Fun
Get Ready: Bang Out a Sweater 2026 Is Coming!
Dear friends in search of February fun,
Yes, it’s true! The longest-running knitalong in MDK history returns. Bang Out a Sweater is back!
This is your invitation to join us for a month of beautiful knitting—it’s going to be a perfect combination of pattern, designer, class, teacher, and yarn.
Mark the start date on your shiny new calendar: January 30, 2026—we’re calling it a head start on February. By the end of the month, our goal is to have a finished sweater. (Which month, of course, is entirely decided by you. The fun here is to knit boldly and it doesn’t matter, really, when you finish.)
The Plan
We all decide to knit a sweater together during the shortest, wintriest month of the year. The collective joy involved in this is hard to overstate. Over the years, hundreds of sweaters have been banged out. Lives and knitting arcs have been changed. New skills, new friends, the satisfaction of working and succeeding on a project together—so much fun.
The Pattern
The Waffle Pullover by Amy Christoffers, from Field Guide No. 29: Mosaic. The minute we saw this design, we knew it would be The One—our next bang-out baby.
It’s so good. Kay has already made one, and declared it a sweet, friendly knit; it has been her most-worn sweater this autumn/winter season, from Rhinebeck to the NYC Subway to the Willa Cather Prairie.
This is superb design, with a delectable texture that is fun to work, and a body-skimming fit that makes it a favorite all-occasion sweater. Office to evening, dogwalking to dinner, skirt to sweats—however you roll, the Waffle fits right in. No muss, no fuss, just cute.
It’s an undeniably great sweater. When you add in the fun, learning, and support of a knitalong, the idea is irresistible.
The Workshop
We’ve created a brand-new workshop for this.
Bang Out a Sweater: Waffle Pullover with Lorilee Beltman. Three Zoom sessions, two hours each, will lead you through the steps to make this sweater. Tuition includes an ebook download of Field Guide No. 29: Mosaic, so you’ll have the pattern immediately when you sign up. Class recordings are sent soon after each session, in case you need to watch later, for as many times and for as long as you like.
The Teacher
The one, the only: Lorilee Beltman.
Lorilee is the OG Bang Out instructor. The accolades for her previous Bang Out workshops were five stars, off the charts, wow:
- I just delighted in the class. Lorilee is an exceptional teacher. Her organization is next level.
- Lorilee is the best online teacher I’ve “met.”
- Lorilee was fantastic and how she had her camera for us to see her work was excellent!!! So much fun, learning new techniques, customizing fit and trying new yarns!!!
- Lorilee is an amazing, patient teacher. Though I am not finished yet and did not really take advantage of the sessions live, I have the wonderful security of knowing that I have the recordings to refer back to!! Thank you, it was and is great!!
The Yarn
The Waffle Pullover can be made in a two-color or solid-color version, in MDK’s own Jane, a 100 percent British wool yarn, DK weight, made in Yorkshire, England.
Find size and yarn quantity information for the Waffle Pullover here.
Looking for great two-color combos? Have a look at the gallery up top.
Not to brag, but there has never been a palette more compatible and mixable than Jane. If you like both colors, they’re going to look great together in this waffle texture pattern.
As ever, if you’d like to use your own yarn, that’s totally great. There are many good options out there, including our forever love, Rowan Felted Tweed.
The Bang Out Conversation
We’ll be sharing and caring over in the MDK Society Lounge. If you’re an MDK Society member, this will be a good place to hang out as you bang out your Waffle.
How to Join
Register here for this class. If you’re a member of the MDK Society, you’ll save 10% when you use your member coupon code. (Members also get 10% off the yarn. And if you use your member’s $20 coupon, the membership math gets really good!)
Finally . . .
If you’re on the fence about taking a virtual class, here are comments from last year’s Bang Out a Sweater workshop.
- Thank you so much for these sessions. Each was more than worth the price. I have watched each 2+ times and am still learning from them. I will be referring to them in the future so am glad they will be available. Lorilee is amazing and most patient.
- Excellent instruction! I watched none of videos live (west coast/Alaska person) because the timing never worked BUT being able to watch the full recordings was great. I appreciate learning so many practical tips along the way.
