Waking up when it’s still dark, gloomy afternoons and wind that always seems to be blowing in the wrong direction – the Danes may be able to find their cosy hygge spot in the middle of all that, but in Clapton? Not so much. Reasons to be cheerful can be rather thin on the puddlesome ground right now which is why Brontë and I have raided our future-projects lists for some spirit-lifting sweater patterns. Cast on now and we’re confident you could be finished this side of spring or at least in time to see the light at the end of the February tunnel..
What the next weeks lack in brightness, we can surely redeem in stitches.
Amikomi Yoke by Noriko Ichikawa
I know it’s a lot of 4ply small stitch knitting but bear with me: the colourwork will make it speed by, and it’s the lightness of a fine gauge yarn that makes that swingy shape possible. Stick with the charts or go rogue (as I intend to) and have some fun with alternative fairisling from the stitch dictionaries of Anna Bauer or Andrea Rangel.
Weekday Dress + Pullover by Aimee Sher
On the one hand it’s a straight forward top down, easy knit, but then there’s that lovely dolman-ish curve on the sleeves and raglan details to keep things interesting. Choose from the rich DN Cyrano palette or for an even warmer and lighter option, check out WD Manchelopis.
6×2 Sweater by Ailbiona McLochlainn
Another sloucher with a comforting rib texture that runs all the way through, plus Ailbiona’s signature alternative details. I love the buttons on the shoulder seam but if you don’t, she has options. Worked in a DK, but on a chunky gauge, so it’s going to be light and good value. Yarn-wise, the WD Manchelopis (single stranded) is calling, but Sheepsoft or RP Brusca would work just as well with the gauge.
Sunny Sunny by Rievive
There’s something a bit paperback-in-the-corner-of-a-quiet cafe about this sweater. Original and delightful detailing on the neck and bottom hemlines, plus skinny-stretchy twisted rib sleeves: Rievive’s patterns always go somewhere unexpected and it’s always in a good way. For yarn, I’d pick DN Ulysse, WD Cautiva, or for a lighter tweedy option, the Donegal Darnie would be super.
Simplicity Jumper by NorgaardKnitters
This is on my needles as I write – and living up to the promise of its name. For knitters in search of a break from chart following, stitch-counting, lace and cable-rich knitting, Simplicity is your refuge. Ingeniously designed so that the garter stitch rows are all plain knit and worked seamlessly, Norgaard generously gives as much thought to the knitting as the finished sweater. I’m using Sheepsoft and a strand of Gepard Kid Seta. But fluff-phobes could go with any Worsted on its own.
This Slouch-plus-Guernsey mash-up is a proper best of both worlds jumper. Railway sleepers chug comfortably along thoughtfully shaped shoulders, growing into a sweater which is interesting and simple all at the same time. Plus, doesn’t it look like the kind of sweater you’ll never want to take off? Futura calls for DK – Any of WYS BFL, Sheepsoft by Laxtons or RP Vovó would be perfect.
Broken Oath by The Coleman
This is Brontë’s latest sweater crush – It’s got all the things: the right neckline, fantastically twisted ropey cables, and a super boxy shape. Brontë’s considering narrowing down the garter stitch stripes on the side panels to create a better balance with the rest. Wool-wise, it needs a proper toothy worsted – it would be glorious in DN Gilliatt, WD Mota, or Rauerk Original.
Endellion by Sophie Ochera
For anyone in need of a shot of colour and adventure in their knitting, Sophie Ochera’s patterns are a blast. She’s deliberately gone big and roomy with the fit on this one and recommends just sizing down if you want it more fitted. Have fun with her colouring-in charts to decide on your pallette, then raid your left overs and come and choose any missing shades from anything in our 4ply pegs and cubbies.
Christollen by Soumine Kim
Soumine Kim’s patterning on this cosy snuggler is wintery, warm and the enchanting colourwork carries a faint echo of last month’s Christmas jumpers without the single-use kitsch. Stranded knitting with a DK weight yarn means it will be a proper jacket-ish cardie that can stand in for a coat when autumn gets chilier before proper winter kicks in. And the sizing and fit means it will suit everyone.