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Knit to Flatter: The Only Instructions You'll Ever Need to Knit Sweaters that make You Look Good and Feel Great!
Knit to Flatter is about celebrating the body you have been given and creating sweaters that make you look and feel great. Part instruction manual and part pattern collection, Knit to Flatter teaches you how to assess your shape--top-heavy, bottom-heavy, or proportional--and then knit accordingly. With a great sense of fun and acceptance, Amy Herzog presents silhouettes and styles that work with each body shape, along with four ideal sweater patterns per category. She then provides patterns for 10 more sweaters with guidelines for customizing, so they can be tailored to flatter. Each pattern is written in up to 10 sizes, and the garments are photographed on models with genuine curves. No smoke and mirrors here. Just real beauty!
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
209 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 14, 2013
This is helpful, but no more detailed than the information already available on the author's website. She also completely avoids one of the most common figure types: where the waist/torso is wider than the hips or shoulders (someone with a spare tire, in other words). Whether it's because she can't think of any flattering designs for that shape or because she honestly didn't think of it, it's the biggest flaw I found in this book.
August 27, 2020
I'm a plus-sized knitter, and I think this book would be great for fitting issues for large busts on a small frame. But I didn't find it particularly helpful.
This book helped me identify the kinds of modifications I'd want to make (e.g., bicep increases, shoulders 4 sizes smaller than the rest of the sweater), but it didn't actually describe how to do any of them. The only modifications she gives detailed instructions for here are bust darts, waist shaping, and sleeve length. If those are your fit issues, you may find this helpful.
Much of the book was about determining your body type, clothing proportion, and strategies to make you look "slimmer." I'm a beginner knitter but I have some sewing experience and most of that information wasn't new or particularly helpful for me. For example, having bottom-heavy women wear boatneck tops, or details around the neck. The single most useful fact in the book is that it's better to select sweater size based on your shoulder measurements, not your bust. However, I already knew that from a basic sweater fit class.
This book helped me identify the kinds of modifications I'd want to make (e.g., bicep increases, shoulders 4 sizes smaller than the rest of the sweater), but it didn't actually describe how to do any of them. The only modifications she gives detailed instructions for here are bust darts, waist shaping, and sleeve length. If those are your fit issues, you may find this helpful.
Much of the book was about determining your body type, clothing proportion, and strategies to make you look "slimmer." I'm a beginner knitter but I have some sewing experience and most of that information wasn't new or particularly helpful for me. For example, having bottom-heavy women wear boatneck tops, or details around the neck. The single most useful fact in the book is that it's better to select sweater size based on your shoulder measurements, not your bust. However, I already knew that from a basic sweater fit class.
October 4, 2013
I just read this book cover to cover. Think about that for a minute: I read a knitting book cover to cover. Intrigued? Amy Herzog starts off by teaching you how to determine you body shape, take your measurements, and the different style elements that you'll want to seek out or avoid based on your body type. Then there are patterns for each body type, plus modification advice for the other body types. So if you are proportional but love a top-heavy sweater, Amy gives you advice on what to change to make the silhouette work for you. Then maths. Lots of maths. Good maths for common modifications.
I want to knit a few of the sweaters, but others are ho hum. Really I bought this book because I'm super in love with Amy's outlook. If something doesn't fit, it's the sweater's fault not yours. Love that. Just reading her book or her blog, makes me optimistic. See? Knitting really can change your life.
I want to knit a few of the sweaters, but others are ho hum. Really I bought this book because I'm super in love with Amy's outlook. If something doesn't fit, it's the sweater's fault not yours. Love that. Just reading her book or her blog, makes me optimistic. See? Knitting really can change your life.
April 25, 2018
I have spent months putting off reviewing this book. I am not sure why. I wanted to put some distance between myself and the feelings I had when I finished it. So here goes.
When I put down this book I was angry and frustrated. It came highly recommended, but it left me out. At no point in the book did it address what to do if you have a tummy. It talks about top-heavy, bottom-heavy, and proportional, but gave me no guidance on how to choose or knit a sweater that takes into account both my bottom-heavy form and what the women of my family not so happily call a gut. All of the models were pretty much flat in front in the side views. Basically, I wanted one thing from the book and it did not deliver. The only reason it gets 3 instead of 2 stars is the fact that the tips on altering patterns to your measurements are excellent. I just wish it hadn't left me out.
Also, I may be bottom heavy, but I'll be damned if I am going to stick to short-sleeved sweaters.
