A Knitting Pattern to Start You Thinking about Bulky Sweaters

The Tartinizza pattern from Lucinda Iglesias is a great simple pattern worked in bulky or super bulky yarn. The pattern itself is only written for one size — a 45-inch chest — but it talks you through the changes and considerations you might want to make to make a bigger or smaller version.

I love bulky sweaters, they are some of my favorites because I’m always cold so they help me feel warmer fast. Bonus: they don’t take as long to knit as garments worked on a finer weight yarn.

So fast, indeed, that Iglesias says in her pattern that she doesn’t always swatch when knitting with them. If she knows the kind of sweater she wants and the fit she’s looking for, she can just get started and adjust as needed as she goes.

If you want to feel more comfortable with a little knitting improvisation, this cozy top-down sweater is a great place to start. You can get the free pattern and modification notes in English and French on Ravelry.

[Photo: Lucinda Iglesias.]

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If you’re a fan of the artist Vincent Van Gogh and of knitting patterns inspired by art, Knitting Van Gogh by Krista Ann is the book for you. The book includes 20 patterns inspired by artwork, as well as the pictures that inspired them and a little information about them.

Patterns are divided into two sections, apparel and decor, and include wraps, scarves, gloves, nesting baskets, a journal cover, a sunflower pillow cover and more.

For some the influence is obvious, such as the red hat inspired by the painting Head of a Woman, or the sunflower cushion inspired by Sunflowers. Sometimes it’s not as obvious, such as the Peach Tree Wrap inspired by the colors of the painting The Peach Tree, or the journal cover that pulls colors from Self-Portrait with Straw Hat.

Some of my favorites include the Wheatfield Brioche Cowl, with colors from the painting Wheatfield and brioche designs that look a bit like grass; Vincent’s Blanket, made from log cabin squares in shades of red based on the blanket in The Bedroom; and of course the Vincent doll.

Four patterns are rated the easiest skill level, with eight each at levels 2 and 3. You can see a few of the patterns on the publisher’s website (as of this writing they are not on Ravelry with photos).

The book includes a glossary and some tips for finishing at the back, as well as a key for abbreviations and a guide to the artworks featured. The book was produced in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and purchasing the book also supports the work of the museum, which is pretty cool.

This would be a fun book to knit from for an art lover, or if you just want to enjoy the hidden meaning in your projects if you knit some where the influence isn’t as obvious.

About the book: 144 pages, hardcover, 20 patterns. Published 2024 by Weldon Owen, suggested retail price $29.99.

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