You Can Knit That: Foolproof Instructions for Fabulous Sweaters

I don't usually review a knitting book till I've completed a project from that book, but I'm making an exception here because a) I've knitted several of this designer's patterns and they're consistently good and b) there's so much more going on in this book than just the patterns. There are 24 patterns in this book, sorted out by sleeve type. So there's a chapter of vests, one for sweaters knitted with the sleeves knitted into the pattern (one is a sleeve cuff-to-sleeve-cuff knit), drop sleeve sweaters, raglans, yoked sweaters, and sweaters with set-in sleeves. Each type is presented with notes on how this type of sweater works and the special skills required to knit them. The patterns include traditional knitting instructions and schematic diagrams. There are 12 sizes for each sweater, which means that there are a lot of numbers in parentheses -- "Bind off 2 (1,2,2,0,2,2,2,2,1,2,2,2) stiches" for example. I find that it's useful to go through and circle all the correct numbers before starting to knit. The broad range of sizes also means that you can knit for just about every woman you know with this one book. It's worth noting that one of the four sweaters in each chapter is a child's sweater. This is great if you knit sweaters for kids. If you don't, the author suggests that this "mini project" will be good practice for making an adult sweater, less daunting and a good way to practice skills. I'm not buying that. There are plenty of women's patterns and I have grandchildren, so it's fine for me, but you should know that you're buying a book with 1/4 kids' patterns. There are sections for before the knitting (swatching and fitting), during the knitting (how to understand a knitting pattern), and after the knitting (blocking and care). Each chapter also includes tutorials and actual little practice projects in the form of swatches. There's a worksheet so that you can keep notes as you make your buttonhole swatch or neck edge swatch, so that you can refer back later. The book also begins with the most complete and useful discussion of swatching that I've ever seen. Along with the excellent fitting notes, these features make this a great book for knitters who want to hone their skills. It's well written and the models are diverse in age, size, and style. The author shares that she always wants to knit sweaters photographed on Icelandic hillsides (I'm that way about Scottish moors, so I totally get what she's saying) and this may be the reason that she's chosen to photograph her styles simply in a plain room. It makes it easier to tell what the sweater will actually look like in your home or office on a person of your size and shape. There's also a quick reality check list for determining whether you'll like a sweater after it's made. I sort of want to give this book to every knitter I know. It's the ideal choice for knitters who are ready to move on from rectangular projects to sweaters, or for those who have disappointing results when they knit sweaters. But advanced knitters will still find new nuggets of information -- and a couple dozen great pattern, too.

When I read that Amy Herzog's third book was about to be published, I told myself that I have "Knit to Flatter" and "Knit Wear Love", so why would I need a third book about knitting sweaters? About a minute later, I placed an order. I would have made an enormous mistake if I hadn't. Another reviewer has given a good description of the book, so I'll try not to repeat it. I love raglan sleeves. "Knit to Flatter" made me feel guilty for awhile every time I wore one of my many raglan-sleeved sweaters that fit me better than any ready-made sweater with set-in sleeves. Amy has softened her anti-raglan stance over time and actually designed a pattern with raglan sleeves that I purchased and made. This latest book has an entire section with raglan designs. What makes this book such a valuable addition to the first two books is the focus on the process of knitting and the wealth of valuable tips to produce a great sweater, from selection of the right yarn to mastering the mattress stitch that joins the parts of the sweater after knitting them. It is not a book for beginners, because the process does not include how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off.. It covers a great deal about what then. If I had to choose the one book of Amy's three that I think every knitter should have, it would be "You Can Knit That". It's the one book every knitter should have, period.

User friendly, well written, and the patterns are beautiful and classic. I'll use it often. I will also refer to it for other sweater knitting where the instructions are not as clear as these are.

I've only been knitting about three years. I recently took on socks successfully, but I was hesitant to try my luck at an actual sweater. I'd never actually been able to knit to a given size and assumed that I'd end up with something too small or way too large or just not fitting. Amy's explanations of different fit kinds and constructions helped me overcome my fear of trying to knit not just sweaters, but more complex garments in general. The book includes projects covering all the different fit types (straight, A-line, fitted) and constructions (vests, cardigans, pullovers). In addition the tips and tricks for knitting buttonholes, handling shaping issues correctly (eg, they don't stand out) and calculating gauge/sizing is unfailingly spot-on and well-explained. I feel that after studying the example patterns she includes, I could (and did) mix features and design my own custom sweater pattern! (Did I mention that I've only been knitting 3 years and I actually knitted a sweater that fit me??) I want to also give a shout out to Amy Herzog's website where even more patterns and advice in the same vein are available as well. I'm very happy with this purchase!

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.

Custom Fit is a great tool for all knitters. Lots of nice sweaters in the book and how to fit them. I use these principles for all my sweaters now! I've knit for over 20 years and sometimes just couldn't get the sweater to fit properly or found out later the yarn or gauge was off and the fabric was wrong. I like using the actually system as well because it gives you little details you might not have handled as well. I think Custom Fit makes you focus on the pattern and fabric before you waste money and effort on a garment you may not like to wear.

I just received this book. I used to knit nonstop and then got into another sport (quilting). I tried hand appliqué and find it's too tedious so I need something to do when I'm not at the sewing machine. Anyway, I'm starting from scratch on the knitting again and bought this book as the reviews were excellent. The patterns are beautiful and Amy's method makes knitting sweaters that fit seem possible. My only complaint: the sweaters I like best are only in child sizes. What the heck? ? Why not offer the sweaters in adult sizes too? If it hadn't been for this aggravation and disappointment I'd have given this book 5 stars.

Highly recommend this book. I learned about Amy from a video class on Craftsy. Amy is meticulous with both her designs and her patterns. Her sweaters are pieced together and seamed which is a departure from the very popular seamless style of knitting. However, Amy clearly explains why she prefers seamed patterns. Every detail is written out from getting gauge to washing and blocking. Whether you are a novice or an advanced knitter there is something to learn from this book.