Knitting

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Book Review – Knit Wear Love

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Knit Wear Love giveawayThe winner is Carmen.

I really thought I had done a giveaway of Amy Herzog’s Knit Wear Love before, but here it is in my pile of books, so here it is for you.

Knit, Wear Love does have sweater patterns, 24 of them, in fact, but it’s as much about empowering knitters to find out what works for their body and their style and to adjust patterns accordingly as it is a pattern book.

The book explores different styles such as casual, vintage, sporty, bohemian, modern, romantic, classic and avant-garde, discussing the sorts of fibers, fabrics and colors people who enjoy that kind of style might like, as well as iconic sweater designs that fit that theme (like crewneck pullovers for classic style). It then looks at all the different things that go into a sweater looking good on you, how to make sweaters you own and how to put them together so they look great.

Then the patterns are shown with a bunch of different options built in. For example, the pullover is shown in classic, modern and romantic styles, all with different necklines and stitch patterns. The patterns offer 12 sizes and three weights of yarn so they’re super customizable within the variations.

In addition to the pullover, there’s also a cardigan, vest, cowl-neck, tunic, wrap, tank and bolero. You could use these patterns as a jumping off point for a great variety of sweaters for a great variety of women.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, April 10. If you’ve knit sweaters before, I’d love to know what your favorite one is that you’ve made (here’s mine). And if you haven’t, what would your dream sweater look like?

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

Looking for more knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Looking for Yarn online? Check out Lionbrand our preferred source for purchasing yarn online.

Comments

  1. I’d love to win this book! I do knit some sweaters. I’d love to knit one in a rich red colour or jewel tones, a cardigan with some cables

  2. I too would love to win this book. My favourite knit is an Aran sweater, or something with cable.

  3. I knit – but almost always knit one-size-fits-all items like throw pillows or blankets.

  4. I would love to win this book, I love to knit and have knitted various types of garments but would love to know how to make the fit better

  5. I love to knit, but for my size a sweater is a big time/money commitment so I would like to know any tricks to ensure that I’m going to like how it looks on my body!

  6. I’ve knitted accessories only to date, & would love to be to widen my knowledge on how best to fity bossy shape before investing in a sweater’s worth of f yarn.

  7. I’ve been working on the Starsky sweater from Knitty for years. I love it, but really need to finish!

  8. I love making sweaters, because I’m always cold, so I’ve made all different styles. So far, my favorite one that I’ve made is a feather and fan pullover that I tweaked a bit, because I didn’t like a couple of things about the pattern. I love making all styles, and am looking forward to going through this book, and getting some fresh ideas. Thank you so much for the great giveaway!!

  9. I love to knit just about anything. The last sweater I made was a cardigan with pockets and a tie. I designed it myself. I would love this book. Thanks for offering it.

  10. I think my favorite sweater is the one I just finished last week, a cranberry red version of dark and stormy made out of some really deep stash (Boston wool bought around the turn of the century).

  11. I’ve played around the sweater idea. I’ve knit a slouch and the Einstein Jacket (which is brilliant and well-fitting) because seaming and I haven’t been the best of friends thus far.

  13. Ive never knit a sweater before. But I like all kinds of sweaters…chunky, cozy, cardigans, pullover, oversized, lacy…
    This book looks perfect.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

  14. I tried to knit a sweater but assembled it wrong so it’s too uncomfortable to wear.

  15. I actually only made myself one sweater. ive probably made 200 baby sweaters, but I’d love to make more for me. Perhaps this book would inspire me to start.

  17. I’d love to win this! I really want to knit a sweater but am intimidated. Sounds like this would be a great go to!!

  19. I just bought her first book and love it! My knitting goal is to learn to gut myself and go make a garment that will stand out in terms of fit and design ??????

  21. I have never knitted a sweater. i think I want to but with super bulky yarn to make it go faster since i am a beginner.

