Knits for Men: 20 Sweaters, Vests, and Accessories

114 Pages·2008·19.46 MB·English

by  Margaret Hubert

KNITS
FOR MEN
20
Sweaters, Vests, and Accessories
M A RGA R E T H U B E RT
KNITS
FOR MEN

KNITS
FOR MEN
20 Sweaters, Vests, and Accessories
MARGARET HUBERT
Copyright © 2008
Creative Publishing international, Inc.
400 First Avenue North
Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55401
1-800-328-3895
www.creativepub.com
All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyrights hereon may be
reproduced or used in any form or by any means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, taping of information on storage and retrieval systems—
without the written permission of the publisher.
Due to differing conditions, materials, and skill levels, the publisher and various
manufacturers disclaim any liability for unsatisfactory results or injury due to improper use
of tools, materials, or information in this publication.
ISBN-13: 978-1-58923-359-1
ISBN-10: 1-58923-359-X
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Hubert, Margaret.
Knits for men : 20 sweaters, vests, and accessories / by Margaret Hubert.
p. cm.
ISBN 1-58923-359-X
1. Knitting. 2. Men’s clothing. I. Title.
TT820.H835 2008
746.43’2041--dc22 2007045662
CIP
Technical Editor: Rita Greenfeder
Copy Editor: Karen Levy
Proofreader: India R. Tresselt
Book Design: John Hall Design
Cover Design: Howard Grossman, 12e design
Page Layout: Megan Cooney
Illustrations: Mario Ferro
Printed in China
Contents
About the Projects ||| 6
Tips and Tricks ||| 8
Textured V-Neck Pullover ||| 13
Bold Striped Crewneck ||| 17
Rib-Stitch Pullover ||| 21
Nubby Pocket Cardigan ||| 25
Chunky Cabled Pullover ||| 31
Toggle Collar Pullover ||| 37
Windowpane Checks ||| 41
Hefty Zippered Vest ||| 45
Alpine Zip-Neck Pullover ||| 49
Multicolor Lattice Jacket ||| 55
Cabled V-Neck Vest ||| 61
Versatile Golf Cardigan ||| 65
Color Block Pullover ||| 71
Entrelac Pullover ||| 77
Bold Vertical Stripes ||| 83
Saddle Shoulder Crew ||| 87
Argyle Cardigan ||| 91
Ski Hat and Scarf ||| 97
Roll-Brim Hat and Scarf ||| 101
Après-Ski Slipper Sox ||| 105
Knitting Basics ||| 108
Abbreviations ||| 112
About the Projects
Over the years, I have designed
countless patterns for magazines and
written several books on both crochet and knitting. I recently mentioned to my editor
that although I’ve knitted untold numbers of special items for the men in my family,
I’ve yet to write a book dedicated strictly to men’s knits. “What a coincidence,” she said.
“That’s exactly what I’d like you to do next!” That’s all it took to get the wheels turning.
I’ve done my research and spoken to a lot of men—family
members, friends, and perfect strangers—to fi nd out what men like
and dislike in sweaters. As you can imagine, the answers were quite
varied, from bright colors to muted colors, from very lightweight
to heavier weight, and from plain stitching to patterns, but the
comment that I heard most was that a sweater must be comfortable
to wear and loose fi tting. Men also like attention to details. They
like the little touches that make a sweater special, such as an
intricate design, a diff erent collar, zipper closings, and pockets.
They also like a slightly diff erent take on a classic style.
Some men love crew necks, others love V-necks. I have included
several diff erent neckline choices, so you can select the one that
suits best. For each project, I chose a yarn to complement the
stitch and design of the garment, using a variety of colors, from
rich tones to neutrals. I used some lightweight yarns for warmer
weather, and some medium- and heavier weight yarns for cooler
temperatures. I chose plush alpacas, wools, soy silk, cotton, and
some blends. Along with the generic descriptions of the yarns,
you’ll also fi nd the exact brands and colors I used. You may
