Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Unsolved Mysteries Sweater Pattern

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Before there were true crime podcasts, there was Unsolved Mysteries. The show’s original run, from 1987 to 2002, introduced generations to the documentary style true crime format, complete with dramatic re-enactments. The show touched on all sorts of unexplained events, from theories about alien abduction and ghosts to more mundane missing persons cases.

It’s kind of a cult classic that’s been rebooted and re-invigorated several times, though the original is of course the best.

If you’re nostalgic for the olden days of crime television, you can knit yourself an Unsolved Mysteries sweater with the classic logo from the series on it.

Designed by Cecilia Calles, this boxy, cropped sweater uses stranded colorwork knit flat to make the logo. The body is worked from the top down flat, beginning with the back panel. The front is then picked up from the shoulders and worked flat with the logo added. Pieces are joined at the side seams so you can work the collar and the sleeves in the round, and tubular bind offs add a polished look.

The design is available in one size, but it would be pretty easy to modify to make a sweater to fit you. Or just add the chart to a plain sweater pattern that you like and that fits you for a bit of vintage true crime flair.

This version is worked in fingering weight yarn and uses four colors. It is rated for intermediate to advanced knitters because of the colorwork and bind off techniques. But I think it would be a lot of fun to knit and your true crime watching/listening buddies are sure to love it! (I would totally wear this for viewings of Only Murders in the Building, if I wasn’t wearing a Mabel Sweater, anyway!)

You can find the pattern at Cecilia’s Etsy shop, Weirding Module.

Have you read?

Book Review: Best Dressed Crab and Friends – Knitted Sea Creatures With an Ocean of Outfits

I knew I was going to like this book the moment I saw a crab wearing a puffer vest.

Best Dressed Crab and Friends by Karla Courtney is one of those knitting books that’s completely unnecessary in the very best possible way. Do we need knitted sea creatures with entire wardrobes? Probably not. Do I now want a lobster in a sweater sitting on my craft-room shelf? Absolutely.

The book includes patterns for six knitted sea creatures, including a crab, turtle, lobster and puffin, along with an impressive 44 little garments and accessories.

And the outfits are where this book really becomes fun.

There’s a crab with a bum bag and puffer vest, a puffin in a varsity jacket and a turtle with interchangeable shells. You can knit pumpkin, strawberry, peppermint, gingerbread and Christmas tree shell designs, so apparently even turtles need seasonal wardrobes now.

There is also an oversized turtle shell with a hidden pocket for a hot water bottle, which is both slightly bonkers and rather brilliant.

Plenty of Room to Make Them Your Own

Looking through the preview pages, I particularly like the little colourwork sweater charts. You can follow the designs provided or start mixing colours and motifs to create completely different outfits.

The patterns are supported by a techniques section, photos and charts, so although the finished creatures look quite detailed, the instructions are designed to be approachable.

If knitted animals with wardrobes are already your thing, have a look at our review of Knitted Wild Animal Friends, which includes 12 knitted animals and their clothes.

We’ve also previously reviewed Knitted Animal Friends, another lovely choice if your yarn stash is slowly turning into a miniature knitted zoo.

More Than Just Cute Knitting Patterns

One nice extra is that Best Dressed Crab and Friends also includes marine facts from scientists and fishermen, including lobsterman Jacob Knowles.

Author Karla Courtney is already known online for her wonderfully quirky knitted sea creatures, with her videos clocking up millions of views, so turning them into a full pattern collection feels like a very natural next step.

What I like most about this book is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. These are the sorts of knitting projects that make people smile.

They’re fun to make, fun to photograph and would make very memorable handmade gifts.

Would I Buy It?

Yes.

Especially for the knitter who already owns plenty of sensible knitting books and needs something a little more playful.

It’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys knitted toys, colourwork, novelty knitting or making ridiculously tiny clothes.

And really, if you’ve ever wanted to knit a fashionable crab, this may finally be your moment.

Best Dressed Crab and Friends: Knitted Sea Creatures with an Ocean of Outfits is published by GMC Publications and is due for release on September 8, 2026.