Learn to knit a yoke sweater

If knitting simple projects makes you a happy knitter, I’m all for it. If you keep knitting simple projects because the idea of trying something new makes you break out in a cold sweat, than I have the perfect sweater project for you.

This sweater starts out simply, and then slowly adds new techniques. This sweater starts out with an easy knit one purl one rib, done in the round, a super easy process. Work your rib, and before you know it, you are ready to switch over to 2 color knitting. Once you are shown a few simple color work stitches you will be off and running — umm ... knitting.

After your color work is done, and you will be sorry when it is, you will continue knitting the body of the sweater to the underarm.

Next, you set the body aside and knit your two sleeves, separately in the round on a small circular needle. The sleeves work up very quickly.

Once the sleeves are completed, the real fun begins, by knitting the sleeves to the body stitches. I will allow that at this point you may feel the need to take a deep breath. As long as your stitch count is correct, all will go well. This is the spot where most new yoke knitters may need a little hand holding. No problem. Once the pieces are attached, you can have more color work fun. It’s so encouraging, and exciting to watch as your pattern takes shape.

Once your yoke is done, the finishing is minimal, which is just the cherry on top. There is nothing so satisfying as when you can look at your finished sweater, and know that you created this knitted masterpiece.

Join the yoke sweater class series beginning this Sunday, 11-noon, Aug. 26, 11-noon, and Sept. 9, 11noon.

Call In Sheep’s Clothing at 860-482-3979, for information, and to register. Knitting a yoke sweater is a satisfying project.

This sweater starts out with an easy knit one purl one rib, done in the round, a super easy process.

Ginger Balch / Contributed photo