Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered here, you can always contact me via email or Instagram.
What does the name MEEMEA mean?
The name has a rather pragmatic and tongue-in-cheek origin. It came about at my former workplace in a completely different context, from the accusation: “Macht Endlich Einfach Mal Eure Arbeit.” (Just Get On With Your Work Already).
A colleague and I then named our shared project folder after the acronym. MEEMEA!
Later, when I was looking for a name for my business, it came to mind. Apart from the personal memory, the name is absolutely unique, easy to pronounce and write internationally, and sounds wonderfully fluid. And if you think about it, the old wink isn’t so bad for my current design process. Because to hand-make a knitted piece, you simply have to sit down and concentrate on your work.
What defines the “design DNA” of MEEMEA Designs?
My designs follow a clean, rather architectural aesthetic, focusing on knitting in its purest form. I draw inspiration from current trends as well as old, traditional lace and cable patterns to develop timeless designs.
The special thing about the construction: My knitted pieces are made entirely without external materials such as buttons, fabrics, or zippers. If a design needs to be closed, I develop pure knitting solutions for it, such as integrated I-cords. I also avoid knitting separate individual parts and sewing them together afterwards. Instead, I rely on well-thought-out, flowing techniques: stitches are put on hold and picked up again, shapes are created directly through precise increases, decreases, and short rows.
For a MEEMEA design, you essentially only need five things: your knitting needles, the right yarn, the pattern, stitch markers, and a darning needle.
Why do you work exclusively with selected natural fibers?
I love working with high-quality natural fibers because, for me, they are the essence of knitting. Even though synthetic fibers have their advantages in other areas, such as for socks or machine washing, they don’t fit my philosophy of a MEEMEA design.
For me, it’s the interplay of positive properties that convinces. They are renewable raw materials with their own unique characteristics that you can feel in every stitch definition. Since natural fibers are genuine natural products, every yarn has a lively texture that gives a garment soul. If cared for with the right attention, they are also extremely durable and often become even more beautiful over time. This tactile quality and naturalness make all the difference to me.
Do you really knit every single piece yourself?
Yes, absolutely. Every finished product you can purchase in the shop is meticulously handcrafted by me personally in my Leipzig apartment, taking days to complete. The path to a new pattern is an intensive process: I often knit a new design multiple times in different fiber and color combinations to check the fit and stitch definition. Only the pieces that go through this development process and meet my quality standards end up as exclusive unique items in the shop. So, you are essentially buying a real piece of the design process.
How do I receive my purchased knitting pattern?
Immediately after successful payment, you will receive an order confirmation by email containing a download link to the PDF pattern. If you created a customer account during the order, you can also download the pattern an unlimited number of times from the “Downloads” menu.
In what language are the patterns written?
All my knitting patterns are written in both German and English. Since the primary market is in German-speaking countries, but knitting is strongly English-speaking internationally, I offer both versions as standard.
When you purchase a pattern, you get direct access to both languages, so you don’t have to buy them separately. I deliberately refrain from offering additional languages to focus on the clarity of my patterns with very specific technical terms.
What knitting skills do I need for the patterns?
On the product page of each pattern, you will find an assessment of the difficulty level, such as “For ambitious beginners” or “Advanced,” as well as a list of the techniques used.
Detailed explanations of individual standard techniques are not directly part of the knitting patterns, but you can explore them at your leisure on my website under the “Tools & Techniques” section. There, I also like to link helpful YouTube videos or articles from other great knitters who explain a technique so perfectly that I sometimes like to peek there myself.
If I’m stumped during construction and can’t find a solution online or in books, I tinker until I’ve developed my own method. Of course, it’s possible that this technique already exists under a completely different name and I just didn’t know it. As soon as I find out the official name, I’ll adjust it. But in the end, it doesn’t really matter, because in my section, I simply describe step-by-step how it works in a very pragmatic way.
Is the yarn for the patterns included in the purchase?
No, when you purchase a knitting pattern, you receive a digital PDF file with the exact knitting and construction instructions. Which original yarn I used and which alternative yarns are suitable (including the required yardage and gram weight) are listed in detail in the pattern.
What do I do if I get stuck on a pattern?
Don’t worry, you won’t be left alone! If you get stuck at any point or have a question about the construction, just send me a short email to stefan@meemea.eu with the subject “Help with Pattern [Name of Design]”. I will help you as quickly as possible.
Are you looking for test knitters for your new designs?
Yes, I would be delighted if you would like to support me as a test knitter. Before a new pattern is published, I have the design checked for fit, clarity, and errors in various sizes.
As soon as a new design enters the testing phase, it runs through my Instagram channel (@meemea_designs). There, I announce the test knit and link a simple form where you can sign up. If you’re interested, feel free to contact me directly. Please note that as a one-person label, I cannot provide the yarn for the test knit for free. You will receive the exclusive pattern in advance and my direct support. It doesn’t matter if you have years of experience or are simply a very ambitious knitter.
