One-Piece Knits: Essential Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges for Sweaters Knit Top Down, Side Over, and Back to Front

by Margaret Hubert

Knit your sweaters in one piece—from the top down, from cuff to cuff, or from back to front—for the whole family, with minimal seaming required!

Written by renowned knitting author and expert Margaret Hubert,  One-Piece Knits offers charted patterns sized from toddler to adult and in multiple gauges for classic pullovers and cardigans in four  top-down (both raglan and yoke), side-over (from one sleeve edge to the other), and back-to-front (from back waist to front waist, then picking up stitches at the shoulders to knit the sleeves).

Additional patterns for each style feature alternate stitches , simple colorwork , and neckline and sleeve variations . A helpful resources section offers guidance on basic techniques .

With one-piece knits, you can knit classic sweaters for the whole family—from every direction!

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2018

About the author

From her Ravelry Profile: I have been knitting and crocheting forever. I am a mother and grandmother, and a great grandmother. I design, teach, and write books. My first book was published in 1978, and I just completed my 19th book In addition to the books, I have 2 independently produced video’s/dvd’s, and 3 self published entrelac crochet patterns. My flicker name is MHDesigner. I love it all!

I am a member of the CGOA, The Happily Hooked on Crochet chapter in CT, and a member of The Big Apple Knitters in New York City.

Reviews

[Faith]

I love to knit but hate to sew, so I generally restrict myself to knitting only seamless articles. This book features designs that do require some sewing (sleeves, underarms and sides) but it is much less than that required when you knit in pieces and then have to sew the whole thing together. This book is for sweaters only (both cardigans and pullovers) and covers four construction styles: raglan sleeves knitted top down, yoke style knitted top down, side to side knitting and knitted from bottom of the back over the shoulder down to bottom front. I've knitted a lot of top down sweaters and a few side to side but haven't tried the other method yet. Each chapter has a few patterns illustrating the relevant method, some of which I would definitely like to knit. However, this is primarily a guide book for one-piece knitting. There are charts that can be used for knitting sweaters in a wide range of sizes and using several yarn weights. You can choose your own stitches and design touches. This book will probably be most useful to people who like to design their own sweaters.

There is a pattern for a hood in case you want to add that to any of the sweaters. All lace patterns are fully written out rather than being charted, which I appreciate. The book demonstrates how to cast on stitches, make buttonholes and knit neckbands but beginning knitters would certainly need another reference book.

I received a free pdf copy of the book from the publisher but I will probably buy a physical copy when it's published.

[Rachel]

Review copy provided through NetGalley

The Good:

-There is a great size range--Children from 2-16, Women from XS to 5x, and Men from S to XXL.
-I love the charted patterns. Find your size across the top and follow the numbers all the way down. It is a space saving way to write a pattern. Having all the numbers laid out in chart form is very helpful for someone like me who routinely casts on for smaller size at the shoulders and a larger size at the hem.

-The author writes with a "no big deal" approach to modifying your knitting. She has several variations to the main pattern that demonstrate how easy it is to drop in a stitch pattern or add design elements. I like that.

-I forgot how charming a side-to-side garter stitch sweater is and now I want one. Yes, it will probably grow (and grow and grow) but still...*adds to queue*

-I have been loving the over-the-top construction of sweaters in my own knitting and I am happy to see it included in this book.

The Okay:

-I don't think that someone brand new to sweater knitting is going to enjoy the brevity of the instructions, especially the top-down raglan. It's totally knitable if you have an idea of how raglans are constructed. There are a few lines that could benefit from a few extra words for clarification.

-There is no sleeve shaping in the general pattern and no section that I can find on how to plot shaping if desired. Though, to be fair, some of the variations have sleeve shaping and it would be easy enough to model any shaping off of those numbers.

-This is a personal pet peeve with top-down raglans in general and not this book, but I'd like to mention it here for fellow plus size knitters. Top-down raglans in general create arm holes that are too deep for plus size women, especially for extended plus sizes. There needs to be a little extra room, but the rate of increase means the difference of about 4" between an L and 5x assuming 10 rows per inch, or even larger with a smaller row gauge. I have only seen one top-down raglan pattern ever addresses this issue so I can't ding the author for not including a note on modifying for plus sizes.

