Book Review: Only Yoking

Yoked sweaters are a great entry-level sweater for knitters learning to work garments in the round. Because they are worked from the top down, you’re starting with the smallest (and most fun!) part, and you can try on your sweater as you go to make sure all the pieces are just the size and length you want.

And circular yokes are a lot of fun to knit because they usually are covered with colorwork or textured stitches that make the sweater interesting.

Olga Putano, a knitwear designer originally from Ukraine, designed three basic sweater bodies worked in superfine, DK and worsted weight yarn, and four yokes each that work within that basic pattern, to make up her book Only Yoking.

Each pattern has 10 sizes available, ranging from a 32 inch to a 68 inch chest measurement. In each section there’s an overview of the yokes along with the yarn information needed to make that particular version and the charts for that design. The section ends with the general sweater pattern, so you can work from those instructions and flip back to the chart you need when you get to that section.

My favorite patterns are Sienna, a worsted weight pattern with a sort of leaf design on the yoke; Audrie, a two-color sweater with a tulip-like, floral motif using DK weight yarn; and Mila, pictured on the cover, which the designer says was inspired by stained glass windows and has a pretty, painterly look. This one is a little trickier because you have to work with three colors in a round, but it’s well worth it for the pretty result.

The projects aren’t all shown on Ravelry or the publisher’s website, though you can see a few there. This quick flip through gives you an idea of what the sweaters look like.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EzY3HiFx28?si=yO8HIW20JWgWfrWI]

In addition to the patterns, the book includes information on how to work cables for the textured yoke patterns that use them, as well as an overview of basic knitting skills.

Only Yoking is a fun and colorful book that’s great for knitters getting into sweater knitting with colorwork or cables, or for those with a few patterns under their belt who want to try something new. The patterns give you a lot of encouragement to make it your own and the tools you need to stitch a sweater just the way you want it.

About the book: 128 pages, paperback, 12 patterns. Published 2023 by David & Charles. Suggested retail price $24.99.

Next Pattern:

There is something very sweet about vintage baby knitting patterns, especially the ones that still feel wearable today. This Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from the CraftGossipStore has that lovely old-fashioned charm without looking fussy or too dated, which is exactly what makes it a nice find for knitters who enjoy making baby gifts with a bit of heirloom feeling.

The pattern includes two classic baby sweater styles: a textured crew neck jumper and cardigan options with raglan sleeves. The stitch pattern gives the finished pieces that beautiful handmade texture we all love, but it still feels practical enough for real babies — not just the kind of outfit that gets worn for one photo and then carefully folded away forever.

You can find the pattern here: Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from CraftGossipStore.

This is a restored vintage knitting pattern delivered as a printable PDF, so there is no physical pattern posted out. After purchase, the file is available through Etsy as an instant digital download, which is handy if you’re the sort of knitter who gets an idea at 9 pm and wants to cast on before common sense has a chance to intervene.

The pattern is designed for 8 ply / DK weight yarn, which makes it a practical choice because DK baby yarn is easy to find in soft modern colours. It uses 3.25 mm and 4 mm knitting needles, along with stitch holders, buttons for the cardigan versions, a yarn needle, scissors, and measuring tape.

What I like about this pattern is the flexibility. Worked in cream, lemon, powder blue, sage green, oatmeal, dusty pink, or warm beige, it would suit either a traditional baby wardrobe or a more modern neutral nursery style. The cardigan version is especially practical because cardigans are always easier when dressing little ones. Anyone who has ever tried to wriggle a jumper over a sleepy baby’s head will understand that immediately.

Because this is a vintage pattern, it is worth remembering that older knitting patterns are often written more briefly than modern ones. They tend to assume the knitter already knows a few things, so I’d recommend this for confident beginners through to intermediate knitters rather than someone picking up needles for the very first time. If you’re comfortable reading shaping instructions, checking gauge, working textured stitches, and sewing seams neatly, this should be a very satisfying little project.

Before starting, make a tension square. I know, I know — no one wants to hear it, but baby garments are small enough that gauge really does matter. A tiny difference in tension can quickly change the finished size, and nobody wants to finish a beautiful baby cardigan only to discover it fits a doll or a toddler with very optimistic shoulders.

This pattern would make a lovely baby shower gift, newborn photo outfit, heirloom baby knit, or handmade market sample. It is also a nice choice for knitters who enjoy vintage patterns but prefer having them cleaned up into a more usable digital format.

If you need supplies, look for a soft DK baby yarn, smooth knitting needles, small cardigan buttons, stitch holders, and a blunt yarn needle for finishing. Mary Maxim is always worth checking for baby yarns and classic knitting supplies, while Amazon can be handy for basics like stitch holders, measuring tapes, button packs, and printed pattern binders if you like keeping your PDF patterns organised.

For anyone who enjoys traditional baby knitting, this is a sweet little pattern with plenty of charm. It has that “made by Grandma, kept forever” feeling, but with enough simplicity to make it useful for everyday babywear too.

Next Pattern:

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