Knitting for Olive: Twenty modern knitting patterns from the iconic Danish brand

by Knitting for Olive

Discover 20 stunning, timeless knitting patterns, from cult Scandinavian brand Knitting for Olive.This book contains a timeless selection of both brand new and fan-favorite patterns, and with projects appropriate for all levels of prior knitting experience, everyone can find a project they love, or try their hand at something more challenging. Each project includes a full pattern and explanation, and a techniques section at the back of the book provides you with any extra information you need to tackle every piece in the book, making sure you are never stuck or left wondering how to complete your project. Create beautiful hand-made pieces of clothing for yourself or to give as wonderfully unique gifts for friends and family, and expand your knitting repertoire with these lovely projects from Knitting for Olive. Projects- Color Rain Sweater- Truffle Sweater- Knitted Streets of Copenhagen- Olive Vest- Barbroe Blouse

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts

272 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2023

Reviews

[Lee Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knitting for Olive: Twenty modern knitting patterns from the iconic danish brand. - Knitting for Olive

Firstly, I really enjoyed reading the backstory and the unique idea used to decide on the brand name. And how they got their company up and going was interesting too. 👏 ☺️

The layout of ideas, and everything else was well placed with beautiful illustrations and clear instructions, the perfect recipe for great Sunday evening reading. I’ve found this book both inspirational and informative.

I still consider myself a novice knitter, but enjoy learning more about the craft and how people progress through their own personal knitting journeys. I wish my Mum was still here to share progress and ideas together and maybe “leave half finished tea/coffee cups scattered on the table” while one or the other finishes their project. 🥲 I can hear my Mum now “I need a tea please, I’m spitting feathers!” 🫖

I’ve loved reading through this book this evening and I may have to re-read it as I enjoyed it so much. Below are the patterns I have added to my ever growing list of pattern for myself… FYI, there are so many more in the book (over 20 patterns inside), I just don’t feel I am ready for those yet but I can come back when I have advanced and maybe give some more a shot too.

1. Truffle Sweater: Oh how I would love to knit this! I know most or all of the directions, I just need to get the hang of knitting in the round. 🤔 💕
2. December Hat and Olive Scarf: I have knitted many scarves but none as pretty as this. And well, I’ve made a couple of hats 🫣 but these 2 together would make a pretty pair.
3. Chrysler Top: this would be a first for me, a challenge and I love it. Not so sure it would be suitable for my chest size, but it’s definitely worth a try!
4. Charles Grey Cardigan: I need this! Better still, I need to make this! 😍
5. Karl Johan Collar: While I have many collar patterns similar to this, I haven’t actually made one. This one looks simple enough. Those circs are calling me!
6. Simple and Simple Sweater: While I have never tried to knit a jumper before it is my goal to be able to make lots of them in lots of colours and styles. I trust the pro’s, they say this is simple and “beginner friendly”, I can mess anything up! But I’m defo up for the challenge…I so want a sweater that I’VE made.
7. Frederiksberg Beanie: Beautiful and simple!
8. Puff Tee: I somehow feel drawn to this top! I’m sure I had one of these or something very similar made by my Mum when I was younger. It seems familiar and it’s another I neeeeeed to try. ☺️

Just beautiful, thank you very much. 💕

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of women's knitting patterns. The first part of the book is taken up with the background of the business set up by the mother and daughter duo. It also covers their business philosophy.
There are 20 patterns in the collection which are referred to mostly as "timeless" and "classic". The patterns range from beginner level to more complex cables and lace patterns. The projects on offer include sweaters, cardigans, hats and a scarf.
The final section of the book deals with techniques used in the patterns.
This is a lovely collection of patterns, but if you were to use the yarn that they recommend (their own brand), then the garments work out very expensive. There's nothing particularly new about the designs, they are the "timeless classics" that you get all the time.
I would have liked to have seen more photographs of the finished garments. Only two or three per project. The techniques section had no supporting photos or diagrams, so a less than confident knitter might find the explanations hard to follow.
Overall, a nice book but nothing special.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.

[DustyBookSniffers - Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

First up, a big thank you to NetGalley and Octopus Publishing for sending me an e-ARC of this beauty in exchange for my honest review.

Initially released in September 2023, Knitting for Olive is a gorgeous collection of 20 knitting patterns for women, a mix of brand-new designs and some tried-and-true favourites—everything from jumpers, tops, cardigans, hats and scarves for those in-between projects.

Often, knitting books don't always cater to all skill levels, but this one does, so whether you're relatively new to garment knitting or have been doing it for years, there's something here to inspire you. The patterns are well-written, easy to follow, and come with clear illustrations. And the photography? Stunning. It's the kind of book that makes you want to drop everything, raid your yarn stash, and cast on immediately.

The little snippets about the Knitting for Olive brand are woven throughout, which adds an extra personal touch.

The only reason this isn't a full five stars for me is that I didn't knit from it before reviewing, and I would've liked to have road-tested at least one pattern. But overall, this is a beautifully put-together book that will make a great addition to any knitter's shelf.

