Cozy Up: Sweaters!

Here in the northern hemisphere, we are deep in yarn season. The weather is cooler, the sun is setting earlier (too early!), and our knitting mojo is through the roof! So many of us have projects just flying off our needles. We all know that this is because working with yarn is such a comfort. What better way to enjoy that yarn-y comfort than with the perfect sweater?

Here you’ll find pattern inspiration for lots of cozy sweaters. I’m sharing my favorites for beginners to masters and from wonderfully warm to lighter layering pieces. Let’s go!

Classics: Great for beginners!

1. The Other Raglan by Courtney Little in Nebula. This raglan sweater is simple to knit, has a great shape, is flattering on many body types, is gender neutral, and is easily customizable. If you’re just starting with sweater knitting, this is a truly wearable and easy starting place.

photo by Courtney Little

photo by Courtney Little

2. Long Weekend Pullover by Gerdina Schwab in For Better or Worsted. This classic pullover sweater has such a cozy texture, you can almost feel the smoosh factor through the screen! Gerdina provides instructions for knitting in the round with a little bit of steeking, or knitting flat with a little bit of seaming. Both techniques are 100% doable by any adventurous beginner.

photo by Gerdina Schwab

photo by Gerdina Schwab

3, Seagate by Patty Lyons in Squishy. I love the open neckline and 3/4 sleeves on this sweater. I’m one of those people that usually runs a little warm. I want to feel cozy, but need a little breathing room. This classic cowl neck sweater has an elegant shape and simple, eye-catching edgings. Definitely a favorite. It’s a well written pattern and, truly, not very complicated. Just go one stitch at a time, that’s really all it takes!

photo by Patty Lyons

photo by Patty Lyons

Layering Pieces: Stretch your skills and your wardrobe!

4. Open Road by Amy Gunderson in For Better or Worsted. This is the ultimate layering sweater. Look how amazing it is with that jacket. So stylish, and her sleeves aren’t packed with sweater! It has a gorgeous cable detail, and I love that the mock turtle neck is relatively low and has a bit of a vent to give me that sense of space.

photos by Amy Gunderson

photos by Amy Gunderson

5. Serenity Cardigan by Kate Oates in Serenity. This layering cardi is all about luxury. To start, it’s knit with our 100% cashmere yarn, Serenity. Add a loose silhouette, knit at a gauge with gorgeous drape, and every sweet detail from lace edging to sweeping neckline. You end up with the most luxurious cardi I’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing.

photo by Kate Oates

photo by Kate Oates

6. Zaftig Tee by Sheila Toy Stromberg in Squishy. I absolutely adore this sweet little crop top. “But I don’t show my tummy!” you say. Trust me, I hear you. I’m not into showing my tummy either. All my encouragement to bold folks of every size and shape who show their tum-tums, you all are stunning. Back to more shy me, what do I love? Getting to wear my sundresses through the fall and winter by adding a semi-fitted crop top. Outfits come together so easily when you can just pop on a dress. Add this cute crop top to a summer dress and you’ll be warm, but not too hot. Add some tights and boots and you’ll look amazing and be ready for anything!

photo by Sheila Toy Stromberg

photo by Sheila Toy Stromberg

Showstoppers: They’re gorgeous and you can totally do it, one stitch at a time!

7. Sterling by Jennifer Wood in Dreamy. Jennifer has such an eye for detail. She brings critical thought to every element of her designs, which is what makes all of them so lovely. Sterling brings the open neckline and 3/4 sleeves that I appreciate, along with the most beautiful edges I’ve ever seen. And honestly, even though it looks like a work of art, it really isn’t that hard to knit. If you love Squishy, it substitutes perfectly for Dreamy in this pattern, so you can choose your favorite!

photo by Jennifer Wood

photo by Jennifer Wood

8. Hannah by Faina Goberstein in Squishy. This sweater is so sneaky, it’s all just stripes and slip stitches! Seriously, anyone can knit this, it’s gorgeous, looks so complicated, and yet… it’s one of the easiest techniques to learn. You will look like a magician with out having to do any magic at all! I love the greys and yellow, however I wear a lot of blues and greens. Good thing I can use any hue I want for the pop of color. Which colorway would you use?

photo by Faina Goberstein

photo by Faina Goberstein

9. Jones by Tin Can Knits in Cricket. You didn’t think I was gonna leave out cable lovers, did you? One of the best things about Tin Can Knits’ patterns is that they offer such a wide range of sizes. This one is sized all the way from an 18in bust (new born) through a 58in bust. And it’s just stunning. Gosh, I love cables.

photos by Tin Can Knits

photos by Tin Can Knits

10. Marigold by Mona Zillah in Gerty. If you’re up for a challenge and want to knit some colorwork magic, this cardi is for you. I mean, just look at those motifs. Experienced knitters, you know the fabric you’re going for, so if you prefer a washable wool, a little sparkle, tweediness, or even some cashmere (because you deserve it!) you can always sub for another yarn. Any of these fingering weight yarns would sub perfectly: Squishy, Lunaris, Nebula, Luster, Dottie, Haiku, or Serenity.

photos by Haulin’ Hoof Farm Store

photos by Haulin’ Hoof Farm Store

 

What are your favorites? Are there other project you want inspiration for? I love sharing my favorites, so tell me in the comments!