In our Featured Shop series, we shine a light on a standout shop from Etsy’s talented seller community, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at their process and story.
For most of us, piling on cold weather layers and still coming off stylish and put-together is somewhat of an art, but thanks to luxuriously chunky wool hats, scarves, and cowls from Loop’n Threads, wrapping up in warm winter knits has never looked so cool and effortless. Hand-stitched by Alexandria, Virginia-based designer Nathan Bryant in an earthy palette of mossy greens, smoky blues, and moody grays, each bold, oversized piece in this unisex collection is designed with versatility in mind—making them thoughtful gifts for any discerning dresser on your holiday shopping list.
Shop the Loop’n Threads collection
“Everything I make can be easily manipulated,” explains Nathan. “I always tell customers to free-form my items, and wear them with confidence.” One of his cozy cowls, for example, can easily transform into a hood or shawl. “I think it’s fashionable to drape them over one shoulder, and let the other side slouch over,” he says. For extra styling help, Nathan, who models his accessories in his Etsy shop and on his Instagram feed, even includes a photo of himself wearing his designs with each order. “If a guy has never seen something like a cowl on someone, he can always use me as an example,” he says. Although many of Nathan’s customers are men, his ribbed winter hats and twisting infinity scarves have a timeless, universal appeal that’s sure to suit everyone from your comfort-conscious boyfriend to your chic bestie. “I want to make quality pieces I can wear, but also things that anyone can wear,” Nathan says.
Read on to learn more about Nathan’s inspiration, discover his best-selling gifts for men, and shop the Loop’n Threads collection.
How did you get started selling knitted accessories?
Six years ago, I was in a time of my life when I needed some peace and an escape. I found myself on YouTube watching a video of a lady knitting. Something about the repetition and the sound of the needles was really relaxing. The very next day, I bought yarn and crochet hooks, not realizing the difference between crocheting and knitting. I kept watching videos on YouTube to get the basics down, and eventually learned enough to create my own designs and patterns. My friends and family encouraged me to sell the accessories I made. In the process, I’ve found a wonderful community of like-minded people. Early on, I was a little scared being a male knitter and maker in a space dominated by amazing women. I wasn’t sure how I’d be accepted at first. But I was welcomed with open arms.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
Simple but bold. My designs are simple but what makes them bold is the size, particularly my cowls. I want my pieces to be practical and fashionable at the same time. I try to make that come through in my pictures. I’m very passionate about photography.
How does photography fit into your creative process?
From the beginning, I think about the outfit I’ll pair with every piece I make. Then I scout locations that fit the look. After I set a date and time, I’ll go out with a tripod, my phone, and my camera. I’m trying to capture a moment. To me, some of the best feedback I get on social media is when people tell me that they feel something when looking at my photos.





What are your best-selling gifts for men?
My nautical hat is a winter hat with a classic design. The brim is rolled up tight, and it just sits on the top of your head. It screams “masculine,” even though it can be worn by anyone. My Cable Mountains cowl is also masculine and bold. It’s not too loud, especially because of the colors I use. It will definitely keep you warm on those bone-chilling days, and I think any man would feel confident and stylish wearing it.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everyday life inspires me. It could be music, it could be an emotion, or being out and about. I like to think every piece I make has a story. My Cable Mountains cowl is very big and made of blended wool. It has cables in it, but the name actually came from the idea of climbing mountains—the paths, cliffs, and the trails, and how they interweave. Another important thing that factors in any design is the fiber. It has the most impact on the durability, texture, and drape.




What kind of materials do you like working with?
Peruvian Highland wool is the most versatile yarn I’ve ever used. It’s durable and the colors are very saturated. It’s like a Swiss army knife—it always works. I will use other yarns for particular designs or pieces, but I can use Peruvian Highland wool for just about anything.
What does handmade mean to you?
Every piece is unique. No matter how many times you make a hat or a cowl, it’s not the same. It’s unique to every customer. You feel that personal relationship in every stitch. There’s nothing like a handmade item, to be honest. It’s that intimate connection between you and the person you’re making the item for. When people leave sweet reviews letting me know their husband or wife or daughter loves what I made, there’s no better feeling.




