32 Amazing Knee Tattoo Ideas for Men & Women in 2024

The term “knee rose” is a humorous joke that is passed around by artists and experienced tattoo enthusiasts. Pictures of roses commonly cover difficult body parts such as shoulders, knees and even hands. Though they are versatile subjects to work with, roses can be severely botched. The term “cabbage rose” is often used to refer to badly done rose tattoos. This neotraditional rose knee tattoo, however, is done perfectly. This remarkable artwork shows the distinct style of the Korean-based artist, Ari. Their immaculate artistic skill allows them to produce neotraditional tattoos at the highest level possible. The vibrancy of their colors, along with their striking designs, make for perfect tattoos every time.

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Also known as “folk tattoo,” this ornamental pattern is designed to show cultural sensitivity and pay respect. The folk tattoo style has a loose terminology that is applied to specific cultures. Yet, it borrows from geometric designs that are also known as “ethnic patterns.” This geometric, symmetrical piece of art was done by Daria, an artist who specializes in fusion tribal and ethnic tattoos. Daria’s works pay her respects for cultural sensitivity, honor and simplicity.

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Colorful mandalas are a great way to cover the irregular texture of a knee. The abstract composition and vibrant colors make this a great knee mandala tattoo. This striking piece of tattoo art was applied by PittaKKM. Korea-born artist, Pitta, is a true color specialist. His works include visual illusions, well-composed mandalas, abstract designs and vibrant colors.

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Mandalas are symbols of change, transformation, patience and growth. Geometric shapes have been combined with the mandala design to produce an intricate tattoo that is covering the knee, leg and thigh. The perfect balance of geometry is tattooed on the knee by the American artist, Raul Wesche. His keen eye for composition, coupled with his flawless technique of shading, dotwork and blackwork, makes this tattoo a harmonious piece of mandala art.

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Illustrative tattoo designs are produced with artful composition. Their painterly quality gives them a unique look that is feminine, soft and graceful. These colorful flowers are painted around the knee, effectively covering the leg and thigh as well. This colorful illustrative design was applied by Korean-Based tattooist, Yerae. She thoroughly enjoys tattooing with these soft and feminine shades of color and utilizes an illustrative design inspired by flora.

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Dark Jewelry is a tattoo style that is inspired in gothic art. Its gloomy constitution makes them artful pieces that decorate the body and flow with linework and anatomy. Dark Jewelry tattoos are a fool-proof way to cover the tricky parts around the knees Nomad tattooer, Roas, travels through Europe and North America while tattooing these imposing pieces of Dark Jewelry. He is adept in packing solid black, and has the keenest eye for composition, flow and placement.

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Beetle tattoos signify transformation and protection. This blackwork knee tattoo depicts a strong beetle, about to spread its wings and fly. Going by the nickname of “Madame Medusa”, the tattoo artist who applied this piece, managed to design it in a mind-breaking way. The Beetle opens its wings, while the woman stands up and extends her leg. Madame Medusa’s works play with line weight, dotwork and negative space.

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A tiger with a third eye is a sign of higher consciousness. Walking along and facing forward, this tiger knee tattoo is making others conscious of its bold existence. This striking neotraditional knee tattoo was done by Eugenios Simopoulos, who travels around the world while tattooing. His impressive portfolio is full of outstanding pieces of neotraditional artwork that have the most vibrant colors. Some of his works are new-school inspired as well.

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Botanical themes are often the inspiration behind ornamental pieces. This linework knee tattoo depicts a flower and its vines, flourishing right on the knee. This symmetric display of artistry was executed by the German tattooist, Susann Marleen. Located in Berlin, Susann brings a wide array of ornamental designs for her local clients. Her works include intricate tattoos with bold outlines, botanical imagery and perfect symmetry.

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The Chinese Knot is a symbol of longevity. As an allusion to eternity, it is often tattooed on the skin to preserve life for as long as possible. The knot wraps around the leg and to frame the knee. This gorgeous piece of linework was done at our own studio, Panumart Tattoo, located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. With utmost cultural sensitivity and a high level of respect, our talented artist, Pro, applied this knee and thigh piece.

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Also known as “Suminagashi” tattoos, these abstract pieces imitate a paper marbling technique that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Imitating waves and ripples, this abstract tattoo goes around the knee. The portfolio of Giselle Rabelo, who authored this piece, is full of abstract pieces just like this one. Her works include decorative ink that recreate ripples, waves and smoke while utilizing a bold, black outline to compose her abstract tattoos.

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Snakes are versatile subjects that are often used to tattoo difficult body parts. Since they are creatures that can wrap around anything, the blackwork snake tattoo is applied around the knee and leg. Nicknamed as “Khal the Black”, this Korean-based tattooist is the one who created this high-production piece of art. It surely seems like Khal is capable of producing tattoo pieces that are heavy on the black, but are still breathable, legible and well-composed.

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Depicting a friendly Cecropia moth and a twig of lavender, this feminine tattoo knee tattoo was done utilizing a mix of fineline and blackwork styles. This delicate, fine line lavender sprig tattoo, coupled with the fine line blackwork Cecropia Moth were done by Cheyenne Audrey, an American artist who draws their inspiration from wild life, flora and fruits. Her tattoos reflect blackwork and engraving styles, done with fine lines to add a feminine touch to all her pieces.

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Blackwork hearts are common subjects to tattoo around the knees. In this case, the heart takes an edgier shape, since it is entirely made of barbed wire. This knee has been decorated with flowers all throughout the barbed wire. Marie from Number40tattoos seems to rejoice in creating American Traditional pieces that are inspired in pop culture, media and Sailor Jerry.

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A blackwork monster is popping right out of the knee. And as if this tattoo couldn’t get any better, it was done completely free hand. This means that the German genius, André Fantini, took his time to draw a gruesome piece that was tailor-made to completely accommodate the needs of his client. Needless to say, his portfolio is full of pieces inspired by monsters, mythology, life and death… all executed in a striking blackwork realism and etching tattooing style.

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Also known as “neotribal tattoos,” cyber sigilism is a new-age style that includes elements of tribal, bio-mech and blackwork. This thorny heart tattoo is a perfect image to decorate the knee. Spikes and thorns penetrate right through the heart of Dany Kim, an artist from Japan, who is also the responsible for this stunning knee tattoo. As expected, the cyber sigilism style is abundant in his portfolio.

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Peonies are popular tattoo subjects. These gorgeous flowers carry a meaning of romance, honesty and tenderness. This blackwork knee tattoo depicts a peony and its leaves, done with boldness. This knee piece is a great example of the signature style of UK-Based tattooist, Tom. His portfolio is overflowing with artwork that mixes American Traditional imagery with bold, black style of blackwork tattoos.

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This American Traditional peony is beautifully done. Solid lines, bright colors and appropriate sense of proportion are present within it. This well-composed peony knee tattoo is connecting the knee and the upper thigh. German artist, Ninja V. Herrmann, does the most feminine and graceful American Traditional Tattoos. Through her incredible artistry, she is able to depict bold and dark imagery through a feminine, delicate lens.

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