Mati is a one-woman crochet business with an emphasis on combining intuition and a slow lifestyle. The brand is founded in Copenhagen, Denmark by Matilde Linn Rudolph.
Get a glimpse into the history of Mati Denmark from 2015 and until today in Matildes own words:
When I started my crochet business I had lost everything and had to sell my belongings to pay my bills. With no support system, I was sleeping on a mattress topper on the floor, unable to maintain a job and dumpster diving for food, all the while I was living with unresolved childhood trauma.
What I longed for the most was freedom and rest, so I could start to heal and feel safe and loved.
I slowly started crocheting clothes for myself under the name Mati Crochet and after finding a crochet book from the 70’s, the design of what later became my trademark, Mirabel top was born.
Having a creative business has become a therapeutic journey and a life-lesson in allowing imperfections and experimenting while creating slowly and for myself – instead of getting caught up in performing, people pleasing and work addiction. I have found my creative expression and have become comfortable being visible in the world – essentially learning to be and love myself. All this ties together with mental and physical healing.
I am not really a fan of granny squares or other typical crochet styles. I’m more into making a simple item that might as well have been made with a piece of fabric.
Most of my crochet designs have been created from my bed. This is where I spend a lot of my time, in order to rest and minimize overstimulation.
Simplicity invites you to leave your own mark on the item, allows you to be more free of the creative process and makes room for imperfections too.
Blogpost: Why it’s time to stop following trends and stand out instead
I am both in front of and behind the camera when photographing my crochet clothing.
In 2015 crochet clothes was not only a bit nerdy, it was kind of uncool and the patterns available were quite outdated. I wanted to make designs that would never go out of style. Now crochet has become modern again and it’s amazing to see and have contributed to the evolution of this handmade craft.
Mati, apart from being my nickname, means mother and home.
I love the idea of no-sew crochet patterns, where there are no panels to be connected and I can simply try on the clothes as I crochet it. I also love coming up with my own stitches.
In this process of having a space to create freely, make anything I want (good or bad), experiment and share with the world, I have grown to believe in myself, my worth and my abilities.
If my patterns seem too simple (or too complicated), you find many mistakes, typos or unclear description it’s not a coincidence. My patterns are just a guide to help you think for yourself, trust your ownn intuition and create a unique piece of clothing. Try it on for yourself and continue to ask yourself, what makes sense to you instead of just blindly following the steps provided.. this way you become an active participant in the process.
I hope that people who use my patterns will realise that their way of creating is unique and needed. That you don’t need to be perfect to be successful and that it’s not so much about the finished result but trusting yourself enough to freestyle, find your own expression and enjoy the process.