Overall:

It's a good layout and a good over view of one-piece sweaters. I would definitely recommend it to an intermediate knitter who wants to start customizing sweaters with the caveat that they should have knit at least one top-down raglan if they are wanting to knit that style.

[Robin]

This is a must have knitting reference book. I don't say that about a lot of knitting books, but the information provided here is essential if you knit or plan to knit clothing for children of adults. Margaret Hubert compiles charts of approximate measurements from children's size 2-16, women x-small-5x, and men's s-2x. Combined with information about approximate yarn amounts for each size and information on best techniques, this is a wonderful resource for knitters just getting started in making clothing.

The idea of making one-piece knits is far from new and top-down raglans are hugely popular. Margaret brings it all together in some fun and fresh patterns, using different techniques, color work, and construction styles. I've started the pattern titled, "Cardigan with Lacy Interest" from the book and find the instructions and pattern notes very thorough and clear for knitters at any level. The patterns are cute and adaptable and use yarn weights from light (3, heavy fingering) to bulky (5/6). Instructions for most patterns are written for multiple sizes, allowing a knitter to use the same pattern for the whole family.

This will most certainly be a wonderful addition to my pattern book collection.

**I received a preview of this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharon]

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the Publishers for this review copy, given in exchange for an honest review.

I'm the first to admit I'm not a very good knitter, but I am a sucker for knitting books and flicking through adorable patterns. This one is no exception!! A lovely book with patterns and designs for one -piece knits. The instructions are clearly laid out and there are patterns for different sizes, with some of the patterns having children's, women's and men's guides. The pictures are clear, and there are good starting instructions for the not as advanced at the beginning of the book. Some of the designs are a bit 'plain' but most of them are nice, modern patterns.

I wouldn't say this book is for beginners, but if you know how to knit then you would definitely be able to work your way through this book!

[Stephanie Dagg]

I’ve been knitting for more than forty years, but still love to discover new ways of doing things. Having up to now always been a traditional knitter in the sense that I knit all the various bits and then sew them together, it’s great to come across a new way of creating a garment that doesn’t need seams (or at least very few). Over the years I’ve tried different types of seams, but always come back to the backstitch method my mum taught me. However, it has to be said that for some garments it isn’t the flattest or neatest way to sew up.
So, finding out how to avoid seams at all has been fascinating. And it’s been good to challenge myself to knit something other than a sock in the round. I haven’t a finished a garment yet, but I have a couple underway and they’re working out nicely.
A new way of knitting means a new way of laying out the pattern. The charts in the book are very easy to follow once you get the hang of them. You’ll need stitch markers and a row counter to help keep on track, but those are usual tools of the trade. Yarn amounts are given in yards, which again is something new for me, but easy to deal with since balls of yarn give both weight of the ball and its length on the label.
The garments are knitted in three different ways: top down, side to side and back to front. That last means starting at the back, knitting up over the head and then down the front – not knitting the wrong way round!
There are attractive raglan and yoke pullovers and sweaters with some pretty lace patterns in every size from small children’s 2-16, women’s small to 5X-large and men’s small to XX-large. That should cater for most families!
There are useful tips and tricks too from the author.
This is an innovative and exciting book with super patterns and a fresh approach to knitting.

[Katherine]

I love this book! The book has a variety of sizes from children's sizes to adult 5x! There are four basic sweater patterns, each with several add-on variations to spice things up! The charts are well written and easy to follow, as are the written directions for the variations. The best thing is, the charts are also set up for three different weights of yarn, DK or light weight yarn, worsted and bulky! You can re-make these sweaters for different seasons and it's the same basic pattern!

The sweaters look really nice, and the best part, is no setting in the sleeves, which is what one-piece knitting is all about. I really enjoyed the way the book is laid out and it seems like the patterns are even appropriate for an adventurous beginner. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in making a good looking sweater in one piece. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Linden]

This book provides size guidelines/measurements and approximate yarn amounts for all sizes from a size 2 child to a woman’s 5X and a man’s XX. The top down raglan sweater is offered in all sizes using a table, and the basic raglan can be dressed up with a center cabled panel or with “lacy interest.” For the men, a color block option is offered. Also included: top down yoke sweaters, back-to-front styles, vests, cardigans, side-to-side sweaters, lace options, and even a shrug. A variety of necklines and sleeve options, buttonholes, pockets, and zipper insertion are shown as well. Colorful, clear illustrations compliment the text. Even with the plethora of free patterns offered online, this book is an excellent reference for both the budding knitwear designer, and anyone who likes the idea of knitting a sweater in one piece.

