ISAGER ARCHIVES 2

15 of Denmark’s most talented knitwear designers have spent a weekend with us in Tversted, with access to Marianne’s substantial collection of patterns. The designers have used one or more patterns as inspiration for their respective contributions to the Isager Archives 2 collection.

Karoline Skovgaard Bentsen (Aegyo Knit) writes about the design and the design process:

Virginia Jacket is based on Marianne Isager’s original design Ringe – a timeless piece that embodies the unique balance between simplicity and complexity that defines Marianne’s work.
In my interpretation, I’ve preserved the construction but introduced a more oversized, cape-like fit, giving the jacket a softer and more contemporary expression. Working with a construction that was new to me was a great challenge – but also incredibly rewarding, especially when everything finally fell into place.
I chose to knit in Isager Tweed and Isager Silk Mohair, yarns with remarkable depth and character, while keeping the classic colors of sand and navy.
Virginia Jacket is conceived as a dialogue between past and present – between the original shape and my own design interpretation.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Tweed
Isager Silk Mohair

Camilla Wiese (Wieseknit) writes about the design and the design process:

Grace Sweater is inspired by Marianne Isager’s Majs Sweater. The beautiful graphic expression especially sparked my curiosity.
Throughout the design process, I quickly moved toward an expression that balances calm and movement. After countless experiments, sketches, and swatches, I arrived at the signature graphic and linear pattern: vertical lines that flow like a painterly echo, creating rhythmic calm and timeless strength.
The fit is slightly oversized with a modern silhouette, making it easy to style across wardrobes and seasons.
Grace Sweater is a tribute to contemporary Nordic knitwear – a design that carries its story gracefully from past to present.
I’m proud to be part of this collection. Working on Grace Sweater has been both enriching and inspiring, and I hope other knitters will experience the same joy, calm, and curiosity in the process as I did.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Jensen Yarn

Anne Ventzel writes about the design and the design process:

From Marianne Isager’s extensive collection of inspiring designs, I selected the Kinaskak pattern as the foundation for my contribution to the Isager Archives 2. The distinctive six-color pattern and fine texture immediately caught my eye and inspired me to explore how I could reinterpret the sweater’s aesthetic in my own design.
From the outset, I aimed to create a clean, simple look that would allow the three-color pattern I developed to stand out clearly and elegantly against the background. This vision guided my entire process while working on Beth Warmer.
Beth Warmer can be knitted in two versions: as an open vest with ties at the sides or as a cozy neck warmer. Both variations provide a warm, comfortable layer under outerwear – or serve as an elegant accessory over a shirt on cold days.
This design is worked seamlessly from the top down, combining stockinette stitch with a slipped stitch pattern.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Jensen Yarn
Isager Silk Mohair
Isager Soft

Katja Dyrberg (p_o_p_k_n_i_t) writes about the design and the design process:

From the moment I was invited to participate in Isager Archives 2, I knew I wanted to work with Marianne Isager’s Zalmiak. The design has a quiet confidence – the pattern repeat feels both classic and rebellious at the same time. I wanted to explore how the geometric language could evolve into a completely new silhouette, where the pulse of the pattern is preserved but translated into a new context, where materials, colours, and shaping point in a new direction. 
The choice of two different types of yarn is part of this translation exercise. I chose Isager Bouclé because I love the contrast between its fluffy, almost nostalgic surface and the sharp, graphic character of the pattern. The interplay between the soft texture and the hard geometry became a recurring theme. The muted purple combined with the deep black created a mood that felt both retro and modern, reflecting the vintage energy of the original design while leaving its own mark.
At first, I had planned to design only a jacket that stayed closer to the original silhouette. But the more I experimented, the clearer it became that the motif needed more space – it needed a complete set. The moment I visualized the matching jacket and skirt, the design felt inevitable.
The idea of empowerment has been central throughout the process of designing Billie Jean Jacket & Skirt. I wanted the final look to exude confidence and playfulness, as if the wearer had stepped into a character who is bold without taking herself too seriously.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Jensen Yarn
Isager Bouclé

Kirsten Nørgaard (Norgardknit) writes about the design and the design process:

I was inspired by two of Marianne Isager’s designs from the 80s and 90s: Marocco, which is a short-sleeved blouse featuring zigzag knitting with contrast-coloured stripes, and Hjælm (Helmet), which in today’s fashion we know as a Balaclava.
In a free interpretation of the original designs, I incorporated zigzag knitting into a hood, where the characteristic, graphic shape of diagonal lines (created by the zigzag pattern) became the basis for the construction.
The knitting technique shapes the back of the hood like a traditional headscarf. At the front, I wanted to maintain the practicality of a neck warmer with buttons, covering the neck to keep it warm – all while keeping the overall look feminine. The Karen Hood is my take on a new, feminine combination of a classic balaclava and the traditional head scarf.
Karen Hood is knitted using Isager Soft held together with Isager Silk Mohair—one of my favourite yarn combinations! I experimented with texture in the contrast-coloured stripes, using Isager Trio 1 held together with Isager Highland Wool, which provides a sharp, defined transition between the Isager Soft and Isager Bouclé, the quality used in the middle of the stripes and which has a more characteristic, woolly texture.
The Karen Hood can be paired with matching mittens, Karen Mittens, created with the same zigzag stitch pattern and contrast-coloured stripes as the hood.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Soft
Isager Silk Mohair
Isager Trio 1
Isager Highland
Isager Bouclé