  22. Looks like a great book. I havent made a full sweater but a sleeveless sweater that I like which was the popular Shalom cardigan on ravelry

  23. I have never knit any clothing besides the basic scarf and hat. I would love to learn how to knit a sweater! If I could create a favorite it would be a long swing vest!

  24. Great book! I have knit sweaters & pullovers before, but as baby gifts for my grandkids & nephew, not one for me yet.

  25. I think this would be a very good book as knitting now is a big investment to get wrong.

  30. I’ve yet to knit a sweater. I’ve knit clothing for my grandkids and items for the home. I would love to knit a cardigan.

  31. I have made a few sweaters. One of my favorites was from a kit for my nephew. He then handed it down to his sister who I am sure has handed it down to her younger brother. It is for a toddler.

  32. My favorite is Patons “Must Have Cardigan” – I’ve made it in multiple colors with fancy buttons and added pockets. It’s a good fitting sweater and well written pattern.
    I’ve really want this book and don’t know why I haven’t purchased it yet… Maybe waiting to win it?

  33. I’ve made a baby sweater before. I want to try adult size, but I haven’t had a chance yet!

  35. My favorite sweater pattern is an old one for a classic cabled cardigan in fingering weight yarn by Phildar. I knit my first one in 1978, replaced it around 1999, and have yarn waiting to make a new one.

  37. I currently knitting a pair of slippers. I have to knit my son a Wesley Sweater and I am scared to death! I need the challenge. So I really need this book.

  40. I prefer knitting cardigans so I can take them on and off easily. My favourite is a red and pink faux Fair isle one, where the yarn did all the hard work!

  41. I’d love to have this book. As a plus size knitter I’m so intimidated to make a sweater because it might not fit.

  43. I am learning how to knit. Started with scarfs, hats, fingerless gloves, to shawls. If the patterns are easy enough I will make a nice sweater but if they prove to be a bit challenging, that’s ok too. I will then be seeking the help of my knitting mentor and friend, have a glass of wine, chat and giggle while figuring out the next steps on my new projects.

  44. I haven’t yet been brave enough to knit a sweater. I would like one that is tunic length, with tastefully embellished sleeves and lots of positive ease.

  47. It has been way too long since I knit a sweater. I would love to knit a great fitting cardigan.

  48. April 10th (my Birthday!) a perfect day to start a new project from a great book!

  49. I’m a fan of Isabell Kraemer. I find her patterns really beautiful, wearable and well-fitting. And I always love a contiguous, seamless sweater! So my favorite, so far, is a Westbourne that I made some time ago. It was really a pleasure, and now I would like to try another pattern called Reagan.
    asteride on Ravelry

  50. Would love to knit a sweater for myself. Have only made baby/child sized (mostly top-down raglan) recently. Love many of Amy Herzog’s designs.

Have you read?

8 Knitted Crown Patterns for Children and Adults

There is something rather wonderful about a knitted crown. It takes a little yarn, a few pointed peaks and suddenly someone is in charge of the birthday cake. Whether they should be trusted with that responsibility is another matter entirely.

I love small knitting projects that invite a bit of fun, and these knitted crown patterns have plenty of possibilities. Make one for a grandchild’s dress-up basket, start a handmade birthday tradition, or knit matching crowns for a family celebration. And yes, there are adult sizes too, because being the person who organised the food should surely come with some royal privileges.

A soft knitted crown also makes a lovely alternative to a cardboard party crown. You can choose a favourite colour, coordinate it with a costume, or make something special enough to bring out year after year. Mustard yellow has that classic storybook look, but dusty pink, forest green and jewel-toned purple would be beautiful too.

These crown knitting patterns include children’s and adult options, along with designs that can be adjusted to fit. Some are worked flat and seamed, while others use circular knitting techniques, so there is a nice mix depending on what you enjoy making.

Our Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults

Start with our own free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults on CraftBits. It’s a lovely starting point for a handmade birthday crown or an addition to the family dress-up collection, with children and grownups both invited to join the royal household. I would choose a colour the wearer already loves—there is no rule saying every crown has to be gold.

