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Review: You Can Knit That

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you can knit that reviewI love knitwear designer Amy Herzog’s style. Her garments have a classic, streamlined design with details that make even the most basic patterns pretty and wearable.

But I have wondered if her previous books, Knit to Flatter and Knit Wear Love, were approachable enough. They have great designs in them, but rely a lot on the savvy and moxie of the knitter to alter patterns to make them fit themselves or the person they are knitting for.

While surely there are a lot of knitters out there up to those tasks, the books might have been a little alienating for knitters who weren’t up to the task. Herzog’s latest, You Can Knit That: Foolproof Instructions for Fabulous Sweaters, answers those concerns by offering more information on the basics of successful sweater knitting as well as lots of options for different kinds of sweaters that knitters might want to make.

The book starts with a lengthy section meant to help set knitters up for success, calling on them to knit large swatches and investigate them to determine if they are using the right needle size, fiber content and color for the sort of sweater they want to make.

Mini exercises encourage knitters to learn about their yarn, preferences for design options and finishing techniques before they cast on for a sweater, and this section includes lots of great information that will give knitters comfort and courage that they are making the best choices.

The patterns are arranged by sweater type and include vests, sweaters with integrated sleeves, drop shoulders, raglans, yokes and set-in sleeves. Each chapter opens with a pattern for kids, so if you’re still worried about any of the techniques you can practice them on a smaller scale.

This is definitely a learning book, but the projects are pretty and things you will want to make regardless of your skill level. Some of my favorites include the Shoreside Tunic, a sleeveless shell with a bit of lacy patterning at the hem; the Blaze Cardigan, worked sideways from cuff to cuff, mostly in Stockinette; the super-classic V-neck Cushy Pullover; the Entangled Raglan, a swingy cardigan with cable details; the snowflake-sprinkled circular yoke, turtleneck Snowdrift Pullover; and the Downy Cardigan, worked in cozy alpaca/silk/merino with cuffs that work as fingerless gloves with built-in thumbs. (Check out all the patterns on Ravelry.)

The adult patterns offer a whopping 12 different sizes to choose from (and six for the kids), so there are a lot of options for finding the right fit, no math required.

This book is lovely, fun and offers a bevvy of great sweaters for those who haven’t made one yet and skilled sweater stitchers alike.

About the book: 176 pages, paperback with interior flaps, 24 patterns (on a scale of 1 to 5, two patterns are 1, nine are 2, eight are 3, two are 4 and 3 are 5). Published September 2016 by Abrams Books, suggested retail $24.95.

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Selected Yarns Advertised at $2, $4 and $6

There’s a particular kind of optimism that appears when a knitter sees a yarn sale. Suddenly, the cardigan we’ve been thinking about seems entirely achievable, handmade Christmas gifts sound manageable, and there’s probably room for another project bag beside the sofa.

If that sounds familiar, the Knit Picks Big Yarn Sale deserves a look. Selected yarns are advertised at up to 60% off, making this a useful opportunity to shop for planned projects, small handmade gifts and those colours missing from your stash.

The trick, of course, is remembering what you actually need before a lovely shade of green talks you into an entirely different project.

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Browse the Knit Picks Big Yarn Sale here.

What’s Included in the Knit Picks Yarn Sale?

There are two advertised yarn offers to check:

  • Up to 60% off selected yarns, ending 19 November 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
  • Selected yarns advertised at $2, $4 and $6, ending 5 November 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

The $2, $4 and $6 promotion finishes sooner, so check that offer first if you’re reading this while it is still running. Prices displayed can vary with your selected shopping currency.

These promotions apply to selected products and colours, with exclusions. Check the individual listing, current terms and checkout total before ordering.

Start With Cotton for Useful Handmade Gifts

If your Christmas knitting list needs a little encouragement, cotton yarn for dishcloths is a practical place to start. Small projects are easier to fit around everyday life, and you don’t need to discreetly measure anyone’s chest before casting on.

Selected Dishie colours appear in the sale listings. Check the colour and price carefully, as a discount on one shade doesn’t mean the whole range has the same offer.

Our dishcloth knitting patterns for Christmas gifts offer plenty of inspiration for turning suitable cotton into useful presents.

Choose the pattern first, then check its yarn weight and quantity. Two or three coordinating cloths tied with ribbon can make a lovely gift without requiring a trolley full of supplies.

Look for Yarn That Suits Your Pattern

A discounted skein is only useful if it works for something you want to make.

For socks, check the pattern’s recommended yarn construction, fibre content and yardage. For a cardigan or jumper, calculate the full quantity before buying and check dye-lot information where available.

If you’re substituting yarn, matching the weight is only the starting point. Fibre, drape and your washed gauge swatch all affect the finished result.

For smaller projects that let you explore texture, our feature on the Clean and Crafty dishcloth collection is another helpful starting point. A manageable project can be a lovely way to try a stitch before committing to an entire blanket.

Shop Your Stash Before Adding to Your Basket

Before placing an order, pull out the yarn you already own. You might only need a contrasting colour or enough extra cotton to finish a gift set.

If you enjoy colourful kitchen projects, the Kitchen Kaleidoscope dishcloth collection might help you find a purpose for those existing balls.

Then compare yarn by its usable yardage, rather than the price per ball alone. Check washing instructions too, particularly for gifts. And include delivery in your budget, because postage has a habit of making its presence felt just when you think you’ve found a bargain.

Shop the current Knit Picks yarn offers here.

Choose a project you’re excited to make, keep the pattern with the yarn when it arrives, and give yourself the pleasure of a purchase with a plan. One finished gift feels rather better than another bag of yarn you’re afraid to open.