Hey Knitters,
with the new year approaching, if you are like me, you are starting to make a list of all the projects you'd like to knit. While being a designer means I will likely mostly knit my own patterns (and let's be honest here: I just CANNOT, for the life of me, follow directions), I like to knit other designers patterns too (and make changes to their own, adding my own flair).
So here it is: My short list of sweaters I'd like to knit this year (or the next, or the next,...)
I've put them here by weight, so feel free to skip to the yarn weight you've got your eyes on!
Lace:
Hell no, I ain't knitting a lace sweater, I'm not crazy!
Fingering:
Aww. My precious. I know they can be a labor of love, but living in California, these are a great choice for a light layer.
Sisipho Sweater Knitting Pattern by Noma Ndlovu
Image Copyright: Noma Ndlovu
I am in love with the colorwork of this one, and I think it would make for a great finished object to show around. Plus, I love encouraging lesser known designers (the ones who aren't always on the hot right now first page results).
My preference (as you'll see in the other comments below): I'd knit it with a little more ease in the waist, and would add short rows before the yoke colorwork to lower the collar in the front and after the yoke colorwork section to lengthen the back. And knit a split hem at the bottom!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sisipho
Aurinko Sweater Knitting Pattern by SuviKnits
I love the wide v-neck on this one, and the finished projects looks comfortable and elegant. Would be a good office staple. A great, mindless project when you're past the collar, that would yield a wonderful sweater. When can I cast on?
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aurinko-2
Sport:
My favorite weight for sweaters. A little heavier than fingering, not by much, but works out faster than fingering. Feels like the best of all worlds.
Chantalle Sweater Knitting Pattern by Vanessa Smith
Image Copyright: Cody Smith
This one is first, because it's been in my queue probably since it was released (insert embarrassed emoji here). I love the collar, and the yarn she used looks just perfect (Madelinetosh Pashmina)!
I'd add a little bit more ease in the waist by adding increases below the bust line, and make it a little longer and add a split hem. Chef's kiss!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chantalle
Sweater No. 15 by My Favourite Things
Image Copyright: My Favourite Things
I've been dreaming of a sport weight, cabled sweater for almost a year now. I bought some great white yarn at the last Stitches West in February just for this, but I haven't cast it on just yet...
I know this uses yarns held together, and my plans don't include doing so, but I'll be using an equivalent yarn weight, so it *should* work (lol). Or, I could always change direction and buy more yarn...
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweater-no-15
Festive Yoke Pullover Knitting Pattern by Skeindeer Knits
Image Copyright: Skeindeer Knits
This one has been on my to-knit list since it was still a WIP, shared on Skeindeer's YouTube channel! Hopefully this year is the year I get to knit it. This is probably the ONLY holiday sweater you've got to have in your wardrobe!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/festive-yoke-pullover
DK:
Somehow I don't have a lot of DK sweaters in my wardrobe. Maybe something I should remediate this year? You'll find a lot of options here, because it appears that knitting DK weight sweaters with yarns held together are all the rage right now.
Make your pick!
Agathe Sweater Knitting Patter by Isabelle Racette
Image Copyright: Isabelle Racette
This one looks stunning, and once you're past the yoke it would be smooth sailing. I love the combination of lace and cables. This uses a combo of lace and fingering weight yarns.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/agathe-4
Keep it warm Sweater Knitting Pattern by Yeon Hwa Lee
Image Copyright: Yeon Hwa Lee
I love the lace pattern on this sweater, and if I had more free time, this one would be one of the first I'd cast on! I only knit at night when I'm tired, so this one would require lifelines...
Using fingering and lace weight yarns held together, this would make for a cozy and lightweight sweater.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/keep-it-warm-sweater
Sorrel Sweater Knitting Pattern by Wool & Pine
Image Copyright: Wool & Pine
Let's be honest here: the first thing that caught my eye was the color. This sweater is just stunning, and it's been in my queue since it launched in 2019! One day, I swear, I'll knit this!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sorrel-15
Puddles & Piers Sweater Knitting Pattern by Alicia Plum
Image Copyright: Alicia Plum
I love the V-neck on this one, the subtle stripes and the easy lace border makes it different. The color combinations are just endless with this one, and I'm already having so much fun imagining which colors I'd select!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/puddles--piers
Sea Glass Sweater Knitting Pattern by Wool & Pine
Image Copyright: Wool & Pine
Another Wool & Pine Sweater. This one uses leftover yarns, and for this I'd fish my stash and use fingering weight yarns held double.
My only concern for this one would be that I'd want to add short rows to lower the collar and lengthen the back, and that would screw with the pattern. I'd have to switch colors for the short rows, but the the short rows would show where the change in direction happens. OR: I don't cast on all the stitches, and work back and forth at the beginning, creating the crew neck before joining in the round, and knitting the ribbing afterwards.
Need to think this through...
I also have to say that the weaving in ends afterwards is what has kept me from casting this on...
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sea-glass-sweater-2
Worsted:
A quick knit, loads of stash, always a great go-to project.
Helia Sweater Knitting Pattern by Joanna Ang
Image Copyright: Joanna Ang
I love the sleeve design on this! Otherwise a fairly easy knit, the sleeves design makes it just exquisite! The twisted rib adds a touch of elegance, making this sweater an elegant and cozy garment.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/helia-2
Magnolia Bloom Sweater Knitting Pattern by Camilla Vad
Image Copyright: Camilla Vad
I love how cozy this sweater looks! And knit in a subtle color yarn, you can let the pattern design really show. I want this!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/magnolia-bloom-2
Aran / Bulky:
For a knit that's quicker than a fingering weight cowl, you can get a sweater. It doesn't get any better than that! Plus, it's a perfect choice during winters in the Sierras <3.
DownEast Sweater Pattern by Alicia Plum
Image Copyright: Alicia Plum
This one is first, because it's also been in my queue since forever! I love the cabled design, the light gray yarn and the broken rib collar <3! It was relaunched in 2022 to be size inclusive, and I think that's just awesome!
This looks great in commercial yarns too, or in more affordable yarns like Cascades, Knit Picks or Berrocco (look at all the projects!), so that could make for a quick and affordable knit (and a great gift project that's easy to care for)!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/downeast
Treysta Sweater Knitting Pattern by Jennifer Steingass
Image Copyright: Jennifer Steingass
This one has a simple colorwork, and figuring out the color combos is half the fun! This would make a great hiking sweater to sport while hiking in the Sierras, so I'm thinking some gray, white, charcoal and green color combination! Plus, Letlopi is available at my Sierra LYS, so, it's a win win win.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/treysta
Single Malt Sweater Knitting Pattern by Maxim Cyr
I love the textured stitch pattern of this one. The raglan increases also makes this pattern an everlasting favorite. I'd have to stash dive deep to find some aran yarn , or maybe treat myself to some new yarn for this. There's a project that uses green yarn, and OMG, I want a sweater just like that! I think there's a Knit Picks Tweed colorway that would be just perfect for this!
The only thing, for me: I would want to add short rows, to lower the collar and lengthen the back (See how the front neckline brushes against the throat? It's what I want to avoid by adding short rows in the back, as it bugs me). It might prove trickier than it's worth. Maybe I just forego the short rows?
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/single-malt
So, which sweaters are you planning to cast on next?
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