Essential Knit Sweaters: Patterns for Every Sweater You Ever Wanted to Wear Every Day

Knitwear designer Ludwig debuts with an inspired collection of women’s sweater patterns. Each project includes instructions for sizes XS through XXL, making it easy to tailor garments for different body types. The items range in difficulty from easy to advanced; on the former end of the spectrum is the “easiest cardigan in the world,” which consists of rectangular blocks knitted in a ridge pattern and seamed together. Experienced knitters up for a challenge will be eager to create the “Allegra” sweater, the sleeves of which include intricate lace insert strips. The more traditional articles include a seamed “short-sleeved narrow summer top” primarily comprised of garter stitch with some ribbing, a top-down raglan hooded sweater featuring increases “worked at the sides to create an A-line shape,” and a “circular yoke sweater with simple cables.” Other projects use “contemporary construction methods,” as with a turtleneck sweater that doesn’t require seaming. The diversity of techniques finds abundant variety in the sweater form, and a detailed section covering knit and purl stitches and how to bind off provides a thorough refresher for knitters of all experience levels. This has much to recommend it. (Mar.)