When I put down this book I was angry and frustrated. It came highly recommended, but it left me out. At no point in the book did it address what to do if you have a tummy. It talks about top-heavy, bottom-heavy, and proportional, but gave me no guidance on how to choose or knit a sweater that takes into account both my bottom-heavy form and what the women of my family not so happily call a gut. All of the models were pretty much flat in front in the side views. Basically, I wanted one thing from the book and it did not deliver. The only reason it gets 3 instead of 2 stars is the fact that the tips on altering patterns to your measurements are excellent. I just wish it hadn't left me out.
Also, I may be bottom heavy, but I'll be damned if I am going to stick to short-sleeved sweaters.
September 8, 2018
This book did not work for me. I just have the one body type that cannot be flattered by any of the styles in here.
I honestly have to say I learned more in a weekend workshop by a knitting designer than I did from this book.
I honestly have to say I learned more in a weekend workshop by a knitting designer than I did from this book.
April 18, 2013
Great book for getting sweaters to fit and flatter. The models have realistic bodies that show that curves can be flattered with sweaters. My only objection to the entire book is the shoes on the models -- argh!!
The first portion is about how to pick sweater features that flatter your body. For example, a proportional shape would need an interesting hem to offset an interesting neckline. It's nice to be reminded that having a bottom that's an inch bigger than the top is not a bottom-heavy shape (despite my personal body issues). From there, the book explains how to figure out your measurements for almost every every variation and how to adjust patterns. Oh, yeah, and there are patterns for the three body shapes (proportional, top heavy, and bottom heavy).
In the back, Amy the mathemetician takes over. A sweater is just three tubes (the torso and two sleeves) with a complicated means of connecting them (just like our torso and arms). Some parts of a sweater pattern are easy to change, others not so much. Using simple math, one can figure out easily how to calculate the vertical darts (increases/decreases) or horizontal darts (short rows) needed to adjust for busts and booties.
The first portion is about how to pick sweater features that flatter your body. For example, a proportional shape would need an interesting hem to offset an interesting neckline. It's nice to be reminded that having a bottom that's an inch bigger than the top is not a bottom-heavy shape (despite my personal body issues). From there, the book explains how to figure out your measurements for almost every every variation and how to adjust patterns. Oh, yeah, and there are patterns for the three body shapes (proportional, top heavy, and bottom heavy).
In the back, Amy the mathemetician takes over. A sweater is just three tubes (the torso and two sleeves) with a complicated means of connecting them (just like our torso and arms). Some parts of a sweater pattern are easy to change, others not so much. Using simple math, one can figure out easily how to calculate the vertical darts (increases/decreases) or horizontal darts (short rows) needed to adjust for busts and booties.
January 21, 2014
There are some cute designs here, and a good guide for what flatters which body type, and how to make modifications.
But a lot of the material seems like an extension from her website, and of the materials you can find easily on craftsy and ravelry.
Many of the tailored designs look good on (at least) the selected body types (top heavy, bottom heavy, and balanced).
Yet I feel a bit uneasy. Shouldn't the sweaters usually be made to keep you warm? If you go purely with this top heavy or bottom heavy ideas, you might end up with a wool sweater with short sleeves, or ridiculous trumpet sleeves that give painful flashbacks of those 1970s trousers. No thanks to cold wrists or ankles just because of a body shape.
You get plenty of help of how to modify a sweater pattern to accommodate huge busts, but couldn't that be done in another way? Instead of making a pattern around the boobs, find a way to hide them and not be the first thing people see. With all the great ideas in this book I'm still left with a desire to make an oversized black sweater with thin yarn and a drapey feel. Is it a crime to realize after a few books about getting a great fit for knit, crochet, and sew patterns that you actually prefer soft, sculpted, way oversized clothing?
But a lot of the material seems like an extension from her website, and of the materials you can find easily on craftsy and ravelry.
Many of the tailored designs look good on (at least) the selected body types (top heavy, bottom heavy, and balanced).
Yet I feel a bit uneasy. Shouldn't the sweaters usually be made to keep you warm? If you go purely with this top heavy or bottom heavy ideas, you might end up with a wool sweater with short sleeves, or ridiculous trumpet sleeves that give painful flashbacks of those 1970s trousers. No thanks to cold wrists or ankles just because of a body shape.
You get plenty of help of how to modify a sweater pattern to accommodate huge busts, but couldn't that be done in another way? Instead of making a pattern around the boobs, find a way to hide them and not be the first thing people see. With all the great ideas in this book I'm still left with a desire to make an oversized black sweater with thin yarn and a drapey feel. Is it a crime to realize after a few books about getting a great fit for knit, crochet, and sew patterns that you actually prefer soft, sculpted, way oversized clothing?