Sheep & Stitch Crown: An Adjustable Design with a Video Tutorial

The knit crown pattern from Sheep & Stitch uses worsted-weight yarn and straight needles, with a video tutorial to help you follow along. You repeat the pointed sections until the crown fits, then join the ends, making this a useful option for children or adults without relying entirely on an age label. I especially like the video support for knitters who prefer seeing the shaping happen before trying it themselves.

Jubilee Crown Headband: Baby Through Adult Sizes

Marianna’s Jubilee Crown Headband is a free DK-weight design with baby, child, teen and adult size options. It’s described as quick and easy, making it an appealing choice when someone announces they need a costume rather closer to the event than you would have preferred. I would keep the smallest versions simple and let the yarn colour provide the decoration.

Hobbii Knitted Crown: A Cosy Ribbed Headband

The free Knitted Crown Headband from Hobbii, designed by Katharina Müller of My Favourite Stitches, combines a ribbed band with crown points. It includes baby, child and adult sizes and is knitted in the round with two yarns held together. This is the one I would look at for a crown that doubles as a playful ear warmer—very useful when your little royal insists on wearing their costume outside.

Elegant Knit Crown: Two Stretchy Size Options

Kathryn Andrews’ Elegant Knit Crown is a free Ravelry download with a small toddler/child size and a large teen/adult size. Worked from the top down in worsted-weight yarn, it uses a small amount of yarn and relies on stretchy edges to accommodate a range of heads. It’s a handy option for using a treasured leftover colour that isn’t quite enough for a hat.

Simple Knitted Crown: A Grownup Birthday Crown

Nicky Barfoot’s Simple Knitted Crown is a free DK-weight pattern with seven points and an adult-sized fit. The listed finished circumference is 50 cm, designed to stretch to a 55 cm head, so check that measurement before choosing it as a gift. I like this option for a grownup birthday celebration, especially in a beautiful cotton yarn that lets the shape take centre stage.

Crowning Glory: A Flat-Knitted Crown for the Family

The free Crowning Glory pattern by MrsMeeseMakes is knitted flat and seamed, with the circumference adjusted through the number of points you make. The designer gives guidance for baby, toddler, child, teenager and adult versions, making it a flexible choice for a family set. This would be my pick if you enjoy straight-needle projects and want to check the length as you go.

Paintbox Yarns Party Crown: Child and Adult Versions

The free Paintbox Yarns Party Crown uses aran-weight yarn and includes separate child and adult instructions. The listed finished circumferences are 44 cm and 50 cm, and the pattern is rated intermediate. I would make a coordinated pair in different colours for a birthday child and their favourite grownup—matching enough for photographs, but easy to tell apart when the party gets busy.

Choosing the Right Size for a Knitted Crown

Measure around the wearer’s head where the crown will sit, then compare that measurement with the pattern’s sizing notes. A finished knitted circumference may be smaller than the intended head measurement because the fabric stretches; that is different from choosing a size that is simply too small.

For an adjustable design, check the fit before sewing the ends together. You want the crown to stay put comfortably, especially if its owner plans to spend the afternoon dancing, running or issuing important instructions to the dog.

Yarn choice matters too. A springy wool blend and a smooth cotton can behave quite differently, even when both carry the same yarn-weight label. Follow the pattern’s tension guidance and think about how the finished crown will be washed.

Make It a Birthday Tradition

My favourite idea is to knit a crown that comes out every birthday. Choose a colour that will grow with its wearer, tuck it away with the birthday candles, and let it become one of those small family things everyone remembers.

For children’s crowns, stitched details are a lovely way to personalise the design without adding loose decorations. A little embroidered initial or a few contrasting stitches can make a simple crown feel very much their own.

And if you happen to knit yourself one while making the children’s versions, I think that is entirely reasonable. Someone has to supervise the kingdom—and keep an eye on the cake.