Patterns for All: Perfect Unisex Pieces
At the Interweave Knits Spring 2018 photo shoot something quite adorable happened. Our male model fell head-over-heels in love with a project we had planned to photograph on a female model, and he couldn’t be separated. Meghan Babin, our fearless leader at the time, loved adding menswear to Interweave publications, but the big secret was that she made sure the majority of those patterns were actually unisex. The Spring 2018 issue has many examples of such patterns.
Unisex Knitting Patterns that May Surprise You
Our model, Bryan, fell particularly in love with the Straightaway Cardigan by Mone Dräger. He saw it first and wanted to wear it for the rest of the day, so we let him!
This oversized drop-shoulder cardigan has a geometric pattern with brioche stitch and garter-stitch squares. It has cozy pockets and enough fabric to snuggle into on a cold day. And it looks really good on him!
What makes unisex knitting patterns work is a series of checkmarks: the pattern/texture has to have broad appeal, the garment’s drape must accommodate multiple body types, and it must show a bit of creativity. The Straightaway Cardigan gets a checkmark in every category, and so does the Dual Sport Pullover by Irina Anikeeva that is also in the Spring 2018 issue.
This wide-necked, loose fitting pullover would look great on a man or woman. The cable pattern is inspired by sand patterns left by long-gone waves. For a more feminine look, you can shorten the body of the sweater, but keeping the length is great for a boyfriend-sweater look.
The Saddleback Mountain Cardigan by Kyle Kunnecke is another lovely unisex sweater project. It is knit flat and seamed so you don’t have to worry about steeking. However, if you are tempted to learn, Kyle has a course on Fearless Steeking.
Another great unisex pattern in the issue is the Torque Hat by Karin Wilmoth. This hat is available in a beanie or slouch. The band is worked in half linen stitch and is adjustable when you add a leather snap closure. This subtle texture is perfect for everyone, and the leather closure is optional, so you can add it or remove it based on taste.
In addition to these stunning unisex patterns, Knits Spring ’18 also has spectacular womenswear such as our cover project, the Clear Creek Cardigan, and the Evergreen Mountain pullover, and equally striking menswear such as the Bergen Peak Pullover.
What Are You Waiting For?
In addition to these and more patterns, the issue includes articles about a knitting kit’s role in the journey to heal hatred in America, combining stockinette and stranded colorwork, and reasons you should put your phone down and pick up your knitting! We also have an introduction to Kelbourne Woolens’s new yarn, Andorra—already a favorite of the Knits editorial team—and a department section based on travel and upcycled products.
What are you waiting for? Get this issue!
Happy knitting,
Sarah
(Originally published on February 28, 2018; updated on March 8, 2019.)
I was searching for a man’s pullover pattern just this morning. I learned that, when I look for a pattern for a man, I want one that is designed for a man, not simply a large size of a design for a woman. Also, while I might like-for myself-some of the piecesyou show in this blog post, most of them would be an impossible sell to the men in my life.
I was searching for a man’s pullover pattern just this morning. I learned that, when I look for a pattern for a man, I want one that is designed for a man, not simply a large size of a design for a woman. Also, while I might like-for myself-some of the piecesyou show in this blog post, most of them would be an impossible sell to the men in my life.