[Norah Gibbons]

I received an ARC of this book to read from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Complete Guide toOne-piece Knits by Margaret Hubert is an excellent resource book for those of us who hate sewing up their sweaters. When I am done knitting I want the sweater to be done. Margaret gives instructions for sweaters that will fit almost anyone from size 2 children’s up to 6X adult in several different yarn weights as well. Most of the sweaters are knit top down on circular needles therefore eliminating my dreaded seams. She also does several sweaters knit from the bottom back up over the shoulders and down the front, you will have side seams in these sweaters but it’s an interesting technique I look forward to trying. I think this book would be a wonderful addition to any knitters reference library. Publishing Date April 3, 2018
#TheCompleteGuidetoOne-pieceKnits #NetGalley

[Jenny Houle]

If you want to knit sweaters and only wanted ONE book to guide you through it, I would say that THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO ONE-PIECE KNITS is your answer. It contains a basic pattern for top-down raglan sweaters, top-down yoke sweaters, back-to-front sweaters and side-over sweaters, while also giving adjustments for every size between a child's size 2 to a men's size 2x (and women's size 5x). It gives estimated yarn amounts for DK/Sport, Worsted/Aran, and Bulky weight yarns, as well as how to make adjustments to each pattern to accommodate the different gauges. Basically, it really is the all informative book that would allow a knitter the chance to create their own patterns based on a basic pattern, as well as being an amazing guide to any one-piece sweater.

[Camille]

One-Piece Knits by Margaret Hubert was quite good I think, as multiple sizes are given for most designs, from toddler size to the biggest men's size.

There are a lot of colourful photos to make the whole book enjoyable to read, and clear instructions. It is definitely a guide or workbook that one can refer to regularly.

Disclaimer - I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group.

[Heather]

A great selection of basic knit tops. LOVE the wide range of sizes and instructions for various yarn weights for patterns. Not for new knitters, but if you have one or two simple garments under your belt and want to expand your knowledge, this is a great book to get.

**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

[Alexis]

I love knitting and sweaters but never knitting sweaters. The sewing and the joining of sleeves....I haven't made a sweater in years. However, I may just change that reading this book. I love the lack of sewing and the patterns are pretty cute as well. To a beginner, some of the shapes may seem weird to be making a sweater, but I promise as long as you follow the directions, the weird square thing will end up as a sweater in the end. I wish more patterns followed this style for clothes and look forward to any future books from this author.

[Valerie]

I'm a knitter, but I've never tried a sweater before. This book's easy to understand charts and directions make me think that I can do this. It is very informative & gives variations on each theme so you have plenty of choices. As a 'bigger woman" I love that sizes for women go up to 5x & 2x for men. I was given the opportunity to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley and the publisher.

[Eileen Hall]

If, like me you HATE sewing up knitteds, then this is for you.
A comprehensive instruction book for all the garments you need, saving time and sanity!
The illustrations are very helpful and the photos are stunning.
Very highly recommended.

[Strickleserl]

Beautiful book! Besides several patterns in different styles, it includes a lot of charts so that knitters can create their own individual sweater.

[grimalkin]

Not really any new info over Ann budd’s knitters complete guides.

[Dora Okeyo]

Knitters will love this book! I requested an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and for someone who is interested in knitting and wanted to try out new patterns of different sizes, this book was a great guide.

[Bobbie Kirkland]

I received a free copy of One-Piece Knits by Margaret Hubert in exchange for an honest review. This book explains the principles of constructing sweaters and cardigans knit top down, side to side, and back to front. For each, the author gives instructions for child’s sizes, women’s sizes, and men’s sizes worked in dk, worsted and bulky yarns. I loved the way the manual used charts to give the knitting instructions, expected yarn usage, etc. In addition to the principles of construction, the book contains patterns illustrating how the construction works. I really like this book.