[Kate Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. The photography blends so well with the designs. I loved the beginning where we get hear the story of how this company began. I loved hearing all about their yarn and the sustainability of it. From the animals to the packaging and distribution everything is done with purpose and conscience. I really love that. I wish more yarn companies were that transparent. The designs are classic and beautiful. You just want to be able to touch them. There is a wide range of design from the very simple to the more complex. This is a big book at 269 pages but it is also reasonably priced. Some knitting books are ridiculously over priced.

[Hege-Kristin Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knitting for Olive is a knitting book for those who want to create their own classic garments in Nordic style. The book starts with a great introduction about the brand KfO, yarn, and knitting techniques. The patterns are classic and simple in design, but they vary in difficulty. The instructions are easy to follow, well-written, and include both text and diagrams. If you want to knit garments with beautiful cuts in Nordic style, this is definitely the book for you! I have personally knitted the Karl Johan Collar and am very satisfied with both the process and the result.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

[Kena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knitting for Olive by Knitting for Olive is a beautiful knitting book with amazing photographs.

There are twenty knitting patterns for women including: jumpers, cardigans, wraps, scarfs and hats. They are beautifully designed and have a Nordic vibe to them. I’m new to knitting and there are some patterns for beginners which I’m hoping to try.

The first part of the book covers how Knitting for Olive came about. I was really interested in the company’s ethos and their commitment to the environment and sustainability.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Octopus Publishing, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the history of the inception of the company and the development of new colors. I especially liked that the company is committed to the welfare of the animals, silkworms, workers, and the impact on the environment when it’s yarn is produced.

I’m not a fan of chunky sweaters, oversized sweaters, or negative ease sweaters so I would not knit many of the patterns. However, my personal preferences do not detract from the book.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding patterns and overview of the start of the company. Really love this one in my vast collection of knitting books. You should note that one pattern in the book has some mistakes that are corrected on their website, so be forewarned. However, that aside, patterns are fresh and something you actually want to make. Wish there were more books out there like this one!

[Cameron Toney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of patterns that are quietly modern but with a strong classic reference. I liked the first part of the book where it talks about the history of the Knitting for Olive brand, and their ethics and ethos.

[Karrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The origin story is charming, the designs are modern and classic,and varied in skill level.

My only issue is I don’t knit in the round so they would take too much thinking to rework.

[Tam G · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know many people are fond of this designer. You may be fond of this designer. I'm afraid to me the patterns in this book are more Boring than Classic.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Teamama]

Pretty.

[JustLetMeRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Designs

A wonderful collection of patterns as well as an introduction to the brand. It was interesting to read about all the things that they went through to set the business up. A lovely company promoting slow fashion.

[Linstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from NetGalley

When I’m not reading I’m knitting. This book, from Knitting for Olive, is not just a pattern collection but also tells the story about the company. The first 50 pages or so are dedicated to how the company got started, choosing a name, what inspired them and of course, the yarn.

The other part of the book is the patterns. Some are beginner friendly but if you’re just getting started then some of the patterns are a bit complicated with several charts involved. On the other hand, if you really like the patterns then you can advance with the patterns in the book. Start with, for example, the hat and then try a more difficult pattern. There are descriptions of techniques and abbreviations in the back of the book to help you along.

I really like the pattern collection. Some are basic sweaters but even so the designs are beautiful (I’m personally in love with The Waffle Sweater). I also like the mix, some are chunky winter garments but there is also something for the other seasons, like the Chrysler top. Most of the patterns are knitted top down, which I prefer.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first pattern in the book - the Colour Rain Sweater - calls for 8 strands of soft silk mohair. I like the ethos of Knitting for Olive, not to mention their colour range, but who knits a jumper with 8 strands of a pricey silk mohair? A decent book if you are happy to spend 250+ AUD on yarn for one jumper.

[Andi Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I went through this book the first time, I thought the patterns were beautiful and the photos showed sort of the full garment; front and side for most of them (it’s a red flag on IG or Ravelry when a designer’s photo only shows part of a garment. I don’t buy it). But something was off and I couldn’t think of what it was. Now I realize: no schematics. A good design has a schematic drawing with measurements for each size to use as a template on which to block. It serves as a guide for the maker. I checked this out from the library, and I’d recommend folx do that before purchasing.

[Sabs ✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Rating 4 ⭐️

This book has some beautiful patterns, especially the chunky rib sweater. There is also a nice range of difficulty among the patterns.

The information at the beginning about the start of Knitting of Olive was very interesting too. And the techniques section in the back is a good reference.

Thank you, NetGalley, Octopus Publishing, and Knitting for Olive, for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful patterns, though many of them are boxy and oversized which is not my preference. No children's patterns, which is a shame as Knitting for Olive is known for them.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book. I admire the company’s ideals and business practices, and their yarn is gorgeous. I was hoping for a baby sweater pattern, but none here.