Hygge Knits: Nordic and Fair Isle sweaters, scarves, hats, and more to keep you cozy

by Nicki Trench

Suddenly everyone wants to be Scandinavian, and to "hygge" (pronounced hue-guh) which means "a sublime state of cosiness" felt when you are with friends or loved ones. It can be enhanced by the addition of a log fire, a sweet treat and a cozy knit . So spread the love, and keep things cozy, by knitting yourself—or your family—a warm and beautiful sweater, hat, gloves, or socks, with a Scandi feel.

It seems that suddenly everyone wants to be Scandinavian, and to "hygge" (pronounced hue-guh) which means "a sublime state of cosiness" felt when you are with friends or loved ones. It can be enhanced by the addition of a log fire, a sweet treat and a cozy knit . So spread the love, and keep things cozy, by knitting yourself—or your family—a warm and beautiful sweater, hat, gloves, or socks, with a Scandi feel.

From Shetland to the Faroe Islands, Norway and beyond, there is a shared tradition of knitting intricate patterns in colors that combine and contrast. Whether you have been inspired by watching Danish dramas or you are fascinated by the intricate geometric patterns of Fair Isle, there are designs here that will make you want to pick up your needles and get knitting. Garments include a tank top with a vintage feel, an adorable cardigan for a baby, and a Nordic-style yoked sweater. For the home, there’s a cafetiere cozy, a chunky pillow cover, and more. There’s also a baby blanket that would make a perfect gift, and a lined cover for your e-reader. With full color charts for all patterns, and a techniques section to explain essential Fair-Isle knitting skills, you will have everything you need to know. (Previously published as Fair Isle and Nordic Knits.)

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts

128 pages, Paperback

Published January 10, 2017

About the author

Nicki Trench is one of the leading figures in the revival and promotion of home crafts. As well as teaching, lecturing and feature writing on knitting, crochet, sewing, cake decorating and hen keeping, she is the founder of Laughing Hens, the UK's leading online yarn store, and Rooster Yarns. Her most recent books include Creating Your Garden Farm and 201 Knitting Motifs, Blocks, Projects and Ideas. Nicki also runs Dancing Hens (www.dancinghens.com), a craft studio.

Reviews

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Colorful patterning for sweaters to kindle covers, garments to home accessories, in a range of gauges, from traditional designs to some with contemporary flair. Lots of clear photographs and full-color charts. Nothing new but the book is nicely designed and the color combinations are very fresh and modern. Some garments look a bit lumpy - maybe in need of a good blocking - but many shapes are very basic and a good place to start with complicated color work.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knitting patterns inspired by the Danish concept of hygge and the Scottish island of Fair Isle style of knitting. There are some nice designs in here for some beautiful and practical things that will make you feel comfy and cozy.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, bright projects that look fun to do. Varying levels of difficulty for beginners to experts and lots of helpful hints along the way to make it easier. Techniques explained with lots of clear diagrams.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

some beautiful and simple fair isle patterns - although nothing that made me want to cosy up and knit.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awkward wording
Poor photo quality
Unoriginal

[Athena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful knits and photos, more of a beginner book than I was expecting despite the cover. Patterns are easy to follow and make lovely gifts

[Naoise Nickolay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kept renewing this from the library thinking I’d knit something from it, I haven’t. I’d rent it again, some nice patterns but nothing that swept me off my feet. I do love the hygge vibe though!

[HadiDee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty book, but nothing I want to knit

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were interesting patterns but not really anything new. I was not overcome with the immediate need to go digging through my stash or running down to my LYS for supplies to supplant my current UFO's although a few projects caught my eye. Nor do I feel the need to buy the book. I'm perfectly happy to wander down to my library to borrow if if I do choose to begin one if the projects that piqued my interest. There is a mixture of wearables, accessories and kitsch for the home along with knitting tips & techniques, including fair isle.

[Stacey Slager]

One doesn't really 'finish' a knitting pattern book, but ok.