Ann Budd is the best-selling author of The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns and The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns. She is also the author of Getting Started Knitting Socks, Interweave Presents Knitted Gifts, Knitting Green, and Simple Style, and coauthor of Bag Style, Color Style, Lace Style, and Wrap Style. She is a book editor and the former senior editor of Interweave Knits magazine. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.
Simple Patterns: Four-Quarters Pullover by Pam Allen This comfy sweater is worked in four easy pieces - two identical shapes and their mirror images- and then seamed together to add texture and variation down the center. Sixteen-Button Cardigan by Cecily Glowik Knitted in 100% cashmere, this luxurious sweater has a low, broad neckline that fits beautifully whether you wear the sweater with the buttons in front or back. Organic Cotton Henley by Micki Hair This modern take on the traditional Henley pullover uses three natural colors in organic yarn. Playful embroidery and crocheted neck ties are just the right finishing touches. Kazumi Pullover by JoLene Treace Kazumi is a Japanese term for harmonious beauty in which each element is used to its best effect. JoLene was inspired by this principle as she designed this classic ribbed pullover with a delicate eyelet pattern at the hem and cuffs. Kokopelli Jacket by Margaret Hubert This stylish jacket is simple with no stitches to pick up, other than the collar, and no buttonhole spacing to calculate. At fewer than four stitches per inch, this jacket knits up in no time! Kaleidoscope Yoke by Katie Himmelberg Let the yarn do the work for you! The colorwork in the yoke and cuffs is the result of a self-striping yarn, the less stitches the more broad the stripe. To maintain the simple look, the pullover is worked entirely in stockinette stitch and the edges curl naturally. Short-Row Skirt by Kay Coyle This cute A-line skirt is all fashion and no work. It is made up of two identical pieces worked in a series of short-rows across to each seam that stabilizes the skirt. Columns of eyelet give the lower edge a feminine touch. Drawstring Bateau by Deborah Newton A simple shape and easy-to-follow stitch patterns create this innovative vest. The front is knitted exactly as the back and then seemed together, leaving an opening for the neck. A knitted drawstring threaded below the bust through eyelets in the cable pattern lets you customize the fit. Twisted-V Pullover by Alice Halbeisen Sometimes a simple design becomes one of your all-time favorites. A decorative twisted rib adds visual interest and a slimming fit for this short and casual pullover. Kimono Classic by Vicki Square A kimono can be comfy and loose, but it also makes a flattering, elegant silhouette when draped on a female body. The shape of this one is simple and classic at the same time. Tailored Vest by Ruthie Nussbaum This adorable sweater vest complements every figure by stretching in just the right places. Ribbing along the sides makes it seem custom fit and a reversible ribbed belt is added for style. Empire Swing Cardigan by Therese Chynoweth Gorgeous feminine details add to this swingy cardigan, but don't worry those details are not difficult. Knitting wide ribs in the lower body creates the 'kirt' and a drawstring cinches the bodice. Guernsey Skirt by Kat Coyle Inspired by a Guernsey sweater, this simple A-line skirt is worked in the round from the hem up. Richly textured cables, ribs, ladder stitch, and moss stitch add design to the upper half of the skirt. Offset Raglan by Veronik Avery Most of this fun and striking cardigan is knitted in a single piece from the hem to the armholes. Rather than mess with buttons and button holes, large stylish hook-and-eye closures are used instead. Best-Fit Jumper by Katie Himmelberg You will love to knit this adorable jumper- there are no seams or additional edging involved! Ribbing provides a close but flexible fit in the bodice to add just the right amount of shape. Weekend Fair Isle by Anne E. Smith The colorwork in this cozy sweater is kept simple by working only two colors per row and textual interest is added to the dot pattern by working the dots in a two-row sequence. Stay-Put Wrap by Mags Kandis Are you sick of wearing wraps that instantly fall down as soon as you move your arms? This sleeved version will always stay-put and is stylishly accented with a braided cable along one edge. Garter Lace Jacket by Anne Budd By combining the most basic of stitches, the garter stitch, with a soft wool-bamboo yarn and working in a looser gauge you will get fabric with exquisite drape, perfect for this Chanel-inspired jacket. Big Cable Vest by Therese Chynoweth Big yarn plus big needles equals a true 'quick knit.' The double-cable panel on the front grows fast out of the ribbing, and then splits at the base of the neck and up each side of the V. Design Notebook