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We’ve made it to late December, and I am looking forward to getting a few weeks of winter break where I can knit all the things. I haven’t had the time to knit as much as I normally do this semester so I plan to savor all the knitting time I get.

Since my time is limited and with the holiday season still going strong, I thought it might be nice to share a few sweater patterns that are quick knits. My criteria for this month were sweaters knit in worsted, aran or bulky weight yarn that could be worked up pretty quickly. So even if you’ve got a house full of guests cutting into your knitting time and can only sneak in a few rows here and there, you’ll still make great progress on an awesome sweater.

Ursa by Jacqueline Cieslak

This year I’ve learned to love cropped sweaters as an easy layer. I love this design. I bought it as soon as I saw it,  but haven’t knit it yet. (I never have enough time for all the things I want to knit.)

Here’s what I really love about it.  Jacqueline designed this sweater for up to a size 66 bust and gives instructions for dart shaping in the bust. Because it’s knit with bulky weight yarn, it doesn’t take a lot of yardage. It’s a pretty perfect pattern.

In the MDK Shop
Fluffy, bouncy Big Wool would make a bear-huggy Ursa.
By Rowan

wrapper() by Robot Tailor 

I am mildly obsessed with this criss-cross wrap sweater. The style is fun: You can wear it but still have your outfit peeking out of your sweater. It’s also a great alternative to a shawl if you’re not a big shawl knitter.

Wrapper() has a dropped shoulder but looks like it has great shaping, and it is garter stitch, which means it will be the squishiest and coziest layer ever. I feel like I’ll be wearing this with a cute top and leggings all winter long.

In the MDK Shop
Our new favorite worsted weight yarn. Winterburn Aran is a blend of 50% Bluefaced Leicester, 25% ecru Masham, and 25% dark brown Masham.

Felix Cardigan by Amy Christoffers 

I’ve seen this sweater all over Instagram and I can see why. It’s a great worsted-weight cardigan.

I’m opting for the cardigan version, but there’s a pullover version, too. The eyelet lace detail at the raglan increases makes a simple sweater a special sweater.

The Easy Bulky One by Joji Locatelli 

Knitting your first sweater? This might be the perfect starter sweater project for you to try. Bulky weight yarn, a simple shape and design.

It is meant to be worn with ease so it is definitely a cozy winter knit. The kind of sweater you can throw on with anything and everything.

Oxygen by Heidi Kirrmaier 

This aran weight cardigan reminds me of a cloud every time I look at the pattern. The details at the yoke elevate the simple shape.

 

Knit it in a light-as-air yarn and you will definitely feel like you’re wearing a cloud.

Any of these speedy sweaters will bring the cozy and joy to your festive winter season. Happy knitting!

All photos used with permission of the designers.

 

 

About The Author

Dana Williams-Johnson knits every day. Knitting is what brings Dana joy, and she shows that through her use of color (hello, rainbows) and modifications of favorite patterns into replica sweaters for her dogs.

You can read about it all on Dana’s blog, Yards of Happiness, and watch her video podcasts on YouTube.

19 Comments

  • Thank you, Dana! You always manage to show me something new and fabulous.

  • Dana, another home run! Thank you!!!!

  • I look forward to your articles on MDK — as does my Ravelry queue.

  • At least three new favorites added to my list. Thanks Dana. I love your selections!

  • Ursa has been on my radar for a while — and I even have an SQ of bulky yarn in my stash. I think it’s meant to be! And I hadn’t seen Wrapper () – it might have to go in the queue, too!

  • I love these choices! Thanks for bringing them to our attention. Happy New Year and happy knitting.

  • Thanks for those ideas and suggestions. I am new to the site and kind of a recovering knitter, so simple is the best for me. Wondering where a pattern might be had. I like the Easy Bulky One and have some yarn from a long ago left to die pattern.

    • Are you on “Ravelry” – you can buy the pattern through that website, directly from the designer.

  • I always love your articles, Dana, and this one does not disappoint! After seaming what seems like a thousand sweaters, I’m ready for some seamless, bulky knitting. Thank you! Happy New Year to you and yours!

  • “Sweaters knit in worsted, aran, or bulky weight yarn”. That’s what I’m talkin’ about!! Thank you Dana;))

  • Love your sweater choices! The Felix Cardigan has been on my radar.

  • I’ve been intimidated by the idea of knitting a sweater but all of these look totally possible- saved 3. Thank you Dana- wonderful selection!
    To the person who asked how to find the patterns- just click on the name of the pattern and you will be connected to the Ravelry page.

  • Thank you!!! With many fingering weight sweaters s-l-o-w-l-y getting finished, I love the idea of popping a few fast, excellent patterns in my list.

  • Perfect browse for a wintry day, added to the queue (of course!) and if a new project with big yarn joins the other WIPs so be it! Thank you Dana and MDK 🙂

  • Thank you, again!, for more great pattern inspiration. As soon as I finish (the also fairly bulky) Magnolia Chunky Cardigan by Camilla Vad, I am seriously looking at Ursa and Felix! Happy New Year!

  • Thank you. I love spinning BFL & masham, so Winterburn will be something I try this year for Ursa & Felix. So much knitting to do in 2020.

  • That Wrapper() looks amazing. I hate having a cold neck but that looks like the right kind of lightweight to deal with overheated buildings. I can picture it as a crazy layer with a fair isle vest peeking out as well!

  • I love Dana. She is organized, fun, practical, and has great taste. Thanks for adding her to the crew. I

  • OMG! I just came here looking for inspiration because I finally finished my #BangOutaSweater2020. I used Rowan Big Wool and went on Ravelry for an easier project than the main squeeze. And here it is! The Easy Bulky One! How about that.

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