The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges

by Ann Budd

Created for knitters who want standard sweater patterns in a variety of sizes and gauges, as well as those who want a template from which to develop their own designs, this book provides easy-to-follow charted instructions for 18 sweaters, three in each of the six most popular sweaters constructions. Each style is then provided in 15 sizes ranging from toddler to large adult, then further divided into six possible 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 stitches per inch combining for 90 options for each of the six styles, or 540 patterns in all. The cardigan and neckline variations make for more than 1,000 patterns. Detailed schematics for finished dimensions are included, along with a glossary of techniques and a chapter on design considerations. This is a definitive resource for the passionate sweater knitter.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, How To, Education

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Tammy]

This book is a hard copy of a computerized pattern generator. It has six differnent types of sweaters, based on the set of the sleeves mostly, options for cardigans, different necklines and collars, choices of style options like intarsia, fair isle, cable, all plotted out for different gauges then sized from child to larger adult. Infinite options to create thousands of different sweaters. I would highly recommend to anyone who is about to jump on board the Train to Creativiity!

[Arie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is genius.

I haven't yet knitted anything from it, but if it works as well as it should I'll add that extra star.

[Cheryl Trzasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book (and other similar titles by the same author--such as one for socks) because they give a wide variety of styles. For each style, you choose the size you want to make and the gauge you've making--so you can make them for anyone using the materials you have on hand--rather than some specific type of yarn. There are a variety of variations listed, too.

With other books, you get just a few sweater styles and are expected to use a particular type and brand of yarn and may spend hours perusing various books to find the sort of sweater you had in mind. This book makes it possible to quickly get to a pattern for what you had in mind.

The patterns are probably too complicated for the novice knitter, but as an experienced knitter with a stash of yarn, I love these sorts of books.

[Elise Cohen]

"I love this compendium of patterns. In essence, you have the tool here to make any sweater you can imagine in any of several styles--blocky, set-in sleeve, saddle-shouldered, round-yoked, neck-down raglan. Combined with Nicky Epstein's Knitting Beyond the Edge, this book could constitute a complete pattern library. While it can be confusing to use the charts jumping from point to point (I personally recommend copying the pages you need each time and highlighting the correct counts and sizing information so as to avoid critical mistakes), the method of swatching, using formula, and creating your own masterpiece is irresistable to the creative knitter."

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not patterns per se but a method of creating patterns that fit perfectly. Great book for someone who doesn't need bust darts. A five-star book for a B or C cup, but if just won't work for anyone in the DD to K range. I wish Budd, or someone, would write this exact book with bust darts. Not the complicated formulae some books have, but the same method she has here for sizing the rest of the sweater. (D cup? Add 2 short rows. J cup? Yes, PLEASE tell me how many to add!)

[Marie Segares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making sweaters seems to be a requisite part of the "being a knitter" package. This is my favorite beginner-friendly book to indoctrinate you into the sweater culture. Ann Budd's book provides a lot of background detail that would benefit a beginner to sweater making, whether you choose to follow one of the patterns or design your own sweater using the "formulas."

The subtitle of this book is "Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges." It's basically a sweater recipe book. The designs included are Drop-Shoulder Sweaters, Modified Drop-Shoulder Sweaters, Set-In Sleeve Sweaters, Saddle-Shoulder Sweaters, Raglan Sweaters, and Seamless Yoke Sweaters. Each design includes guidelines for creating that style of sweater in child and adult sizes based on a stockinette gauge of 3-7 stitches/inch, and a cardigan variation. There are also tips for several variations of ribbing, necklines, edgings, and waist shaping throughout the book. There are some additional patterns ("copy cats") in each chapter.

This book seems like the intermediary between following patterns and completely creating your own designs. It talks you through the number of stitches to cast on, when to shape armholes, sleeves, etc. But there is also design advice sprinkled throughout. It also has a great book design. It is a hardcover, spiral-bound book so it lays flat, and it includes an elastic marker to keep your place. There's also a pocket in the back where presumably you would keep notes. There are many full color photos and each pattern sample is photographed on a model.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars as a beginner design book and a beginner sweater book.

[Lynne Cantwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love LOVE this book. I have used it for at least seven sweaters, and every one looks different.