- Hi, your knitting class was one of the very best that I’ve ever had. I’ve never done a sweater or used this type of yarn and I know I couldn’t have done it without your class!
Hope you’ll join us—sign up here!
Love,
Ann and Kay
Want to check in with all that’s on at MDK? Head over to the MDK homepage here.
Excellent choice. I love that sweater – knit it for myself and then my lovely daughter-in—law admired it and requested one – which came off the needles a couple weeks ago. Mine was higher contrast and hers was low contrast – both look great!!!! Not sure if I’m up for a third but……tempting – very tempting.
Amazing! And yes, the effect with two colors can be either vivid or subtle—or just use one color rather than two for another look entirely. Third time’s the charm?
Confession time: I have not knit for MONTHS. 2025 was spectacularly horrible and I’m thinking banging out a sweater is a good way to jumpstart good vibes for 2026. I’ve got some lovely Juniper Moon Farm BFL that I’ll use to make a one-color version. We shall see how I do . . .
For once I am on right side of fate having just ordered Jane last week in the Year End Sale. Hoping this bodes well for 2026 rather than using up my 2025 good fortune in the last 3 days. Either way, I’m looking forward to the class. Happy New Year!
So glad! Curious about what colors you’re using…
Pothos/Pathos as main; Cameo as contrast.
Is the Pathos more of a teal than a dark green?
I am very tempted to join this one. Question for anyone who knows; does the waffle weave knit produce a 2 layer knit essentially and a warmer fabric because of that? It may influence the type of yarn I use, ie; less wool and more of a blend…
It doesn’t feel heavy; you only use one color per row, slipping the stitches in the color not in use.
Mosaic stitch is vertically compressed a bit denser and springier than a stockinette fabric.
The waffle weave produces a heavy fabric but I would not say it feels especially warm because of the looseness of the style. I think the Jane yarn is perfect for this project.
FYI, the “everything you need to know” pdf refers to what I assume is last year’s Bang out a Sweater event (Bolin Cardigan) with event dates listed as 2025. I sent an email to you but I see you are on break until next week so thought I’d point it out here in case anyone else notices and is confused!
Hi Wendy! Thanks for noting this—we’ll fix that and make sure everybody gets the proper pdf. Apologies for the mixup! So happy to hear you’re in the mood for a sweater—really touched that you’ll be with us!
Uh oh. The Navy (Celeste) is all gone. Will you be getting more in time?
Hi Deb! We have plenty of Celeste—a shipment just arrived. Please check back in the next day (if not sooner). Thanks for the heads up—it’s certainly a great navy, a popular color.
Since I’m just finishing up my main squeeze I may choose a different pattern for these festivities! These two seem too similar for back to back for me.
As ever, all banging out is welcomed! Curious to see what your pick will be, Stephanie.
Me too, @ann! I have no idea!
Yeah, I am not going to do the sweater (sometime in the future once I use up some of my stash) so I’m going to do the cowl from Mosaic. I have two different colorways that I need to choose from–one from Nash Fest and one from a Woolen Affair. Both are loaded with happy memories so either will be just fine.
Watch those raglan decreases! Don’t forget to warn them,Kay!
Lorilee has a fix to make this problem go away!
Perfect timing! I used my society bonus $ to buy Jane for this sweater a few weeks ago!
I might got back a season or two and do the Day Tripper while everyone does the Waffle. I already have the yarn. I have been a monogamous knitter lately but this might just break that habit.
I bought the pattern and yarn a while ago. Now that all the Christmas knitting rush is over I’m ready!
It’s probably obvious, but would you list the color names of the swatch pairs? Thank you.
Hi Deb! We’ve listed the color pairings over at the Bang Out a Sweater class page. Just scroll down at this link, and you’ll see them. One interesting thing about these swatches is that the effect changes a lot when you reverse which color is Color A and which is Color B. We knitted them two ways so you can see how this works. https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/shop/bang-out-a-sweater-virtual-workshop-with-lorilee-beltman/
Hi Ann,
Love that you’ve shown us the difference in the fabric depending on which choice is color A – but from the swatches I can’t tell! Sorry. For the pinks, there is a lighter shade and a darker shade. Is the swatch on the left, overall lighter color, made with the lighter pink as color A? Thanks.