What’s next for Loop’n Threads?
I have a few exciting collaborations coming up, and there are also a lot of new accessories and garments coming soon. I’ve been asked, “Hey, when are you gonna make a sweater?” I’m working on it, but I want to make sure it’s inclusive and fits a variety of sizes.
What do you love most about your work?
Everything. It never feels like work, because I love it so much. I love the design process. It can be frustrating sometimes, but it’s so rewarding. It’s like a puzzle; once you solve it, you feel accomplished and successful. I love fashion, art, and lifestyle photography. Those are my passions, and I’m able to combine them all.
Follow Loop’n Threads on Instagram and Facebook.
Photographs courtesy of Loop’n Threads.
39 comments
NangijalaJewelry from NangijalaJewelry said 1 year ago
Love the vibe of your shop 😍
Julia from FavoriteToysShop said 1 year ago
Such knitted products are a great gift to your loved one for the holiday. Warm and beautiful.
Sylmarie Marie from SylmarieShop said 1 year ago
Great Shop!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 1 year ago
Great chunky knitted products! They will make wonderful holiday and winter weather gift.
Sharon from YearsAfter said 1 year ago
Love how cozy and warm they look! The colors are earth-tone gorgeous! Congrats!
Lesya Rumyantseva from Naturalesya said 1 year ago
Very stylish and cozy! Wonderful shop!
Posh Park from PoshPark said 1 year ago
Created beautifully! Congratulations on the feature!
Agnieszka from Makramianki said 1 year ago
Very nice knitted products. Photos are also really amazing. :)
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 1 year ago
Very nice shop. Congrats on the feature.
madeleine from kvdyevee said 1 year ago
Amazingly beautiful!!!!
Oriaku Onuoha-Bean from JewelryByOri said 1 year ago
I cant tell you how happy this makes me for several reasons. 1) debunking the myth that knitting is only done by women. (2) A fellow black creative with (3) Fresh and cozy designs! Wonderful feature, Etsy!
Kelly from CedarMillStudio said 1 year ago
great feature!
Ana Paula from macraMe said 1 year ago
Congratulations!! :-) :-)
branda Moreno from branda said 1 year ago
Love your chunky knits! Congrats for be featured!!! Our best wishes for you!! :-) :-)
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 1 year ago
Wow, your work is really beautiful! Congrats on the feature Nathan!
Stekia Pantou from StekiapantouStore said 1 year ago
nice person boho vibes
Shabazz Kelly from KataraMotifs said 1 year ago
Awesome work!
Jeannie from MysticalRaindrops said 1 year ago
Wow, I love the colors and the softness look. I bet these are warm. Nice designs too.
Shermane Fouche from parisstreetchic said 1 year ago
Bravo for following something that feeds your soul and creating such elegant designs.
Debra Gilstrap from 1225VintageStreet said 1 year ago
Congratulations on your feature. Wow such beautiful work and you've only been doing this for six years. You've found your calling much continued success to you!!
Erica from BrazedBrand said 1 year ago
Yeeesssssssssssssss!!!! Congrats on your feature. You deserve every bit of it!
dymonsatl said 1 year ago
Lovely style and it's refreshing seeing a male confident enough in his skin to knit. xoxo
Rachel Terry said 1 year ago
I love seeing men knit. Roses Grier the football player knitted. I'm a knitter and I don't see anything wrong with male knitter. I love your stuff and cowls are for everyone. Keep on knitting. Your great
Padmini Persaud-Obasi from BrooklynLotus said 1 year ago
You are an inspiration! Beautiful story and shop. Congratulations on your feature. Thank you for being you! Love it all!
Elena Morgun from ElDeKo said 1 year ago
Wow! These works are so amazing, cozy and warm. Congratulations on the feature!
Watts DryGoods from WattsDryGoods said 1 year ago
Great photos!
NeatoKeen from NeatoKeen said 1 year ago
What an awesome story and shop! You're a magician with yarn and a great model - congratulations on the wonderful feature!
Carol from MasCollected said 1 year ago
Congrats Nathan on the feature. Your perfect photos are only outdone by your purl-fect knits. Always enjoy a feature written by the wonderful Ms. Steel. Thank you! Joyous holidays and a prosperous 2020 to you both.
Natalie said 1 year ago
Beautiful!
WENDI MOORE from wendimoore1 said 1 year ago
Oh my goodness, this young man is so so very talented. Wish I had the skills and patience to do this. His work is absolutely perfection. Keep on shinning young whipper shapper.
Mattie from poppeparker said 1 year ago
Your shop is simply gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your journey and best wishes for achieving all your goals and dreams.
Olga Medel from KnittedHouseMedel said 1 year ago
It is incredibly beautiful! A man knits such wonderful things, I am amazed, it is very cool! 🔥
Oksana Timofeeva from FluffyTummy said 1 year ago
I'm sorry, am I the only one who stared at the model instead of beautiful scarf?!)))) P.S. The scarf is awesome)))
Diana Deluxe from DianaDeluxe said 1 year ago
If only I could knit just as good as this dude! Lovely items !
Lina from DreamArtNatural said 1 year ago
Not only women can knit perfectly. Man has amazing products.
ElenaCandle from CandleEIM said 1 year ago
Congrats on the feature.great vibes
Tatiana Pavlova from KnittedLoveFinds said 1 year ago
Beautiful shop!!!!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 1 year ago
Beautiful pieces, love the chunky style. Carry on and all the beat best!
Troye from SobahSobee said 61 days ago
Brilliant work.