Lene Rix (Odd Row) writes about the design and the design process:

Alice Jacket is my contribution to Isager Archives 2 – a relaxed jacket inspired by the triangular lines and texture in the original sketch for Marianne Isager’s Skæl from the 1980s.
The design draws on Alice in Wonderland, with a colour palette of beige, black, and antique rose reminiscent of the playing cards from Sir John Tenniel’s original illustrations. Triangular shapes are created through textured intarsia colourwork, while black lines are highlighted with purl texture to define the geometric patterns. Intarsia was a technique widely used in the 80s and is traditionally worked back and forth – perfect for an open front. For the sleeves, I developed a technique for working intarsia to mimic knitting in the round, eliminating the need for grafting or sewing. The jacket is knitted in Isager Jensen Yarn held together with a strand of Silk Mohair. All edges and the high collar are finished in double knitting, creating a calm frame that balances the varied textures and patterns. Alice Jacket is fastened with handmade ceramic buttons.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Jensen
Isager Silk Mohair

Tine Rousing (Knitthing_) writes about the design and the design process:

Alma Sweater is part of Isager’s Archives 2 collection and is inspired by Marianne Isager’s design Zimbabwe. It is with great respect for the original work that I created my own interpretation.
In this design, I have aimed to preserve as much of the original aesthetic as possible, while making a few constructional and material adjustments that give the sweater a more contemporary expression.
The sweater is knitted from the bottom up in jacquard with set-in sleeves. I have worked with different yarn qualities and slightly larger needles than in the original to achieve a lighter, softer structure and a gentle drape.
In addition, I have constructed the design with a polo collar and button placket, which opens up the neckline and provides a softer fit. The button placket is finished with glossy mother-of-pearl buttons, creating a beautiful contrast to the matte look of both the yarn and the colour palette.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Tvinni
Isager Soft Fine
Isager Bomulin
Isager Spinni
Isager Bouclé

Julie Parbo (imadeit.knit) writes about the design and the design process:

Before starting my contribution to Archives 2, I had already decided to work with just a single motif repeat from the original design. Marianne Isager’s Fingre features a beautiful repeat that I immediately knew would be perfect as a finishing touch or a detail in the Dorothea Slipover.
Once I fell in love with the Fingre pattern, the idea for the vest’s wings evolved almost on its own.
The wings are the defining feature of the vest. They convey a sense of power by accentuating the shoulders, while also adding a feminine touch through the motif’s delicate details and the contrasting fluffy and lustrous yarn qualities that bring the pattern to life.
Throughout the process, I struggled to maintain the length of the wings. After countless attempts, I finally came up with the idea for rib panels—and cracked the code. A subtle detail that complements the overall look of the Dorothea Slipover without overpowering it.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Trio 1
Isager Highland
Isager Silk Mohair
Isager Bouclé

Mette Okkels (PetiteKnit) writes about the design and the design process:

Looking through the Isager archives is always inspiring, but even though we looked through several folders of patterns, I knew right away which pattern I wanted to work on. It had to be the A La Grecque – one of Marianne’s 1980s classics. I was drawn to the graphic expression, which on my Athene Sweater has been given a slightly softer expression in the furry wool.
Working with the continuous colorwork pattern was a process that challenged me in terms of knitting techniques. The Athene Sweater is knitted from the top down in Isager Soft, and the colorwork pattern on the yoke can be knitted either in the round (with subsequent steeking) or back and forth.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Soft

Rikke Bangsgaard (Refined Knitwear) writes about the design and the design process:

I’m inspired by two of Marianne Isager’s designs from the 1980s and 1990s: Blommetræer and Netværk.
Blommetræer features a square shape and an edge that continues across the shoulders and neckline – a construction that captures the essence of the knitting style of that era and reminds me of the first sweater I ever knitted as a child. When I rediscovered Blommetræer, I knew its shape and edges had to be the foundation of my design.
For the yoke, I was looking for a delicate pattern that could be worked back and forth – so it was an obvious choice to draw inspiration from Netværk, with its beautiful, airy slip-stitch texture.
I chose Isager Silk Mohair, a yarn that appears in many of my designs, combined with Isager Trio 1, which adds structure and stability. Together, they create a fabric that drapes beautifully around the body – perfect for a square construction like this.
I have a deep affection for this design. To me, it combines elements of Marianne’s work with the feminine, light aesthetic that defines my universe. I hope this piece helps affirm that knitting can just as well be dresses and delicate blouses.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Spinni or Isager Trio 1
Isager Silk Mohair