#TheCompleteGuideToOne-pieceKnits #NetGalley

[Anne Hawn]

Excellent basic knitting book

If I was stranded on a desert island and only had one knitting book and a bunch of yarn. I would take this book. With you can make just about any style sweater you want. The first thing that made me fall in love with this book was pages of standard sizing for every sweater. For example, I have a wonderful Knit-O-Graph sweater my mom made for me in the 40's when I was a toddler. It has a lamb on the front and I loved it. Holding up the original sweater, I can tell that this is not a size 2, or rather a size 2 for today's child, but what size does a 2 year old need? Using standard sizing from this book I need to use the pattern directions for size 4 for In the width and almost a size 6 for the length.

Ask for the rest of the book, This is just a great selection of basic sweaters to make, and some good ideas for adding cables, lace or other embellishments. There are also instructions to help you fit the neck, underarms and across the bus.

[Ligaya]

I've read several books on one-piece knitting and this one is likely my least favorite. I have knit several raglan garments and have learned other techniques (like picking up stitches around the armhole) that save you from having to sew up seams, so the concept isn't new to me. I think that the garments in this book just aren't very attractive. The Classic Top-Down Yoke Sweater on page 79 is clearly bunching at the increase round above the armpits. The Cardigan with Lacy Interest is very fuddy-duddy. And the Woman's Pullover with Center Cabled Panel is just boring. (To me, it would have been more interesting as a more cropped top.) Clearly, this book urges a design-your-own sweater but it would have been better served to have more photos of variations to show all the possibilities. It would be a good reference for those who don't understand how to calculate rows and stitches given a certain stitch gauge and body measurement.

[Joyce]

I received this book free for an honest review.

I really like the amount of information given in this book. There are sweater patterns for size 2 children's to 5X woman's and XX males. You can use yarn sized 1 to 5. Most of the patterns are fairly simple in style but if you have experience knitting garments you can fix that easily enough. Being a new knitter and never have done a garment before. This books takes a lot of the complication out of it, so that I feel I could do this. You can knit the sleeve in one piece with the back and front and have very minimal seaming to do.

The charts are really easy to understand. I think this book would be good for an experienced beginner to expert knitter.

[Connie Stein]

The book has a variety of sizes from children's sizes to adult 5x! There are four basic sweater patterns. The charts are well written, however I feel that they would not be that easy for beginning knitters to follow. One thing she does that is nice is she gives variations to the patterns and another thing is that the charts are shown with three different weights of yarn (DK, worsted, and bulky)

[Michelle]

Imagine not needing to follow a pattern line-by-line or sew individual pieces precisely to make something as big and complicated as a sweater. It can be done! Hubert has some very traditional designs modernized to fit the motif of mostly-knit-in-one-piece and mostly-not- pieced. I didn't find any patterns I loved so much I'd make them, but I really enjoyed reading her ideas and designs and will definitely keep up with this master knitter's next works.

[Critterbee❇]

This is a very specific, very thorough guide to creating knitted sweaters. The basic techniques are explained, measurement information is exhaustive, and covers a wide range of sizes for children, women and men.

The book is a workhorse, and for anyone who enjoys knitting sweaters, or who wants to knit sweaters and needs some guidance.

Very well done.

*eARC Netgalley*

[Dana *]

Very clear instruction on basic construction and a few alternate options, for sweaters knit in one piece. The special part is the yarn requirements and measurements for all sweaters. Once you decide on your knit pattern (lace, rib etc) and get a gauge, you can make any sweater and it should fit.
This is a reference book, and a fabulous generous one.

[Polly Krize]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a well presented book, it is an essential for anyone wanting to construct sweaters for the whole family. The sizing charts are invaluable, and together with yarn type advice, these patterns are achievable for knitters of all stages.

[Patricia Radan]

I love this book

I love the books by Margaret Hubert! Either knit or crochet! I had to gave up crochet because of arthritis in my shoulders, I have other books on seamless knitting, but this is the best! Her instructions and sizing charts are easy to follow.
Thank you Margaret!

[Sue Parker]

Sorry I could not download this edition. Sounds interesting although the cover needs to be updated.

[Tracey Wilde]

This is extremely useful to knitters. Not for beginners but if you are a person who knits things in pieces and then seams this will be a revelation !

[Tea]

I really like these patterns