Take Your Stitches in New Directions with this Knit Sweater

When I first saw the New Directions Knit Pullover from Yarnspirations, I thought it was a cable knitting project.

But it turns out these shifting stitches are caused by strategic increases and decreases that form those lines that look like cables.

This is a super fun way to get a cable like look without needing to actually make cables, and it will give you lots of practice with difference increases and decreases (the pattern uses knit 2 together, purl 2 together, slip, slip knit and make 1).

The project is rated for intermediate knitters and uses worsted weight yarn. It comes in six sizes up to a finished chest measurement of 65 inches, though it is meant to have a lot of positive ease. The extra small/small size, for example, has a finished chest measurement of 42 inches and the pattern says it is to fit people with a chest measurement from 28 to 34 inches.

The pattern is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up on the body and the top down on the sleeves. It has raglan shaping and the back is longer than the front. In addition to the shifting cable like stitches, the pattern uses reverse rice stitch on the rest of the body and sleeves, giving it lots of fun texture. (It’s a combination of knitting one row and working ribbing on one row, so it’s actually really easy.)

This project looks super cozy and not too difficult to stitch. And if you have knitting friends they might be as surprised as I was that this one is worked without a cable needle since they aren’t really cables!

If you are ready to knit actual cables — or are a pro with them already — check out my collection of cable knitting patterns to help boost your skills. There’s a sampler blanket, a sweater, a cozy hat and more to choose from.

[Photo: Yarnspirations.]

Double knitting is a lot of fun to do, but if you’re new to the process it can be intimidating to start with a big project. That’s why I have a little set of double knit coasters on my website that takes you through the basics, but these double knit hot pads are also a great option when you’re learning double knitting or just looking for a small project.

My love of quilt themed projects is well documented, so you can imagine how I feel about the Folksy Hot Pads from Shelli Can (Ravelry). These quilt block inspired hot pads use DK weight yarn and there are two pattern options and three size options for you to choose from.

Nifty Knitter Designs has a ton of double knit potholder patterns, but I wanted to highlight this one with a maple leaf since we’re headed into fall where I live as I write this. This would be a great one to use on your Thanksgiving table or all through the season. It calls for worsted weight yarn.

Interestingly, a lot of the potholder knitting patterns I found have animals on them, which is fun. Indian Love by Sonja Neukomm features an elephant decorated with flowers and is available on Ravelry. this one calls for sport weight yarn and the pattern is in English and German. The pattern also includes a lotus flower design so you can knit both.

Cat’s all Folks by Susan U is a free pattern on Ravelry with a checkerboard cat design. This one is so cute and looks like a lot of fun to knit in sport weight yarn.

As knitters we love our sheep, and there’s also a sheep themed double knit potholder from AMHIYU. This design calls for worsted weight yarn and looks great in black and white, but you can use any colors you like.

Finally, there’s this lovely set of five double knit potholder patterns from Knitting Knicely. You’ll find a squirrel, rabbit, deer, bear catching a fish and a fox in this set. These call for super fine yarn which allows them to have more detail.

Ready to take on a bigger project? Check out more double knitting patterns.

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