You Can Knit That: Foolproof Instructions for Fabulous Sweaters

by Amy Herzog

A simple guide for knitters of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels that builds confidence and shows how to make sweaters you love and love to wear.When knitting superstar Amy Herzog gets complimented on her hand-knit sweaters, the compliments are often followed by “but I could never knit that.” Now, you can! You Can Knit That is a clear, simple reference book and pattern collection that gives knitters the sweater-making confidence they need. Whether you’re knitting a sweater for the first time or seeking to expand your skills to knit sweaters in styles you’ve never tried before, this essential guide starts with basic sweater know-how and moves into instructions for knitting six must-have sweater styles—vests, all-in-one construction, drop shoulders, raglans, yokes, and set-in sleeves. Each chapter offers a less-intimidating “mini” sweater sized for a child and a selection of adult women’s patterns in twelve sizes—twenty-four sweater patterns in all, each building on the next, to ensure success with even the most complicated sweaters.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, Ebooks

433 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2022

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most pattern and instruction books have a mixed selection of sweaters-- some you would tackle, some that are too intimidating and some that would not be worth the effort (and tears). This one includes more beautiful sweaters than any other knitting book in the library and a long, clear expository section with tons of good advice. It moved me to action...

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has inspiring patterns. I had a hard time returning it to the library, because of the nice patterns, and the idea to fit them to my specific bodytype. However, the first few chapters deal with knitting itself: before, during, and after. Those have the best explanation of techniques I have read in all knitting books. I recommend buying the book just for those chapters alone!

[Rosemary Trimpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for frustrated knitters. Haven't made a sweater since reading, but I feel very optimistic.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent point of reference book for many different sweater techniques, and everything is written in terms easy to understand, with additional helpful notes that I generally don't find in many sweater patterns. The use of knitting a child's garment to help you master a technique is a good starting point, and the way she explains these techniques was clear enough that I don't feel so intimidated by seaming or set in sleeves anymore. Some of the patterns I didn't like, but there's several classic designs that really appealed to me, and combined with the useful tips and tutorials that makes it a book worth buying.

[Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't tried any of the patterns yet, but I do think that with these instructions, I could knit that.

[Jai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to learn how to knit a sweater as one of my new year's resolutions but I didn't find any patterns that were for beginners. Some of the children's patterns weren't as complicated but I seriously just wanted a book for beginners. Now if you're not a beginner then i would recommend this book.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are six basic sweater styles (vests, integrated sleeves, drop shoulders, raglans, yokes, set-in sleeves) and 24 patterns distributed across these styles. None of the designs were any that I bookmarked but, even as an experienced knitter, I read through the authors Before, During, and After the Knitting instructions. The author stresses the importance of structure as the basis of a good sweater and she explains how the different styles impact fit. Most patterns have enough photos to understand the sweater's construction, but more is always better. There are garment schematics and some stitch graphs, but most of these designs are fairly stockinette heavy. The garments skew toward basics with a bit of interest—stitch patterning only at the hem, for example. I think this book would be most helpful to knitters with a little experience, but would be boring if you're experienced.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book! All the sweaters look great, and she addresses so many of the issues that make such a difference in the finished garment, from fit to finishing details. I knit lots of sweaters, but this book is especially great for someone who really wants to knit sweaters but is nervous to start. Amy doesn't talk down to the reader, but really gives you the info you need for success. Love it.

[Kiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of diagrams, lots of advice, and a few awesome patters. The intro & beginning of this book are an amazing resource for the process of knitting clothing in general, covering sizing and gauging and finishing. I also love a book with pictures explaining different methods of construction.
Selfishly, I was hoping for patterns that covered a wider range of yarn size, but the ones I read through were clear and detailed.

[Tilden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book to introduce beginners and others who want to improve their knitting skills. There are several types of sweaters that have different designs that use different knitting techniques. I've used Amy Herzog's book of getting sweaters to fit, so this book is another good addition to how to knit sweaters.

I didn't like too many of the designs in the book. As I am an intermediate knitter, I think most of them are too simple for me or have elements I don't like.

[Lisbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a knitter who hasn't done much beyond scarves, shawls & hats for many years, I appreciate the way the author offers encouragement as she writes. I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun the little lessons were that she offered after the first three chapters. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!

[Bree58 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knitters Rejoice

Patterns are easy to read and follow. The advice is sound and resources are excellent. Decades have passed since I made my first and only sweater with help from a college acquaintances mother. These patterns have inspired the fire to work with knitting again.

[Linda Considine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely styles

Disappointed that my favorite designs were for
Children. A surprise 😒No instructions to increase size. 😒 It wasn’t clear that there children’s patterns in book when I decided to purchase it.

[Tamara]

There were some very nice patterns in here, which I liked; but I finally decided that I was never going to make them, as I dislike long projects, and find the complicated things too difficult and frustrating. Sad, but true.

[Cary Menzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guide for beginning sweaters and beyond

Easy to read, clear patterns and instructions! At last!!!! I love this book. It is my go-to when someone asks now me which book to start with when they want to try a sweater! There are also patterns for intermediate and beyond.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear, more classic construction (mostly bottom up and pieced) with instruction sections of written text e.g. emphasising the importance of seaming for structure and helping weight distribution. Some great basic and classic patterns, children and adult sized.

[Marlies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven't made anything, but patterns look great. Lots of very detailed instruction. Very useful.

[Carolyn Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good. not really crazy about any of the patterns, but the instructions I think will prove to be invaluable.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this author - her understanding of the basics and the way that the projects build on these concepts - definitely a book to get or give away.

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

No time to try any of these projects, but Herzog's instructions seem very approachable for a novice sweater-knitter. And the projects are sweaters I'd actually wear.

[Julie Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great build on Knit to Flatter. Again, I'm not really into the patterns, but there's a wealth of great tips and notes. I start my Epic Cloth Project next month!

[nivla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a number of useful tips for new knitters who would like to try their hand on the big undertaking of knitting a sweater (or may be a lesser one, say a vest).

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful in understanding parts of differently constructed sweaters.

[Linda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good instruction. Would like to try several patterns

[Nandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some inspiring tops in here. Esp since I want [need] to decrease my yarn stash.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the sweaters look very comfortable and the instructions are very clear. It's very well done and there is a variety of sweaters for every type and occasion.

[Davianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good instructions and tips but I only really liked 1 or 2 patterns in this book and the only one I really loved was just in kid sizes. Maybe older people will like this🤷🏾‍♀️

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It looks exciting and encouraging, and I'll have to try some of the techniques

[Karlene Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can knit that

I love this book! So happy I found it and reading it brought back the memories of knitting before.so I'm going to try it again and have some fun!