June 9, 2015
I need to check this book out again - and follow it: cover to cover. Or take the associated Craftsy class! It starts by having you take straight-on and sideways photographs of your self to determine your body type. Then you map your type with a category to discover what alterations will help you fit your knitting to your shape. Problem is, there isn't a category for TROLL. Which is my current shape!
January 12, 2020
An excellent resource on body types and choosing sweater patterns that will fit properly, feel good and make the most of your body shape.
Here's some sound recognition from the opening page:
THE FIRST STEP IS TO FULLY ACCEPT our shape and from there we move forward, knitting needles in hand.
I took away one star because I didn't care for many of the sweaters depicted.
Here's some sound recognition from the opening page:
THE FIRST STEP IS TO FULLY ACCEPT our shape and from there we move forward, knitting needles in hand.
I took away one star because I didn't care for many of the sweaters depicted.
January 28, 2023
Great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2013
A lovely book by a lovely person. Amy's message of everyone's body being beautiful the way it is and the only "problem" being trying to figure out how to knit sweaters that flatter is wonderful. The patterns aren't all my cup of tea, but can see how the variety would work for a wide range of tastes and knitters. I'm using this book as a companion to the Knit to Flatter class on Craftsy and there are definitely some great little pieces of reference I'll be turning to this book for.
Things that I learned/confirmed: I'm definitely bottom heavy and pretty curvy, and have narrow-ish shoulders, a small bust (smaller than I thought, too!), a bit of a belly, and a serious butt. I still need to take a full-body picture to see if I'm short or long waisted.
Even if my next sweater isn't directly from this book, I will definitely be using what I learned from it and the Craftsy class to plan and knit it. It makes me want to cast on something new right away.
Things that I learned/confirmed: I'm definitely bottom heavy and pretty curvy, and have narrow-ish shoulders, a small bust (smaller than I thought, too!), a bit of a belly, and a serious butt. I still need to take a full-body picture to see if I'm short or long waisted.
Even if my next sweater isn't directly from this book, I will definitely be using what I learned from it and the Craftsy class to plan and knit it. It makes me want to cast on something new right away.
March 28, 2015
If you are a garment knitter and you've used/read Knit to Fit by Ida Riley Duncan or the Sally Melville series you're gonna love this book. I am a plus knitter and my daughters are plus sized women as well. It was, and to a certain extent is still, difficult to find patterns that had well thought out instructions past the Large or Extra Large sizes. This book, like the Duncan and the Melville series of books, is very helpful when deciding what garment to knit for yourself and how to alter the pattern to fit your body-type, taste, and needs. Be aware that it is slanted more towards the "what garment is best for your body type" than toward the in-depth type of analysis that you get with Ms. Duncan's book or the Melville series. All in all when I need an idea of whether or not a pattern will work for me or my Girls I check back with this book.
July 4, 2013
My only complaint about this book is that there are no larger plus size photos/examples in the book. There are some models that could possibly be considered plus size, but they are likely more "in-betweenie" (i.e., between size 14 to size 18) than the "I can't buy clothes in regular departments" plus sized contingent. Also going up to a 60" bust/upper torso in the patterns would have been good- many go past 50", but I don't think I saw one that goes all the way to 60". However, since Amy is so wonderful about providing advice on Ravelry about modifying her patterns, I would not steer anyone away from this book. I'd just mention that there's likely to be additional modifications needed if you're on the higher end of the human size scale.
March 9, 2019
I like this better than Amy Herzogs newest book on sweaters. It goes into how shaping and design match body shapes. I didn't see the difference between the models for bottom heavy and proportional figures. Both women had slightly larger hips. I like that she talks about darts a bit more than in the ultimate sweater book. The guy advice for the body types of well presented and ready to find. No surprises in the content though. Horizontal patterns widen, vertical lengthen; suffer hope want shorter sweaters. I wouldn't say that this book is a must have reference, but it belongs in a library of knitting books.
May 13, 2013
I took an afternoon class with Amy Herzog a couple of years ago, and she is such a good teacher, and a nice person, too! Couldn't wait for the book to come out -- her personality shines through and the patterns/instructions/commentary are terrific.
February 20, 2017
I was hoping there would be more tips for short people (I'm 5'0" and always have to modify), but aside from that, great book, lots of sweaters I want to knit.
October 12, 2013
I am anxious to put these techniques into use. I like the style of the writing, the layout, and even some of the designs.
March 15, 2025
Rarely do I rate a crafting book as 1 star.
