Cool Wool School
Easy Sweaters to Knit by Melanie Berg is a beautiful, confidence-boosting collection of modern knitwear patterns that prove that easy can still mean elegant, wearable, and stylish.
Comfortable Style Meets Accessible Knitting
Known for her contemporary aesthetic and intuitive construction, Melanie has created a book that welcomes newer garment knitters while still offering enough interest for more experienced makers. Easy Sweaters to Knit is a beautiful, confidence-boosting collection of modern knitwear patterns that prove that easy can still mean elegant, wearable, and stylish.
The Designs
The book features 13 sweater and cardigan patterns that blend simplicity with sophistication. These are the kinds of jumpers and cardigans youll reach for again and againversatile shapes, wearable fits, and subtle design details that make them special without being overwhelming.
Youll find a range of constructionsfrom top-down seamless yokes to drop-shoulder sweaters and even a cardigan made from a square! Theres a lovely balance between structure and drape, and all of the garments are designed with comfort and movement in mind.
Accessibility
Melanie excels at making garment knitting feel achievable. Every pattern is clearly written with detailed sizing charts, schematic diagrams, and notes on shaping and construction. She includes guidance on yarn substitution and swatching, as well as the ease each pattern is designed to have so you feel supported at every stage of the process.
Most sweaters are designed with minimal finishing and seamless construction wherever possible, which keeps things approachable for knitters who might be attempting their first wearable piece.
Style
The styling throughout the book is calm and contemporary, with a muted colour palette that lets the stitches shine. The sweaters are paired with relaxed trousers, simple skirts, and natural backdropsmaking it easy to imagine how you might incorporate each piece into your own wardrobe.
There is a lovely section at the back showing the real knitters who made the garments. They describe why they picked the one they made and their experience of making it.
My Favourite...
My favourite piece? The Cinnamon Daydream sweatera slouchy fit with lace patterning down the sleeves and the front.
Its the kind of sweater that looks chic with jeans and will keep you warm and stylish all season long.
My Observations
This book is a real treat for anyone looking to build their handmade wardrobe with garments that are both wearable and enjoyable to knit. Melanies strength lies in her ability to design patterns that feel effortless but never dull.
Heres what I particularly loved:
Simple silhouettes with just enough detail to keep them interesting
Clearly written patterns with excellent support for newer garment knitters
Inclusive sizing and fit advice
Emphasis on comfort and versatility
Beautiful photography and layout thats both inspiring and practical
Summary
Easy Sweaters to Knit is a fantastic addition to any knitters bookshelfespecially if you're looking to step into the world of garment knitting without feeling intimidated. Melanie Berg has created a collection thats stylish, achievable, and endlessly wearable. Whether youre casting on your first jumper or your fifteenth, youll find something in here that youll love makingand love wearing.
Machine Knitting Monthly, October 2025
Hand knit a stylish collection of contemporary sweaters and cardigans. Every pattern can be worked in seven different sizes and all necessary charts, illustrations and clear photos are included. The patterns will inspire confident knitters to step out of their comfort zones.
