Knit beautiful top-down sweaters with 12 different decorative yokes

Classic yoke sweaters never go out of style - a yoke is the perfect canvas for textured and colorwork patterns, and this collection of knitting patterns features designs for 12 different sweaters which will have you reaching for your needles. Yoke sweaters are practical and beautiful - a colorwork yoke can take a simple knitted sweater to another level by introducing a decorative element at the neckline of the jumper.

Knitting pattern designer and author, Olga Putano, has designed three basic sweaters patterns for different yarn weights: DK; fingering (also known as sock or 4ply), and worsted (aran), so you can choose your preferred style, and then there are patterns for four different yoke designs for each of the basic sweaters.

The sweater yoke designs feature stunning but simple colourwork so you can get really creative with your favourite colour palette. The designs look intricate but they are all worked in two colours, so they are easier than they look. The patterns only use two colours in a row, so they are suitable for beginner to intermediate knitters but exciting enough to appeal to experienced knitters.

The textured yoke designs are a subtle way to add interest around the neckline with simple cabling techniques, and there are step-by-step instructions for cable stitch as well as any other special stitches and techniques.

All the sweaters in this collection are knitted top down and in the round which means there is no sewing up to do at the end. The whole yoke section is knitted in one piece, increasing as you go until it reaches the correct circumference and then the body and sleeves are knitted in the round separately. This means that you can adjust the length of the sweater to get the perfect fit by trying it on as you go. Fit is important when it comes to sweater knitting and all the patterns have been graded to a wide range of sizes, up to a size 68" chest.

Knitting in the round has other benefits too: you can't drop stitches, the weight of the stitches can be more evenly distributed making it a more comfortable way to knit for some people, and when doing stockinette (stocking) stitch there is no need to purl.

Putano, Olga

Olga Putano is a US based designer who hails from Ukraine. She sells her patterns on Ravelry under the name Handmade Closet and is building a large following for her knitwear patterns. She has collaborated with numerous platforms and knitting magazines including Laine magazine and Vogue Knitting Live.