Ruth Cross Studio founder Ruth Bridgeman learned to knit using chopsticks, and claims she has never followed a pattern. A 2004 graduate of the UK’s University of Brighton with a degree in fashion textile design, she worked for cashmere company TSE in New York and a textile studio in Como, Italy, as part of her training–and picked up those chopsticks along the way.
Wanting to give traditional knitting methods a contemporary spin–or, as she puts it, to create “hand knitting with balls”– she launched her company 10 years ago. She’s since become one of the UK’s leading designers of modern knits, applying her hand to everything from Bella’s Mittens in the Twilight Saga movies–a Ruth Cross Studio best seller–to cabled footstools and Shetland slipcovers. The latter are collected in The Knitted Home, a compendium of projects–full instructions included–that have us almost looking forward to winter.
Photography by Ben Anders for The Knitted Home.
Above: A living room from The Knitted Home with a Ruth Cross throw and pillow. The company’s designs are all made of top-quality lamb’s wool from Scotland–though Bridgeman herself advocates a do-your-own-thing approach to knitting, and notes that “charity shops are a good places to pick up needles and yarn without spending a fortune.”
Above: The book features complete patterns for 20-plus projects–as well as a step-by-step knitting and purling how-to for beginners. 
Above: Five variations of Ruth Cross’s hand-knit cushions. “Knitting,” says Bridgeman, “is exactly like baking. There are a few ingredients that can be combined in a million different ways to create endless possibilities.”
Ruth Cross Studio often works on large commissions and also has an online shop that sells some of its knitwear. A “ridiculously gorgeous and squidgy” Cabled Cushion is £115 ($177).
Above L: A cabled throw in a natural brown wool. Above: R: The Stripey Lavender Bag, a hanging sachet, is one of the first projects in the book.
Above: Yes, this wall hanging is hand-knit. “I hope to inspire you to create something that stands up as a piece of design in its own right,” writes Bridgeman.
Above: The Knitted Home by Ruth Cross is $17.44 from Amazon.
Ready to get to work? For more ideas, go to DIY: Pot Holders Knit from Ocean-Tossed Twine and DIY: Dutch-Style Knit Throw.
Frequently asked questions
What is Required Reading: The Knitted Home by Ruth Cross about?
Required Reading: The Knitted Home is a book that features creative and contemporary knitting projects for interiors designed by Ruth Cross.
Who is the author of Required Reading: The Knitted Home?
The author of Required Reading: The Knitted Home is Ruth Cross.
What kind of knitting projects are included in Required Reading: The Knitted Home?
Required Reading: The Knitted Home features a variety of knitting projects for the home, including cushions, throws, rugs, and other interior items.
Who would enjoy reading Required Reading: The Knitted Home?
Required Reading: The Knitted Home would be enjoyed by those who are interested in knitting and want to explore knitting projects for the home.
Where can I purchase Required Reading: The Knitted Home?
Required Reading: The Knitted Home can be purchased through various online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as through local bookstores.
Is Required Reading: The Knitted Home suitable for beginners?
Required Reading: The Knitted Home includes projects of varying difficulty levels, but there are some easy projects that beginners can try.
Are the patterns in Required Reading: The Knitted Home easy to follow?
Required Reading: The Knitted Home includes clear instructions for each project as well as helpful illustrations and diagrams to make the patterns easy to follow.
Are there any reviews for Required Reading: The Knitted Home?
Yes, there are several reviews available for Required Reading: The Knitted Home, which can be found on sites like Amazon.
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