Am I allowed to sell items I’ve knitted using your patterns?
Yes, you are very welcome to! I am happy if you sell items made according to my patterns on a small commercial scale (e.g., at craft markets or online platforms). However, the following conditions apply:
- Copyright & Attribution: For every sale and online presentation, clear attribution to me as the creator and the design used must be provided (e.g., “Knitted from a pattern by MEEMEA® Designs / Design: [Name of Design]”).
- No Original Labeling: You may not offer the piece as an original “MEEMEA® Knitted Item” or under the sole brand “MEEMEA”, as this is reserved for my own handmade unique pieces. Formulations such as “Hand-knitted from a pattern by MEEMEA® Designs” are the correct way.
- Pattern Remains Private: The commercial sale, copying, sharing, or distribution of the actual PDF knitting pattern itself remains strictly prohibited, of course.
Are all finished garments and accessories unique pieces?
Yes, essentially. My online shop operates on the principle: What is created, is available. When I develop a new design and test the pattern, I sometimes knit the model multiple times to try out different colors, yarns, and patterns. Only the pieces that absolutely meet my personal quality standards end up as finished products in the shop.
Therefore, a design might appear in the shop in two different colors or yarn variations, but each individual piece is and remains a unique item hand-knitted by me personally.
Can I order a finished knitted item in a different size or fiber?
No, that is generally not possible. Each fiber has very specific properties that are precisely matched to the respective design and cut. The sizes (mostly between EU 38 and 42) also result organically from the respective test knit. Some pieces are designed to be worn loosely across several sizes; others are knitted precisely for one size. I sell exactly the pieces that are created during my design process. I cannot offer other sizes or alternative fibers for the existing shop products.
Do you offer custom orders or special reorders?
Custom orders are only possible to a very limited extent and by individual arrangement, most likely for “one size” accessories such as cuffs, hats, scarves, or shawls.
If I completely re-knit an existing design for you in a desired color or size, it involves considerable additional effort. Since in this case the actual working hours are fully factored in, such a custom order is significantly more expensive than the finished test pieces in the shop. Please also note that for such individual customer orders, the legal right of withdrawal is excluded.
Why do handmade knitted items have this price?
Every finished product is the result of high-quality, expensive natural fibers and time-consuming, precise handwork. A single sweater or shawl often involves 20 to 40 hours of pure knitting time, followed by washing, blocking, and finishing. You are not buying a mass-produced item, but a durable, fair, and handcrafted piece of work.
What materials do you use for your designs?
I love working with high-quality, sometimes very noble natural fibers. These include mulberry silk, kid mohair, cashmere, and alpaca, among others. The exact material composition can be found on the respective product page and on the garment’s label. My products are 100% plant-based and/or animal-natural in origin.
Are MEEMEA products vegan?
No, not in the classic sense, as a large part of my designs consist of noble animal natural fibers (such as kid mohair, cashmere, or alpaca).
For my products that consist exclusively of plant-based fibers (such as pure cotton or linen), I consciously use the label “100% plant-based origin” instead of the term “vegan.” Since I purchase the yarns and cannot seamlessly control every single step of the deeper supply chain (such as the exact composition of all dyes used or auxiliary materials from the spinning mills), this term represents honest and transparent communication without empty promises for me. The exact material composition is transparently broken down for each product.
I have sensitive skin or allergies. What should I consider?
Since I work with untreated, animal natural fibers (such as mohair or alpaca), individuals with known sensitivities or contact allergies should be cautious. The exact fiber mix is indicated for each product in the shop, and if possible, also with precise information on the source. Wearing is at your own risk.
What is the best way to wash and care for my MEEMEA knitted item?
High-quality natural fibers are naturally dirt-repellent and rarely need washing; often, simply airing them out is enough. If washing is necessary: Please use lukewarm hand wash only with a mild wool detergent, do not wring or rub. Then gently squeeze out in a towel and dry flat. Please never put in the dryer or washing machine! Each product also indicates how it should be washed and whether it is machine washable. I generally recommend airing, and if that’s not enough, then the described hand wash. This way, your knitted item will last a long time.
Where do you ship to and what are the shipping costs?
I ship physical goods as standard within Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Digital patterns are available worldwide immediately. The exact flat-rate shipping costs will be displayed transparently in your shopping cart.
What payment methods does the shop offer?
Payment processing is secure and encrypted via the provider Stripe. You can conveniently pay by credit card, Giropay, and other common online payment methods.
Can I return a product if I don’t like it?
Yes, the legal 14-day right of withdrawal applies to finished products. Please note that return shipping costs are to be borne by the buyer, and the goods must be in unworn, clean original condition (free of odors or pet hair). Exception: Digital knitting patterns (downloads) and custom orders made according to your individual wishes are excluded from the right of withdrawal.