Inspired Sweater Designs
by Marianne Isager

Danish designer Marianne Isager offers 16 sumptuous and sophisticated handknitted sweaters inspired by African carpets, baskets, and other textiles.

The knitting techniques, including entrelac, double knitting, Intarsia, domino, and Fair Isle knitting, are used in traditional and contemporary ways.

You’ll love the intriguing designs including a Shoowa vest and Kuba pullover, and relish the patterns echoing other regional African textiles, such as the mud-dyed fabrics from Bamana in Mali and the block design from the Asante people in Ghana. You’ll also find reflections of African wildlife in some projects, from the leaping antelope to the flocks of birds to the showy giraffes and zebras.

Isager provides full instructions and charted patterns for each exquisite design in at least two adult sizes. These sweaters—all presented with step-by-step instructions and beautiful photographs—are worked in fingering-weight yarns.

They’re not quick to knit, but they will be timeless classics, sure to make stunning additions to your wardrobe or lifelong gifts for the most special people in your life. Experienced knitters will enjoy trying some of the more involved shapes and designs, and may be inspired to take up the challenge of designing their own African-inspired garment!