Hi –
I’m very tempted – what a great sweater pattern!
Did you post the color combination shown? I looked and haven’t found it, although it is probably here somewhere –
Could you tell us what the colors shown on the announcement are?
Thanks!
Hi,
I would like to buy the pattern. Is that possible without taking the class.
Thank you
Definitely–the Waffle Pullover pattern appears in MDK Field Guide No. 29: Mosaic. Two editions available: print edition that includes a Ravelry download code for the ebook version. Or just ebook only. You can purchase these here on MDK: https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/shop/mdk-field-guide-no-29-mosaic/
Or you can buy the ebook on Ravelry:
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/modern-daily-knitting-field-guide-no-29-mosaic
Just a heads up on suggesting the ebooks on Ravelry, during the sale of field guides last year, I couldn’t find an “add to cart” so was unable to take advantage of the sale. I just looked again, the one I was most interested in acquiring (#11) still does not have it. I know I wasn’t the only one with the issue – while others were happily acquiring the books, some of us were left in the dust.
I finished this sweater a couple of months ago. It took me much longer than one month to knit as I am a slow knitter. I made it in Jane, Bluebell and Aubergine, and I love it! My only regret is that the neck keeps stretching, perhaps from the weight of the sweater. I should have used a smaller needle size for the neck. I’m thinking of 1) adding an elastic thread to the edge or 2) unraveling the neck and re-knitting with smaller needles. Recommendations?
I should have waiting for Lorilee’s class as I know her expert teaching would have helped me produce a better result.
I’ve read of folks adding elastic thread or, even, dental floss to a neckline!
A drawback is that the dental floss could be abrasive enough that it could damage the accompanying yarn. I do like the idea though and would like to see it in practice. Perhaps silk would be a natural fiber to consider instead?
In Scandinavia the practice of knitting in a few human hare strands alongside wool yarns in areas that get excessively worn (sock heels, etc.) is well documented.
Hooray! I bought the yarn for this last April, but haven’t even made the gauge swatch. I think this is just the push I need. I haven’t banged out a sweater since Stopover!
I have been waiting for this! Thank you! I hope Rowan Felted Tweed isn’t too scratchy on my skin. I have worn my Bolin cardigan all through the holidays. Thank you!
I have been wanting to make this sweater since the FG came out, and I’d even chosen my colors (Bluebell and Vista), so this is the kick in the pants that I needed to order the yarn. I’m excited for Lorilee’s class — she’s such a fabulous teacher! Thank you for posting about this event, and I sincerely hope everyone had a restful break at MDK. Happy New Year to all!
Will Lorilee be teaching the sweater class using the continental or English (throwing) method or both?
Let’s goooo! A sweater so nice, I knit it twice! Time for a third!
This looks fun! Is the class geared toward first-time sweater knitters? I’d like to bang out a sweater, but I’m not sure I need a class for a raglan. I have learned so much from Lorilee over the years! I was gifted her Felicity Shawl over the holidays – she’s a super-talent.
I’m sorry for leaving a comment without reviewing all the class details. I see now that, yes, the class has something for all of us. 😉
I’m interested in dusting off my needles and trying this, and February is the perfect month to knit.
Can you share the colors in the sample sweater? I like the subtle color combo – thanks
And the colors in the sample are??
Please share, and thanks for the inspiration.
I think the colors are Yorkshire and Bluebell. See the Materials section of the pattern info: https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/shop/bang-out-a-sweater-virtual-workshop-with-lorilee-beltman/
I’m a big fan of Lorilee Beltman and her teaching skills. I signed up for the class and ordered my Jane, and I’m really looking forward to this.
This is such a great idea. The sweater is beautiful! Do you ever offer this with evening or weekend sessions for those who work 9-5?
Shortest wintriest month of the year…the universe doesn’t revolve around your part of the world…it’s not winter in parts…how about being more generalised
I would love to take this class but will have to do it watching the videos after the live class.
Also, can I get a copy of the pattern any way other than the download? I prefer the old fashioned written pattern that I can look at and refer to.
Thank you!
