Preparing for a Cocoknits Method Pattern

There's nothing we find more enjoyable than preparing for a fresh knitting project. We love discovering new yarn options at our LYS, gathering our tools, filling up on fiber inspiration, and making that first magical swatch. The beginning of your project is also the best time to plan ahead for customizations and think about creative adaptations you may like to add to the pattern. 

This article is a guide so you're fully prepared to cast on a Cocoknits Method Pattern. We have a shopping list, a to-do list, and plenty of helpful resources for you. There's a lot of information, but it's all fun, we promise. 

All The Things...

1

Shopping List

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: 

Be sure you have these general knitting essentials:


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

2

Note: Choosing a Pattern

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! Everything you need to know you'll find in the Cocoknits Sweater Workshop. This book provides 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 and feel too intimidated by cast on we recommend starting with the Emma pattern (any version will do).

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: follow along normally, just skip the sleeves. 
  • Juniper: follow along normally, just skip content about the Cocoknits Method Worksheet (it's not used or needed for this pattern). 
  • Renee:  follow along normally, just 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: follow along normally, just skip content about the Cocoknits Method Worksheet (it's not used or needed for this pattern). 
  • Quinn: follow along normally, just skip content about the Cocoknits Method Worksheet (it's not used or needed for this pattern). 
  • Portia: follow along normally, just skip the sleeves.
3

To-Do List

  • 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
  • Plan for any customizations you'd like. We have a handful of helpful tutorials that will guide you through your options below.
4

Resources

  • 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 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. 
5

Next Steps

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

Comments

Cocoknits

Hi Valerie, So glad you are joining the KAL for Ruth!

We do not have a working knowledge of this yarn, but from doing a quick search it looks like it is dk weight.

Julie has knit a Ruth with a dk weight yarn at the given gauge of 17 sts per 4"/10 cm. She often likes a light airy fabric in her sweaters. This yarn should give an airy fabric at that gauge.

The most important thing is to work a gauge swatch and to find the gauge that gives you the most pleasing fabric. If that gauge differs from the suggested patten gauge, you can watch Julie’s tutorial “How to Modify Gauge”. In it she walks you through a few quick and easy tips to help you get a sweater that fits at the gauge you prefer.

Julie has a video about yarn choice on the Julie’s Ruth page on our website (it drops down under KAL), to help with this question.

We’re happy to answer questions anywhere, but you may find you get a quicker response by emailing knit@cocoknits.com.

Hope this helps!


Valerie

Hi,
I’d like to get an opinion on my yarn choice.
Noro Kakigori for Ruth.

Thanks


Cocoknits

Hi Yvonne, Tribe Yarns in London is knitting along with us. They have lots of information on their website, tribeyarns.com, along with a list of suggested yarns. A few of those suggestions are: Eco Soft and Alpaca 3 by Isager, Manchelopi by Wooldreamers, and Beatrix by Juniper Moon. Enjoy your yarn search!


Cocoknits

Hi Karen, Julie doesn’t usually like to recommend ease because it is such an individual choice. We don’t ask our models their bust measurements, but we noticed that the Mabel model is small—maybe 32-34” and she is wearing a size Large (44” bust) so there is approximately 10-12” of ease.
In regard to both sweaters, the best idea is to base the size you knit on a garment that you like the fit of. You can even measure different parts of different favorite garments. Hope that helps!


Yvonne Gordon

Hi, I’m in the UK and Bread and Butter Bun isn’t available here. Can you suggest another yarn please?


Karen

What is the recommended ease for Mabel? For Toni?


Cocoknits

Hi Kathleen, Please check the pattern page for the sweater you are interested in here on our website. You will see several different models and information on the yarn they were knitted in. If you don’t find a yarn that works for you there, you can also look at the pattern page on Ravelry and click on “yarn ideas” along the top or “projects” on the right to see what other yarns people have knit it in. Feel free to email us at knit@cocoknits.com if you have more questions. Happy knitting!


Kathleen Nessel

Hi – I have purchased your book from my LYS – the yarn used for Classic Elite Yarns – this is not available. Do you have a sub list for your publication?


Cocoknits

Hi Stacey,

Please email us at knit@cocoknits.com with specific pattern questions. Erik is not Cocoknits Method; it is one of Julie’s earlier patterns.


Stacey Tannehill

Hi All:
I’m attempting to start the Erik Sweater for my son. Can I get some visual directions on how to start the hood.
Thanks in advance


Cocoknits

Hi Jacquelyn,
Please email us at knit@cocoknits.com with your order number. Thanks!


Jacquelyn Wilson

Have ordered stitch markers. Need tracking number.

Jacquelyn Wilson


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