at a yarn shop on the Upper West Side that wrote custom patterns for their customers. Noticing the lack of menswear patterns being designed and published, he took his pattern writing skills and was determined to change that.
Since, Josh has collaborated with CFDA Award winner Michael Bastian on a hand knitted line, Michael Bastian by Josh Bennett sold at Bergdorf Goodman, Sak’s 5th Avenue and stores worldwide. They have also worked together on projects for the Folk Couture: Fashion and Folk Art at the American Folk Art Museum, Le Cabinet de Curiosités of Thomas Erber, and a fashion helmet for the NFL/Bloomindale/CFDA Super Bowl XLVIII collaboration which was auctioned off for the NFL Foundation.
He was the Men’s Sweater Designer at Tommy Hilfiger and has also worked with and designed for GANT by Michael Bastian, Perry Ellis, Alexander Wang, Project Runway winner Irina Shabayeva, Rowan Magazine, Vogue Knitting, and other knitting publications. He is the designer of his own exclusive capsule collection of men’s hand knitted sweaters at Bergdorf Goodman, Josh Bennett + Goodman’s.
Josh studied Menswear Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).
For more info visit JoshBennettNYC.com. He can also be followed in both Twitter and Instagram as @JoshBennettNYC
If you missed getting to hear our chat with Josh Bennett LIVE, Watch Marly’s behind-the-scene video she posted LIVE during the visit on her Facebook page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Josh Bennett?
Josh Bennett is a knitting and crochet designer and educator featured on Marly Bird’s blog. In the crafting world, Josh represents the growing visibility of male crafters in a community that has historically been seen as predominantly female. He’s part of the wonderful diverse community of designers and educators who bring different perspectives and aesthetics to fiber arts. Featuring designers like Josh on the blog celebrates the full spectrum of people who love yarn and craft.
Why does Marly Bird feature other designers on her blog?
Because the yarn crafting community is richer when we celebrate each other! Marly genuinely believes in the collective value of the fiber arts community and actively spotlights designers, educators, and creators whose work she admires. These features introduce her audience to new voices and perspectives they might not encounter otherwise. It’s community-building in action… sharing the spotlight with peers rather than hoarding it. The craft world thrives when designers support and celebrate each other.
Are there other designer profiles on Marly Bird’s blog?
Yes! The blog has featured many designers and educators over the years. From longtime industry veterans to newer voices, these profiles celebrate the diversity of the fiber arts community. Check the blog’s interview and community categories for more featured creators. Each profile is a window into someone else’s relationship with their craft and often introduces readers to patterns, techniques, or approaches they haven’t encountered before.
How can I find Josh Bennett’s patterns and work?
Search his name on Ravelry where his pattern catalog would be listed. Look him up on social media platforms… Instagram is a particularly active platform for knitting and crochet designers to share their work. The Marly Bird blog post may have links to his specific work and platforms. Building a collection of designers you follow and love is one of the best ways to keep fresh inspiration in your crafting life… each designer brings their own aesthetic and approach that broadens your creative world.
Why is male representation in yarn crafts notable?
Because stereotypes about yarn crafts being exclusively female have long discouraged many people from trying knitting and crochet or feeling welcome in the community. The reality is that fiber arts have been practiced by men throughout history (medieval male-only knitting guilds!) and continue to be embraced by people of all genders today. Seeing male designers, educators, and crafters featured and celebrated helps normalize that the yarn world belongs to everyone. The more diverse the community, the richer the craft becomes for everyone who participates.
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Design Menswear Like Josh… Start Here!
So Josh’s story totally inspires me… and maybe it’s sparking something for you too? Whether you’re dreaming of designing your own menswear patterns or just want to knit a sweater that actually fits the men in your life, here’s the tea: menswear design is all about understanding proportions, ease, and clean lines.
Josh’s signature move? He focuses on fit and structure. That means choosing the right yarn weight and understanding how different stitches behave. A DK or sport weight yarn (think our yarn weight guide) gives you the stitch definition that makes menswear patterns really shine.
Pattern Recommendations to Try
- Textured crewneck sweaters… start with cables or moss stitch for visual interest without bulk
- Structured cardigans… the button bands need reinforcement for longevity
- Raglan or drop-shoulder styles… these offer easier fitting adjustments
Your Josh-Inspired Design Tips
- Measure generously… menswear typically has 2-4 inches of positive ease
- Choose premium yarns that hold their shape (Merino blends work beautifully)
- Get cozy with gauge swatching… this is non-negotiable for fitted pieces
- Consider our sweater construction guide before diving in
Ready to create your own Josh Bennett moment? You’ve got this, BiCrafty Bestie!
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Categories: Podcast