But this book honestly has nothing to do with knitting or crocheting or crafting. It's one of those godawful books that is no more than ab article from a "ladies magazine".
It's based on this awful idea that women are looking to disguise part of their bodies. But it uses modern lipstick-feminist language: we're jot ashamed of our flaws! We're accenting our positive attributes!! We don't have low self esteem, we're just making ourself feel comfortable!!
Regardless of the fact that I literally HATE the idea of "identifying our body type" so we can find clothes that "empower" us, the book doesn't have any techniques. It's just like "oh yeah if you're hips are too big you can just like, make the sleeves on whatever you are knitting bell or butterfly shaped and no one will even notice those child bearing hips of yours!"
Yawn. Not for me.
But this book honestly has nothing to do with knitting or crocheting or crafting. It's one of those godawful books that is no more than ab article from a "ladies magazine".
It's based on this awful idea that women are looking to disguise part of their bodies. But it uses modern lipstick-feminist language: we're jot ashamed of our flaws! We're accenting our positive attributes!! We don't have low self esteem, we're just making ourself feel comfortable!!
Regardless of the fact that I literally HATE the idea of "identifying our body type" so we can find clothes that "empower" us, the book doesn't have any techniques. It's just like "oh yeah if you're hips are too big you can just like, make the sleeves on whatever you are knitting bell or butterfly shaped and no one will even notice those child bearing hips of yours!"
Yawn. Not for me.
July 18, 2019
While most of the patterns in this book weren't things I instantly wanted to make, the concept of this book kind of blew my mind. While I've been a knitter for over 15 years, it's been more of a background interest until the last couple of years and while I'm adventurous enough to jump in to most any project, I'm not the most experienced. So when I read this book, I kept thinking to myself that many of these concepts were kind of obvious (at least to a sewer), but that I just hadn't put them together in a knitting context before and it was an awesome realization to make knitting, pattern selection, and modifications feel less mysterious.
December 30, 2019
I borrowed this book from the library to see if I wanted to buy it. I think I will make the purchase. And, truly to get the most out of this book you have to own it, you have to be able to write in it, you have to be able to insert your personal information into the text to make it worthwhile. I found it confusing to follow since I was simply reading and not putting the steps into practice, but it made sense enough that I want to go that extra step and get my own copy.
May 1, 2018
I come back to this book every now and then to look up hints and details. The theory seems plausible, but unfortunately some photos of the lovely models are not very flattering - despite the title. And as only a small amount of sweater constructions is covered, this is not the only instruction ever needed. ;)
July 15, 2018
Read this after taking Herzog's workshop, so it was basically a review. I'd already been doing similar things in my own knitting for a few years, but it was interesting to see her take on it.
I did find her emphasis on upper chest measurement, rather than full bust, to be very helpful in sweater fitting, at least for myself.
I did find her emphasis on upper chest measurement, rather than full bust, to be very helpful in sweater fitting, at least for myself.
March 14, 2021
I took this book out from the library for inspiration and ideas for future knitting. If I get to the stage of needing to refer to it for a project, it would be interesting to see if my rating would go up or stay the same. I think it's a helpful resource to someone new to knitting sweaters (someone like me) but hard to give a top rating until I get hands-on with the material.
February 26, 2025
This book is chockfull of essential sweater fit information, and I should have read it sooner. Because the sweater I'm currently knitting? It's sized for my full bust, not my upper torso. Oh well, someone will get a lovely sweater out of it. Perhaps even me.
But before I cast on my next sweater, I'm doing a reread!
But before I cast on my next sweater, I'm doing a reread!
February 4, 2019
I probably need to buy this book. I learned so much, and there's a lot of math tips!
On the other hand, I wasn't a fan of any of the patterns, so it's really just the modifications chapter that's really useful. 🤷🏻♀️ (But it is still... really useful.)
On the other hand, I wasn't a fan of any of the patterns, so it's really just the modifications chapter that's really useful. 🤷🏻♀️ (But it is still... really useful.)
July 20, 2017
great review of how to make sweaters to fit yourself with some nice classic patterns. definitely a reference to return to.
October 8, 2018
If only I had fewer projects already started...going to have to re-read this!
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October 19, 2019Herzog makes finding body measurements easy and versatile to transcribe a knitting pattern to fit your body.
April 26, 2020
Mostly leafed through, took some notes on bust shaping. Don't like being told I'm beautiful the shape I am, and then how to hide that shape. Also, only seamed patterns, no top-downs.
August 10, 2020
There were a number of patterns in here I'd like to make & the adjustments how-to in the back will come in handy since I usually prefer more neck-depth than most patterns provide.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews