Preparing for a Cocoknits Method Pattern

Is there anything better than visiting your LYS to prepare for a new project? Here's our shopping list to get started on any Cocoknits Method pattern: 

• A Cocoknits Method pattern of your choice

• Cocoknits Sweater Workshop or a Cocoknits Method On Demand Class

• Cocoknits Sweater Worksheet Journal (optional)

• Yarn and needles as suggested in the beginning of pattern

• Cocoknits Colorful Stitch Markers

• Leather Cord and Needle Stitch Holder Kit to hold Sleeve stitches

• Row Counter (optional)

• Claw Clips (optional)

Be sure you have these general knitting essentials:

• Tapestry Needles
• Yarn Snip
• Tape Measure

If you don't know your nearest LYS that carries Cocoknits, you can find one here.

Please confirm that you're picking a Cocoknits Method pattern. Not all of our sweaters are Cocoknits Method. There will be a note on the pattern page that says "This is a Cocoknits Method pattern" if it is one. You can also browse them all here. 

If this is your first time knitting with The Cocoknits Method, don't worry! You'll find everything you need to know in the Cocoknits Sweater Workshop or in an On Demand Class. Both provide clear instruction so that learning this method will be easy and fun, whether you're a beginner or experienced knitter. If you are on the beginner side of things, or feeling hesitant to cast on, we recommend starting with the Emma pattern. We specifically have a video On Demand class for Emma (A&B), as well as a Cocoknits Method baby sweater if you'd like to start with a small project to learn the method.

Some patterns may say that they use a "modified Cocoknits Method." (If you're knitting in the Everlasting KAL, you can still join with these patterns.) Here's a list of modified Cocoknits Method patterns and how you would follow along differently. 

• Cleo: skip the sleeves. 
• Juniper: skip content about the Cocoknits Method Worksheet (it's not used or needed for this pattern). 
• Renee: skip content about the Cocoknits Method Worksheet (it's not used or needed for this pattern). 
• Sarah: everything is the same except it has an alternative worksheet that comes with the pattern that you'll use for the yoke, rather than the Cocoknits Method Worksheet. 
• Nine Patch: skip content about the Cocoknits Method Worksheet (it's not used or needed for this pattern). 
• Quinn: skip content about the Cocoknits Method Worksheet (it's not used or needed for this pattern). 
• Portia: skip the sleeves.
• PORTIA: skip the sleeves.
• FLYNN: skip content about the Cocoknits Method Worksheet (it's not used or needed for this pattern).

• Secure items from the shopping list above.
• Read over the pattern to familiarize yourself with the steps to come.
• Knit your swatch. If you don't typically knit a swatch, are unfamiliar with the process, or need a refresher - we recommend reading this article: Why & How to Knit a Swatch.
• It's critical to get gauge when making a sweater so you're happy with the final fit. We highly recommend wet blocking your swatch for an accurate gauge because some yarn grows after blocking. If you don't typically wet block, are unfamiliar with the process, or need a refresher - we recommend reading this article: How to Wet Block. 
• Choose what size to knit: How to Measure Garments to Get Preferred Pattern Size
• Plan for any customizations you'd like. We have a handful of helpful tutorials that will guide you through your options below.

• Get inspired about customizing color and shaping by reading pages 39-48 of the Cocoknits Sweater Workshop. 
• Read pages 106-109 of the Cocoknits Sweater Workshop for guidance on planning for modifications.
• Here are some helpful articles to read/videos to watch about modifying patterns:

-How to Measure Garments to Get Preferred Pattern Size: this tutorial will help you choose which size to knit based on your current favorite garment measurements (rather than your body measurements).

-Why & How to Knit Multiple Sizes in One Sweater: Everyone's body shape is unique. Sizing up or down to achieve a good fit in one area can lead to a bad fit in others. This tutorial shows how to combine different sizes to achieve your perfect fit.

-How to Modify Gauge: this tutorial will teach you a simple trick to knit your sweater in a yarn that's a different weight than called for in the pattern. 

-How (& Why) to Work Bust Darts.

-How to Modify for In-between Bust Sizes.

-How to Customize a Neckline: Rounded (Cocoknits Method).

• Get some inspiration from your fellow knitters! Browse our #cocoknitskal hashtag on Instagram or finished projects on Ravelry to see unique modifications people have made to our patterns. 
• If you have Instagram, watch our highlight "Sections 1-3" for a few expert gauge tips from Julie. 

-How to Customize your Cocoknits Sweater has a some more inspiration too!

Once finished with the information above, you can continue moving forward with content guiding you through a Cocoknits Method sweater with our Everlasting KAL page. If you're signed up for our emails, you'll receive a new email in one week going over Sections 1-3 and the Collar (if your patterns calls for it). 

If you don't know about it, our Everlasting KAL is our knit-a-long that's going on well...forever! You can join by yourself, with friends, or with an LYS. Best part? You get to pick what sweater to knit. Learn more by visiting the Everlasting KAL page.