There's something about the shift into autumn that inspires us to cast on something new. Even when the days are still warm, the change in light and season often brings a fresh wave of knitting inspiration.

At Skein Yarn, we've been noticing some beautiful trends emerging for Autumn 2026: from relaxed silhouettes and textured stitches, to earthy colour palettes and natural fibres.

Of course, knitting trends are never rules (the best project is always the one you're excited to knit), but they can be a lovely source of inspiration when you're planning your next cast-on.

Here are a few things catching our eye this season.

Relaxed, Easy-to-Wear Knitwear

One of the most noticeable trends right now is comfortable, wearable knitwear.

Designers are leaning toward garments that feel relaxed and versatile — pieces that slip easily into everyday wardrobes.

Some styles we're seeing knitters gravitate toward include:

• relaxed raglan sweaters

White Mountains Light by Midori Hirose, Norma Sweater by My Favourite Things, Sunday Brunch Sweater by Hiromi Nagasawa

• boxy pullovers

Plain Yolk Blouse by LeKnit, Evenfall by Andrea Mowry, Waffle Loop Roll Neck by Other Loops

• sweater vests

Stockholm Slipover by PetiteKnit, Links by Rebecca Clow, Moonset Slipover by Ozetta

• cropped cardigans

Popcorn Cardi by Midori Hirose, Frost Lines by Andrea Mowry, Piet Cardigan by Kolibri

• deep V-neck pullovers perfect for layering

Soft Current Sweater by Wool & Pine, Nothwoods V Neck by Jessie Maed Designs, Comfort Zone by Kutovakika

These shapes are particularly lovely for Australian wardrobes, where layering can make knitwear feel wearable across different seasons.

A vest over a dress, a sweater with jeans, or a cardigan thrown over a simple tee are all pieces that quickly become wardrobe favourites.

Texture Is Having a Moment

Mazagran by Thea Colman, Book Club Cardigan by Sari Nordlund, Oleander by Audrey Borrego

Another trend we're loving is the return of beautiful textured knitting.

Rather than complicated shaping, many patterns are pairing simple silhouettes with interesting stitch patterns.

Some textures appearing frequently include:
• modern cables

• delicate lace or eyelets

• textured knit–purl fabrics

• vertical stitch patterns

These kinds of projects strike that wonderful balance; they are engaging to knit, but still relaxing enough to pick up each evening.

Colour Trends: Earthy and Nature Inspired

Colour palettes this season feel wonderfully connected to nature.

Many knitters are drawn to colours that feel calm, grounded and timeless — shades that sit beautifully together and work effortlessly in everyday garments.

Some colours we're seeing everywhere include:

• olive and mossy greens

• warm browns and rust tones

• creamy neutrals and oat colours

• deep burgundy and plum

Alongside these earthy tones, knitters are also enjoying unexpected pops of colour — perhaps a bold stripe or contrast detail.  Sometimes a small splash of colour is all it takes to make a project feel fresh and modern.

Beautiful Natural Fibres

Another thing we're loving is the continued appreciation for beautiful natural yarns.

Knitters are increasingly choosing yarns that feel wonderful in the hands and create garments that will be worn for years.

Some favourites include:

Merino wool

Soft, breathable and perfect for next-to-skin garments.

Rustic wool yarns

Yarns with character and texture that make simple stitches and stitch patterns shine.

Wool + mohair combinations

Light, soft and airy fabrics with a beautiful halo.

These yarns add depth and personality to knitting, even when the pattern itself is simple.

Colourwork Continues to Inspire

Rosie Sweater by Le Knit, Sitzmark by Caitlin Hunter, Harvest Flower Sweater by Jessie Maed

Colourwork knitting continues to be incredibly popular — particularly designs with bold, graphic motifs.

Traditional techniques like Fair Isle remain favourites, but many modern patterns are leaning toward simpler, more graphic colourwork.

Even just a few stripes or a contrast detail can add so much personality to a garment.

Thinking About Your Next Project?

If you're planning your next cast-on, autumn is a wonderful time to explore new colours, textures and patterns.

We've been putting together a collection of curated autumn knitting kits at Skein Yarn, pairing yarns and colour combinations that work beautifully for the season.

If you're looking for a little inspiration for your next project, you can explore the Autumn Kits collection on our website — we hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

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Let's Chat

We always love seeing what everyone has on their needles.

Are you planning a sweater, a vest, a shawl... or something completely different this autumn?

Feel free to share your project next time you visit the shop.