Louise Rasmussen (My Favourite Things Knitwear) writes about the design and the design process:

Even before I flipped through the many design folders from the 1980s and 90s, I had a specific pattern in mind. A design that, to me, is one of the most iconic in Marianne Isager’s oeuvre: News.
The stitchwork of News is a small stroke of genius. Its simple, rhythmic script appears both uniquely recognizable and subtle; graphically strict yet playful.
I have always been fascinated by how simple means can create great impact. That’s why I ended up taking away more than I added, letting the contrast yarn take the leading role in my interpretation.
The Ava Jacket’s boxy silhouette and its roomy, relaxed fit clearly reference the 1990s, when the original News design came out. One of my favorite details is the line that runs horizontally across the back and down the sleeves. This idea arose almost by chance while I was working on the shoulder construction, and it made the rest of the design fall into place for me. The line refers both to a physical newspaper’s column layout and to the oversized tracksuits of the era, where similar details often appeared.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Alpaca 3
Isager Tweed
Isager Merilin

Helga Jóna Thórunnardóttir writes about the design and the design process:

Marianne Isager’s beautiful designs from the 1980s and 1990s were an obvious source of inspiration, but I quickly decided to work with Hjælm — a design I could immediately see myself in.
The original pattern already had an incredibly elegant fit, so I kept it almost unchanged. Instead, I immersed myself in the details: edges, buttonholes, short rows, and achieving the perfect finish — all the things I love to refine. This allowed me to elevate the design and add my own touch without losing the expression that captivated me from the start.
Andrea Hood is knitted in Isager Tweed, with its wonderfully vibrant play of colors, combined with two strands of Isager Silk Mohair, creating a wealth of beautiful color nuances and a soft, luxurious quality. I’ve poured time and care into the details, and I’m truly happy with the result. The pattern also includes several instructional videos to guide you confidently through every step.
I have great respect for Marianne Isager — both as a designer and as a person — and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to bring her beautiful design into the present and let it meet Andrea Hood.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Tweed
Isager Silk Mohair

Hanne Rimmen writes about the design and the design process:

The distinctive vertical lines of the Edda Sweater originate from Marianne Isager’s Krydser design from the 1980s and are created with great respect for its original, iconic expression.
This sweater embodies classic stitch aesthetics and represents a harmonious fusion of two eras and two designers’ shared passion for the graphic and the timeless.
It is knitted in jacquard technique following a chart, using the yarn qualities Isager Tweed and Isager Highland Wool — two fibers that together create beautiful structure and an elegant stitch definition. The sweater is worked top-down with a European shoulder construction, and the technique of dominance is applied to achieve a refined and consistent look.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Tweed
Isager Highland

 Maja Kløvdal (Other Loops) writes about the design and the design process:

ZOE_LOOP_SWEATER is designed with inspiration from two of Marianne Isager’s classic designs from the 80s and 90s: Kelim, with its graphic zigzag pattern created in knit and purl stitches as the foundation, and Drops, whose distinctive tucks give the design a strong graphic character.

At the beginning of the design process, I exclusively took the Kelim model as my starting point and worked with the texture in combination with coloured stripes – in line with the original. After lots of experimenting with colour combinations and swatches, it became clear to me that I wanted the graphic zigzag pattern to stand out more, and to calm down the rest of the style. This led me to integrate the characteristic pintucks from Drops instead of the colored stripes, which made the design more subtle and balanced, and allowed the texture to really come into its own.

The silhouette is created with reference to the 90s sweatshirt: relaxed and slightly boxy with a low shoulder seam, slightly cropped at the front and softly curved at the back. The sleeves narrow towards the wrist and are finished with a ribbed hem.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Tvinni
Isager Soft Fine
Isager Bouclé

Lene Holme Samsøe (Le Knit) writes about the design and the design process:

I was immediately drawn to the graphic expression in Marianne’s design “Tværs” when I saw it in the binder in Tversted. The combination of pattern and stripes made it intriguing, and the motif stood out clearly in black and white.
So, at the beginning of the process, I wanted to stay true to the pattern and focus mainly on the shape. I knitted half a sweater before realizing that I wanted to open up the pattern and give it a softer expression. I chose to do it by scaling down the pattern and adding more of the main color.
This gave the pattern an unexpected vibe of Nordic knitting tradition. I decided to follow that vibe. So, the Mikala Sweater is my interpretation of an understated fisherman’s sweater, featuring a pattern that leaves plenty of room for interesting color combinations.

YARN USED IN THE DESIGN
Isager Tweed
Isager Silk Mohair
Isager Spinni