Elinor Voytal's Knitted Jewellery Extraordinaire

published in: Accessories, 27 Jun 2012

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Crimp Ring

Elinor Voytal is a British jewellery designer with a knack for knitted bijoux, but this should coma as no surprise as graduated from Bucks University with a first class degree in knitted textiles. Whilst at Bucks she received a commendation from the Bradford Textile Society and went on to receive a great deal of interest in her graduate collection of statement jewellery pieces made using machine knitting techniques and intricate embellishment.

Circles Chain Necklace

Voytal has won four awards for her unique work: Commendation in section 3 of the Bradford Textile Society Award 2007-2008, Finalist in the Hand and Lock Prize for Embroidery 2009, Editor's Choice Award by Adorn London at Treasure 2010, and Editor's Choice Award by WGSN at Treasure 2011. She has also showcased her pieces in several exhibitions and shows including Treasure 2010 and 2011 in London, and 'All Together', Diana Porter Contemporary Jewellery in Bristol, also in 2011. At the moment Voytal is enjoying her Artist in Residency position in the Fashion Textiles Department at Middlesex University.

Pixel Chain Bangles

Voytal's designs are inspired by the fusion of hard metal and crystal elements into the soft, delicate and luxurious structures of machine knitted silk and viscose. She is interested in the way the embedding of metal findings or embellishment of Swarovski crystals changes the feel and weight of the fabric. The colourway for her graduate collection was taken from pixelised manipulations of her own photographs and she continues to use photography as inspiration.

One Pixel Swarovski Earrings

 Many of the pieces are created using a fine-gauge industrial knitting machine, utilising knit stitches that can usually be found in garment making. Employing these textile design techniques is what makes Elinor's work unusual, having a different feel to other knitted jewellery, which often consists of knitted wire or nylon. "To create the pieces I either embed the knitted fabric with chain and jewellery findings whilst knitting, or hand embellish the fabric with crystals and beads after it has been taken off the machine," she explains. What also makes her work and craftsmanship stand out is that for some of the pieces she also digitally prints her own images on to fabric and then manipulate it, into beautiful crimped fabric beads.

Pixels Chain Bib Necklace

"I love the delicate nature of the fabric that can be created using a fine-gauge knitting machine, especially using yarns such as silk and viscose. However, it is embedding and embellishing the fabric with heavier materials that inspires me most. The delicate fabric changes in weight and feel and at once begins to feel more luxurious, it is this quality that lends itself perfectly to creating jewellery pieces," she says. Voytal also draws inspiration from colour. "The beauty of knitting my own fabric is that I have hundreds of different colour yarns to play with, and therefore have great scope to make bespoke pieces to match the wishes of the client." Elinor’s studio is in North London where she continues to design new jewellery pieces and fashion accessories. You can buy her amazing pieces here or to find her stockists click here.

Twisted Rope Statement Bangle
with Swarovski Crystals

All images courtesy of Elinor Voytal©

Pixels Brooch Amethyst