With the download you can print the pattern out and voila: you have the printed pattern!!
Happy knitting
I was the lucky recipient of a load of Finnish wool courtesy of a visiting friend who lives just about on the Arctic Circle. There are two shades of DK that will be perfect for this sweater.
I love the Pathos color but I’m not crazy about the Sage. Any suggestions for another color that goes with Pathos?
YES! I’m soooo happy you chose the Waffle Pullover for this year’s KAL with Lorilee instructing. This will be my 3rd sweater. I’m too afraid to knit one on my own. Someday perhaps!
Now to choose the yarn! Looking forward to knitting with “Jane”
YES! I’m soooo happy you chose the Waffle Pullover for this year’s KAL with Lorilee instructing. This will be my 3rd sweater. I’m too afraid to knit one on my own. Someday perhaps!
Now to choose the yarn! Looking forward to knitting with “Jane”
After years of lurking at the Bang Out A Sweater, I am committing to this one.
Since I’m looking to deplete my stash, can the pattern be adjusted to sock-weight yarn? If not, how many strands of sock-weight yarn equal DK weight?
Happy knitting,
Heidi
Hi!
After years of lurking at the Bang Out A Sweater, I am committing to this one.
My concern is that 90-100 sweaters have been documented on Ravelry. Almost all of them are in similar beige/brown/dark greens. Has anyone tried brighter colors that you know of?
Also, I want to use my existing stash. Can this pattern be adjusted to sock-weight yarn?
If not, how many strands of sock-weight yarn equal DK weight?
Happy knitting,
Heidi Cohen
On the Ravelry comments page for this pattern, it’s mentioned that short rows 7 and 8 should end two stitches after the DS instead of right on top of it. Could you add this to the MDK errata page? I didn’t find that comment until I’d knit several more rows. Thanks!
Anyone know if the Yorkshire will be replenished soon? I’ve been thinking of using that color. . .
I’m starting mine now because it gets too hot in February to do something like this. I’m usually a high contrast girl but this one isn’t. Winter jumpers sometimes just need to be warm and cosy than loud and shouty.
can you please identify the the yarn colors used in the sweater that is pictured on the e-mail for the bang out a sweater. thank you
I am self taught artist knitter,I have been knitting since I was 8 years old I knitted many sweaters,cardigans, hats, vests, scarves.And I had sold some also.It takes me 35 hours to knit a sweater or cardigan. How I can teach a workshop?
Is the color Earth (for the Jane yarn) black, which is what I’m looking for. The name feels like it should be a brown so I wanted to check before I order.
Any suggestions for a wool blend yarn that would work with this patter? 100% wool is probably too warm for me.
Is there any chance for a men’s version? So hard to find good men’s patterns!!
I’m super excited to “bang out a sweater” in February! I’m not sure where to ask to this question, and this probably a silly thing to be hung up on. I’m getting ready to knit the gauge swatch, the pattern instructions indicate 21 sts over 40 rows in the mosaic stitch. The mosaic stitch pattern is made over an even number of stitches, and 21 is not an even number. Am I missing something?
Greetings! The sweater is beautiful and always…I want to complicate things by wondering if the sleeves can be knit using the primary color as the secondary? I have done a bit of mosaic work but only just completed my first sweater. Hence, apologies if this is a ridiculous question/ quest.
What does the backside of these waffle knit look like? Please post a picture (and for most other examples of knits both front and back are interesting to see).
You need to put the Errata for the last two short rows on your Errata page. Caused me to pull my hair out wondering what I did wrong on those two rows. Fortunately someone in the comments posted the correct number of stitches for the row. But please like the Errata link on Ravelry to your Errata page.
Can you say more about how you resolved the issue or link to the correction, please.
I ended up adding 1 extra k to short row 8 so that the DS on the final row of the shaping did not occur on top of the just closed DS from short row 8. This meant the DS was slipped on rounds 1 & 2 of the yoke shaping before being closed on round 3.
I hope this helps others.
I am in the Bang Out class and I decided to decrease to US size 6 for the larger needle size to get the proper gauge. Should I also decrease the smaller needle to a 4? I have done the swatch practice and am feeling ready to start the real sweater.