"Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons;
it's a rebirth of the spirit."

—Toni Sorenson

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Hello there fellow knitter!

This is The Yarnist. The daily newsletter that makes you love knitting the same way Lewis Miller loves planting flowers.

Here's what we've got for you today...

• Knitspiration: Master sweater knitting with these books
• Stitchionary: A stitch with a double weave
• Pattern Pick: This top makes the birds sing
• PLUS: Long term sweater knitting, cozy chickens, and more

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Disclaimer: This newsletter may contain sponsored ads and affiliate links.
When you buy using them, you support our work here at The Yarnist, as we get a small commission.

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Knitspiration

📚 5 Books to Level Up Your Sweater Knitting Skills

In my opinion, sweaters are the most flexible and customizable form of knitting.

They're also the most useful project, both from a functional standpoint and an aesthetic one.

You can express a lot about yourself through the sweaters you wear.

But what if you could also express who you are through how you knit those sweaters too?

These books are geared toward helping you knit customizable sweaters, using all kinds of form factors, shapes, details, and more.

The only thing we don't cover here is yarn choice, since that's a whole topic of its own.

Adding one (or all) of these books to your knitting library is certain to level up your sweater knitting skills.

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​Ultimate Sweater Book by Amy Herzog

Before she left the knitting world behind, Amy Herzog was the modern go to expert of sweater knitting. Her book series became a must have for knitters that wanted to customize their sweaters.

Her last book, The Ultimate Sweater Book, combines the best of her knowledge and puts it into one easy reference.

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​Knitting from the Top by Barbara G. Walker

Barbara Walker is not only famous for her stitch pattern books. She also was a big proponent of top down knitting. While this is not the only book on this topic on this list, it is was one of the first published.

If you're interested in learning to knit without a pattern, this book teaching frameworks for knitting seamless top down sweaters. There are multiple styles outlined here so you can knit almost any type of sweater using her method.

Just FYI this book is NOT for beginners.

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​Seamless Knit Sweater in 2 Weeks by Marie Greene

Marie Greene of Olive Knits became famous for her 4-Day Sweater KAL, which she holds every year in April. Her goal was to show people it didn't have to take a year (or more) to finish a sweater.

This concept was refined into her first book, Sweaters in 2 Weeks, which gives a little more time to finish. While we think that's still pretty quick to get a sweater done, this book is well loved by knitters who have been inspired to actually finish a sweater.

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​The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns by Ann Budd

This book might be 20 years old, but it may be the best book on sweaters ever written. With formulas for 6 sweater constructions, 15 different sizings, multiple gauge options, and a multitude of collar options, there are more than 1,000 sweater "patterns" in this book.

The looks might be a little dated, but the important thing here is the skills you'll learn. Once you see what's possible, you'll never knit a sweater the same way again.

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​The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters by Ann Budd

Ok, I know what you're thinking. We just featured a book on sweaters by Ann Budd. However, this is probably the most popular sweater book ever published.

Why?

Because top-down sweaters allow you to try them on while knitting. That makes them WAY easier to fix and customize during the process of making them. If you're a beginner when it comes to sweater knitting, this is a great place to start.
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- BONUS PICK -

​6000+ Pullover Possibilities by Melissa Leapman

This book is for those people who love all the details. It's literally a spreadsheet of calculations to make different sweater elements in multiple sizes at different gauges.

You have to figure out how to put it all together, but if you have the technical knowhow, this book is invaluable. I only wish they had a cardigan version!

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Conclusion

So there you have it.

These are some great resources to help you on your sweater knitting journey.

But what do you think?

Do you have book about sweater knitting we didn't mention?

Hit reply and share it with us!

We'd love to hear your feedback. 😊

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Daily Stitch

Double Woven Stitch

While this stitch looks like the wrapped technique used for smocking, it's actually created using simple slips.

By holding the yarn in front of the work and slipping a couple of stitches, this faux woven fabric is made.

​Learn This Stitch

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Yarnist Insider Bonus

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Work in Progress Wednesday What are you working on this week? ​Share a picture with the community!​

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Pattern Pick

Birdie Top by Katie Noseworthy

If it's too hot for a sweater, Birdie is the perfect top for those warm summer days, whether you're relaxing in the yard or hard at work in the office!

This lightweight top features a simple eyelet lace pattern that converges to a point on the back, with some slight eyelet detailing along the front neckband.

It's worked from the bottom up, with high-low shaping to add some flair to this otherwise classic top.

Knitters can choose to make a tank or tee version.

Get This Pattern

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Knits & Giggles

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Thanks for reading!

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Before you go...below you'll find a few ways we can work together, and other bits & bobs:

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Look at you reading all the way to the end!

Here's a bonus video with this incredible arial footage of sheep being herded. 🤯

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Made with 💙🖤🤍 in Tallinn, Estonia

Narva Mnt 15, Tallinn, 10120