Sweater Success: From Cast-on to Closet, Learn to Fearlessly Knit Pullovers & Cardigans

Knitwear designer Miyagishima demystifies the process of sweater-making in her informative debut. She begins by walking readers through basic sweater styles, like the drop shoulder and seamless circular yoke, and gives advice on how to take body measurements to determine the right size. Then, she evaluates common types of yarn, noting acrylic is durable and hypoallergenic, but not ecofriendly, and while cotton yarn doesn’t hold its shape well, it’s lightweight and perfect for warm-weather knits. Before embarking on a project, she urges readers to make a sample swatch to see if their gauge (the number of stitches and rows per inch) will match up with what’s specified in the pattern. For blocking, the process of setting a garment’s shape and dimensions with water, she advises readers to use distilled water to avoid mineral deposits on the fabric. The six patterns, including a Simple Stockinette Raglan, an Everyday Duster, and an Afternoon Tea Cardi, outline dimensions for nine different sizes, from XS to 5XL. Newcomers will appreciate Miyagishima’s helpful breakdown of how to read knitting patterns, and seasoned knitters will appreciate her advice for pattern modifications. It’s a valuable resource that knitters of all levels will turn to time and again. (Nov.)