The author doesn't provide you with a pattern so much as she gives you a template for basic sweater styles, in all gauges and sizes from toddler to adult, and lets you make it your own.

This book ought to be at the heart of every knitter's library. In fact, a beginning knitter could buy this book, Budd's Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns, and a stitch dictionary, and have enough to go on for years to come.

[Alix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once you learn. How to use the book it might be helpful. Meant to help you design your own sweater, it is a numbered chart yarn weight book with yardage counts for varying yarn weights to knit a sweater. There are patterns but instructions are difficult to find and follow, as well as incomplete. Knit as pullover is *not* a helpful direction when knitting a cardigan. Frustrating and not easy to use.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect! This book is exactly what I need!!
I’ve been knitting since before I could read. Most patterns specify yarn weight, fiber composition, and gauge. But I have lots of yarn that I bought because it’s beautiful and without a specific project in mind. I have adapted a few patterns and I’ve invented a few. My efforts aren’t always successful. I’m expert at tinking (unknot) out mistakes.
This book lays out plainly and comprehensively how to figure out size, gauge, yarn weight, yarn quantity, and shape for every possible kind of sweater pattern. It’s got detailed explanation of everything that I’ve struggled to figure out through many experiments.
I love it. 🤩

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for your knitting library

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful resource for an intermediate or advanced knitter. More of a tool for creating your own, than individual patterns.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already had The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns, which I use frequently, so I was keen to get the sweater book as well. Since I want to start making my jumpers and cardigans that are inspired by stitch patterns or motifs that I like, having this book to give me the basic structure of the garment is going to be invaluable. There's lots of interesting and useful info about the various different shapes and construction methods. One I'm going to use a lot.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had an interesting concept and I liked that they had a variety of ways you could finish your sweater, it just wasn't as user-friendly and pretty as other knitting books. I liked the sweaters, but the pages and pages of charts just didn't grab my attention. I might still recommend if you are looking for a specific instructions on how to knit a sweater.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...

[samcatbear · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pretty indispensable knitter's tool if you are interested in creating custom sweaters. The instructions are well-written and clear, much easier than using a sweater generator. It could only be improved by modernising the "copycats" and providing more options for seamless knits. Still wouldn't be without it though!

[Kintage · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I'd been looking for. I wanted something with basic formulas to use for designing hand knit sweaters. Ann Budd has formulas for all sorts of sweater styles. Within each style are numbers for varying sizes and ages. So, I start with an idea, a style, & who I'm knitting for. Then, I grab my numbers from the book and get started.

[Daphne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The patterns are very dated. I din't want to knit any of them. I also found the format tedious and unwieldy. After a while the numbers blurred together. I could see this being a good reference to keep on hand if you want to knit different types of sweaters and want to get away from using patterns though.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must have for sweater knitters. I am a plus size and this is going to be a life saver. I could not wait to buy it. I can't tell you how many times I checked it out of the library. If you have ever wanted to design your own sweaters this could be a great starting point.

[Sue K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!!!
It is a practical "how to" book that gives great patterns to fit all sizes and many ideas for variations.
Will be my "go to" book when it comes to building a sweater for myself or as a gift.

[weaverannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the top-down sweaters I also bought this - I haven't had time to knit a sweater from it, but it's already a book I love to have in my knitting library. Each time I knit a sweater, I can look up the number of stitches for my yarn, or rows or sizes. Love it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a nifty book! Now when I wonder upon a wonderful yarn find, I can just start knitting up a sweater! This is just what I need to start designing my own sweaters!

[Liz]

Beyond my abilities at this point. But, a handy reference?

[Kim Veach · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not bad, but the sweater shapes are more from the 80's than today's. Good technique info though.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not exactly a book to "read" but amazingly useful!

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have this book and use it often to make items on my knitting machine. It is great for people who want to create their own patterns.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you can buy only one knitting book, get this one. Excellent instructions. Tons of options.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sizing for several sweater patterns. With some flares to add details. Nothing I want to make.

[Cornelia Donovan]

I found the different format a little challenging, at first, but after a few minutes of reading it, found it clear and easy to follow.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Own. Raglan cardigan

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent patterns. I still use it for reference

[Fangirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for designing your own sweater.