Learn to Knit the Cocoknits Sweater Method

We teach this lesson plan at our recurring Intermediate & Advanced Knitting Class. Sign up for your first session here to get started on this project!

Are you a true Type A knitter? The kind of person who secretly enjoyed filling out those math workbooks in school? Well, we're happy to welcome you to our Cocoknits Sweater Workshop, where you'll feel right at home!

Cocoknits' proprietary method of sweater pattern construction is a top down, one-piece method (no seaming!) that mimics the structure and shape of set in sleeves, creating tops and sweaters that shape to each person's body as if they were designed to their exact measurements. The book includes several gorgeous, build-on-a-basic patterns all using this method, and there are dozens more available on their website to use with this method and modify to your heart's content!

PATTERN
Each student will select one of the following patterns from the book during the first workshop, all of which can be modified into summer tops or knit as cozy sweaters.

• Emma (Version A). This is the pattern we used for our sample orange top!
• Emma (Version B)
• Emma (Version C)
• Lizzie
• Mollie. This is the pattern we used for the maroon sweater pictured!

Students are encouraged to choose the patterns that utilize larger needle sizes, as construction will progress more quickly and you will be less likely to have homework (or, as much homework) between sessions.

SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate. If you know all of the required techniques listed below you know enough to take this class! Read about how we determine skill levels here.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
To take this class you must already be quite comfortable with casting on, knitting, purling, and knitting ribs, and binding off. Knowing how to do make one increases and how to fix simple mistakes is helpful but not required. All students should be ready to jump in to learn a lot of new techniques!

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN 
Choosing the right yarn & needles for your pattern and desired fabric, deciphering uniquely written patterns, measuring stitch and row gauge, blocking your work while it's still on your needles, lifted increases, picking up stitches, using markers, constructing a yoke using the cocoknits worksheet, customizing patterns.

LESSON PLAN

• Session 1: Selecting yarns and patterns, starting the upper back, checking your gauge with and without blocking, lifted increases.
• Session 2: Picking up stitches and constructing the shoulders, placing markers, reviewing lifted increases, filling out the Cocoknits worksheet.
• Session 3: Constructing the yoke; working through the Cocoknits worksheet.
• Session 4: Sleeve construction, picking up for necklines, customization options, further questions.

REQUIRED PATTERN
Students will need to purchase a Cocoknits Sweater Method book (recommended) or an individual Cocoknits Sweater Method pattern for this workshop.

REQUIRED YARN - available for purchase at the shop
Varies depending on the pattern. Students will be choosing their yarn on the first day of the workshop. Refer to the above patterns for required yarn weights and yardage needed for each size.

REQUIRED TOOLS - available for purchase at the shop
Varies depending on the pattern chosen and gauge requirements. Students should have some idea of which pattern they want to make and bring the suggested needles if they have them. Needles are also available for purchase at the shop.

All students will also need a couple small DPNs (US 0-US 3), but spares can be borrowed from the shop if you don't already have a set to bring from home.