6 ||| KNITS FOR MEN
substitute yarns, providing you get the same gauge called for in
the project. Please make a gauge swatch for all your projects,
no matter how confi dent you are. All expert knitters know that
skipping this step is pure folly.
I have included several cardigans, pullovers, and vests as well as
accessories such as hats, scarves, and slipper socks. Some of the
projects are very easy and require a minimum of shaping and
fi nishing—even a beginner will fi nd them easy. Others are a little
more challenging and will give all knitters the opportunity to
learn new stitches and tricks—experienced knitters will enjoy
them, too.
The Tips and Tricks section provides some insight into getting the
proper fi t and fi nishing your knits like a pro. The Knitting Basics
section serves as a general guide for the terms and techniques
used throughout the book. With careful planning and attention
to details, you’ll knit garments that will be worn and enjoyed for
years to come. I hope that you enjoy the book and are inspired to
try a diff erent take on knitting for men.
Margaret Hubert is also the author of Hooked Bags, Hooked Hats, Hooked
Throws, Hooked Scarves, Hooked for Toddlers, Plus Size Crochet, and six
other books. She designs knit and crochet projects for yarn companies and
magazines and teaches at yarn shops, retreats, and national gatherings.
||| 7
Tips and Tricks
Do not be afraid to make adjustments
to the body or
sleeve length of the garment. Take a moment to properly measure the person
that the sweater will be made for and check the measurements against the
chart. The measurements in the project specs are the fi nished measurements
of the garment, not body measurements, so allow for wearing ease.
Man’s Size Small Medium Large X-Large XX-Large
Chest 34"–36" 38"–40" 42"–44" 46"–48" 50"–52"
(86–91.5 cm) (96.5–101.5 cm) (106.5–111.5 cm) (116.5–122 cm) (127–132 cm)
Center Back Neck 32" –32½" 33"–33½" 34"–34½" 35"–35½" 36"–36½"
to Cuff (81–82.5 cm) (83.5–85 cm) (86.5–87.5 cm) (89–90 cm) (91.5–92.5 cm)
Back Hip Length 25"–25½" 26½"–26¾" 27"–27¼" 27½"–27¾" 28"–28½"
(63.5–64.5 cm) (67.5–68 cm) (68.5–69 cm) (69.5–70.5 cm) (71–72.5 cm)
Cross Back (Shoulder 15½"–16" 16½"–17" 17½"–18" 18"–18½" 18½"–19"
to Shoulder) (39.5–40.5 cm) (42–43 cm) (44.5–45.5 cm) (45.5–47 cm) (47–48 cm)
Sleeve Length to 18" 18½" 19½" 20" 20½"
Underarm (45.5 cm) (47 cm) (49.5 cm) (50.5 cm) (52 cm)
from Standards & Guidelines for Crochet and Knitting/Craft Yarn Council of America
Another way to determine which size to make is to take the measurements of
a garment that fi ts the person you are knitting for. Use these measurements
as a goal for your project. Use the garment as a template for your work, and
regularly check your knitted sections against it for fi t.
8 ||| KNITS FOR MEN
There are several ways to change a garment to fi t an individual size,
and this can be accomplished by mixing pattern sizes.
■ If you need a “mixed” size—say you need an X-Large for chest
measurement, but a Large for waist measurement—you can start
out by making the Large size, gradually increase the extra stitches
at the side seams, about 1" (2.5 cm) apart, until you reach the amount
for the X-Large, then continue fi nishing as for X-Large.
■ Another “mixed” size trick—for example, if you need the width of an
X-Large, but the body length would be too long—is to cast on stitches
for X-Large, but follow lengths for Large or Medium. This makes a
shorter, wider garment.
■ You can do this in reverse, casting on for the Small or Medium,
and working lengths for Large or X-Large, to make a longer, narrower
garment.
■ When making up the sleeves, if you need a longer sleeve, add
one more even row between increases; if you need a shorter
sleeve, make one less even row between increases.
||| 9