Hand-knit in Kathmandu. Worn for years, not seasons.
Every piece in our Artisan Knitwear collection begins the same way — with a woman in Kathmandu, Nepal, and a single ball of yarn.
This fall, we’re expanding our knitwear collection with Dinadi, the artisan studio behind every sweater, hat, scarf, and mitten we carry. Here’s a first look at who they are, how the pieces are made, and what’s coming next.
Who Is Dinadi?
Dinadi is a knitwear studio based in Kathmandu, Nepal, built around women artisans employed in-house. Some pieces are hand-knit start to finish; others begin at a nearby partner facility, where machine-knit bases are produced under pay and labor standards Dinadi holds above market rate. Every piece, regardless of how it begins, is finished by hand or hand-dyed before it’s considered complete.
It’s a model built on the belief that meaningful, well-paid work for women changes more than a single paycheck — it changes what’s possible for a family. Dinadi holds that standard whether the work happens in-house or through a trusted partner.
In Her Own Words: Mirjam, Founder of Dinadi
What makes Dinadi’s knitwear different?
“First off would be the quality of the merino wool that we use. We only use extra fine merino wool — the softest quality available. Using soft, comfortable and durable natural fibers are important as you’ll get more uses out of your garment if it’s enjoyable to wear. We source responsibly and only use RWS merino — a stamp of approval from the Responsible Wool Standard certifying the wool was sourced from farms that prioritize high animal welfare, sustainable land management, and social responsibility. On top of that we own and operate our own production facility in Nepal so that we can ensure the ethical treatment of all of our knitters.”
Why did Dinadi begin?
“We started Dinadi with a strong belief that everyone deserves an opportunity. Women in Nepal often are not afforded the opportunity to work and provide for their families due to both poverty and gender discrimination. We saw how jobs can be transformational and dignifying and intentionally moved to Nepal to create employment opportunities. We lived in Nepal for 8 years while we started up Dinadi. Now we see that as individuals their lives have improved — through income, healthcare, and school fees for their children — but more than that, they have found a supporting community and lasting friendships.”
What’s she most excited about this fall?
“I love the new collection with its warm hues and mix of fibres, colors and structure. Our daughter designed the floral pattern for the Merino Floral Sweater and it was so much fun to work with her. I am also excited about the Cashmere-Merino Handknit Lace Beret and the Zero Waste Mittens — they are fun and unique and have such a wonderful knit structure. It’s fun to be able to use production scraps to make something beautiful.”
The piece she never takes off?
“I am quite cold so anytime I can I wear anything Yak. My favourite is the Yak Tie Cardigan. Warm and comfortable. Sometimes I layer with a Merino Fitted Rib Sweater under it for extra warmth.”
A piece of Nepal she’d want customers to know?
“In Nepal there is always time for people, and there is always time to chat or share a cup of chai (Nepali tea) together. You always feel welcome!”
The Craft Behind Every Stitch
Every piece in this collection carries a human hand somewhere in its making — whether it’s entirely hand-knit or finished and hand-dyed after a machine-knit start. A single pair of hand-knit mittens takes 7 hours. A rib-knit hat can take up to 9.5 hours. That’s real time, from real hands, in every piece. And you will find the photo and name of the artisan who made your item on the tag.
Some techniques go further still. Our Shibori Sweater and Shibori Scarf are hand-dyed using shibori, a centuries-old Japanese resist-dyeing technique that creates a pattern no machine can replicate — and no two pieces ever come out quite the same. Our “Zero Waste” mittens are knit using leftover yarn scraps from other production runs, turning what would be discarded into a piece with its own one-of-a-kind color story.
Small variations across pieces aren’t flaws. They’re proof a person, not just a machine, made what you’re holding.
Meet the Makers
Jog Maya Maharjan — Artisan Knitter
How did you learn to knit?
“I first learned to knit from my friends using local Nepali yarn. Later, when I joined Dinadi, I received training and learned how to work with different types of yarn. I was the only person in my family who knitted, although my daughter has also learned a little bit from me.”
Is there a part of the process you especially love?
“I especially enjoy making patterned mittens because they are easy to make and look beautiful. What makes me happiest is seeing the finished product. After putting in the time and effort, I feel proud when I see how beautifully it has turned out.”
What has this work made possible?
“Dinadi has given me a place where I can work, learn, and spend time with other knitters. But Dinadi has given me more than just financial independence. I have gained confidence, learned to write, and learned how to speak up for myself. I really appreciate that Dinadi understands and supports me.”
What do you hope people notice?
“I hope people can see the hard work and effort that I have put into making each product. I also hope that through Dinadi, people get to know not only the products but also the women behind them, including me.”
Maina Kumari — Artisan Knitter
How did you learn to knit?
“I learned everything at Dinadi. When I first joined, I was looking for a job and didn’t know anything about knitting. I struggled a lot in the beginning, but with the training and support I received at Dinadi, I slowly learned everything. For me, it is not just about earning an income. I received this opportunity at a time when I needed it the most, so I feel very close to this work.”
Is there a part of the process you especially love?
“I especially enjoy making sample products. It gives me the opportunity to keep learning new patterns and designs and to experiment with different materials. When I see the finished piece, I feel very proud of what I have made.”
What has this work made possible?
“This job gave me the opportunity to come to the city and work independently. It has given me confidence and helped me grow as a person. Because I was given this opportunity, I am now able to provide an education for my son. I have gained the courage to keep growing and striving to do better every day.”
What do you hope people notice?
“I hope people notice the effort that women put into making these products. Every piece takes time, skill, and hard work. I also hope customers continue buying our products so that Dinadi can create more opportunities for women like me to learn skills, become independent, and find meaningful employment.”
A Look at the Collection
Sweaters
Merino Wool Shibori Sweater — extra-fine merino, hand-dyed in a one-of-a-kind shibori pattern.
Scarves
Merino Wool Shibori Scarf, the lightweight Merino Wool Woven Scarf, and the Yak Wool Plaid Scarf, woven from undyed yak wool sourced from Tibet.
Hats
Merlot Red Rib Hat and the Striped Space Blue Rib Hat, both hand-knit from extra-fine merino wool.
Mittens & Gloves
Blue Striped Handknit Mittens, the “Zero Waste” Plum Purple Mittens, and the Alpaca Wool Half Mittens, hand-knit in a classic Nordic pattern.
More Arriving This Fall
What you see above is just the beginning. We’re bringing in new merino, alpaca, and yak wool styles this season — and as each new piece arrives, we’ll be updating this post to reflect the current collection.
Want to see more? Follow along on Instagram. In the meantime, browse the full Artisan Knitwear collection. And sign up below to be the first to find out when new pieces come live.
Questions? Send us a DM or find us at @petiteprotea