Stacks of Handknit vintage sweaters (12 of my favorites!) 🧶 A Vintage Knit Sweater Podcast

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I've got a whole bunch of vintage sweaters - lets take a closer look at them!
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Engineering knits is a place for people who enjoy all kinds of vintage and antique crafts - from sewing to knitting, crochet to embroidery I like to try it all. I definitely have a preference for historical fibre crafts, and it is my dream to one day make an entire outfit from sheep to sweater. I hope you enjoy watching me and my favorite companion, Nutella, struggle through some fascinating projects!
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[@bbknits202]

My first thought about the construction of the green wrap around sweater was breastfeeding. It could honestly be useful for so many things! And the idea for a “choose your own adventure” sweater pattern is so cool!!

[@blackhellebore89]

I thought the same! And that the extra fabric from the wrap would help mum to feel covered up while feeding, or to feed while sitting or in bed without undressing so much

[@franug]

The green one is beautiful and of course is a maternity sweater!! Really practical for breastfeeding

[@camchappell6510]

was trying to find a comment about this! that was my first thought as well

[@amelia13131]

Wow, so many wonderful vintage sweaters! I love the green wrap around sweater, especially because of the high neckline. Modern wrap cardigans I've seen have very deep V necks, which I don't like to wear. I also like that bright orange/red one with the zipper, I think I would wear it with the zipper in front like a quarter-zip fleece.

[@Lisa_Flowers]

I totally agree. Those are my favourites too. I wish I could find a modern pattern for the green wrap cardigan, I also dislike deep v's.

[@sophiewiest1493]

Absolutely yes for the green one! I am neither a big-things-knitter nor a vintage affectionate one, but I've knit myself a big garter stitch triangle shawl (those that come in a color changing cake with multiple strands, like seen on hobbii) last summer and found myself now in the winter time mostly enjoying it wrapped around my body with the top on my back pointing at my butt and the two sides crossing over my shoulders and breast and tied in the back. The doubled warmth saved me on cold days at the university, but the knot in the back really annoyed me and it wouldn't stay this way without knotting (and it looked weird). I thought about winging a me-only pattern with some ties or buttons to achieve that double thickness in a cardigan style, with that accidentally roll-up collar from the triangle shawl, but I really haven't gotten the time or motivation or experience yet, so I really hope that that will be a pattern one day. Its literally the thing I was searching for.

[@clairesutherland8649]

They are all nice! I would be interested in a pattern of the green wrap sweater.😁

[@Dollyknowsbest6x5]

Me too!

[@venomwoolknits]

I mean..... patterns for all of them?? The green wrap top is definitely the most unique, I love that it closes with poppers and buttons rather than ties. But I also love the pink/purple one from the 80s (my blue light filter means I do not trust any colours I see when I watch a video after 8pm 😅). This was so fun to watch!

[@melahatali2104]

I like them all but my top favourite is the green crossover. Please put it on the top of your to knit list.. Thank you ❤

[@publicschoolhobo]

Yes, this is the one I would most like to knit myself!

[@ClaudiaJasalavich]

Yes, I would like to make the green crossover sweater first, too. I love the way the neckline looks. It would be a lovely top with pants or a skirt.

[@quietcorvidae]

agreed, it's adorable!

[@annietube1]

For your next re-make, here’s 1 vote for the purple 80s sweater bc it reminds me of those 1890s bicycle sweaters that have been all over my Pinterest boards for the last few years- but a more wearable, and less yarn-eating, version (bc smaller sleeves). Plus, you might as well get in on the bicycle sweater algorithm boost while it’s still hot! My runner-up vote would be for the little orange cardigan with the pointed collar at the back, but it’s such a classic style, it will be ‘in’ forever, unlike the 80s one (is my bet after living thru the 80s and seeing it go ‘out’ hard w grunge & hip hop style in the 90s).

[@laurahi3468]

Oooh my... I am usually not wearing much knit sweaters though I love knitting, but if you would make a pattern for the purple Victorian-style one with the puffed sleaves I would really bust out my needles in a heartbeat! ❤

[@AnnieKat_]

Green sweater could be nice for a nursing mom too maybe?

[@wolfgangshuman]

The green wrap is my favourite, would love to see you recreate this, maybe with long sleeves? 😊

[@genier7829]

My vote for a remake is the orange cardigan, it is really nice with fun details. The wrap style is just that- a fashion choice in my opinion. I care for a disabled mother and the wrapping would be very cumbersome not to mention the inconvenient placement of the snaps and buttons, but I would happily knit one for myself🤗

[@annietube1]

About the little orange cardigan & learning to love the colour orange- I also used to cringe from wearing bright oranges, it felt too conspicuous for my introverted self. And I tend to flush red, I didn’t want more brightness near my face. But then I started collecting this brand of vintage costume jewellery called ‘Coro’ and bc so much of it was made during the 50s and 60s and orange was so in vogue then (& maybe bc it hasn’t been in style much since), there are SOOO many more examples of bright orange Coro out there than any other colour! Especially in thrift shops, which is where I normally search. So now I have a big collection of largely orange, gorgeous vintage necklaces that I love. And so, I learned to love wearing orange too! Ironically, I started with cardigans bc I could use other neutrals or greens to tone the brightness down. I decided I’d rather wear something I love (the necklaces) than let them sit unused on my dresser. And now I honestly love wearing orange! Just something to think about.

[@howcanikeepfromsinging]

The orange cardigan with the pointed back collar reminds me of the "Sea going stuff" pattern in the P&B wools pamphlet titled "Three Youthful Patterns" #313-6d (pence). It differs by having a moss stitch border, the sleeves aren't raglan, and it's hip length. It does have pockets though 😀

[@elodi_rose]

These are so fabulous ❤ the tangerine cardigan with that fabulous collar is amazing and I’d love to knit one!

[@FaerieDust]

17:24 I'm pretty sure that turtleneck zipper is worn at the front! That's a pretty common thing in Sweden, at least. I love literally every single one of these pieces. You really have a knack for finding beautiful vintage pieces! I love the 09:27 red sweater. I often find sweaters far too warm, I'm really more of a cardigan person, but I'd love that one. The 15:08 cardigan would be perfect for me just because of how airy it is. Basically, I'll be super happy with whatever pattern you end up going for, I think all of these are stunning! The mix and match idea is great, too!

[@catfursoup]

They're all so beautiful but that green wrap sweater is just wow!!! I would be very interested in a pattern :-)

[@enilegnave21]

I think the one you are wearing is spectacular, the off-white mohair was gorgeous, and the moss green wrap-around sweater. Make them all ;)

[@draughtoflethe]

I would *love* the pattern for 19:00 ! It's such an adorable design. Honestly, I kind of love the mauve color, too. Oh wow, I really love the wrap cardigan at 23:00 too! It's just such a cute and unusual style, I'd love to see a pattern for that.

[@Shetooktothewoods]

My vote is also the green wrap sweater, followed by the zip neck sweater. Those just have such lovely, unusual closures.

[@loren9958]

I ADORE the orange mohair cardigan with that fun collar! The point in the back was just *chef's kiss* have you seen any patterns out there that have that? If so, I'd be very interested to know! And if not... it sounds like a recreation is in order, haha! ❤

[@mikjes1839]

The fairisle peaks my interest the most! You should definitely frame it as art in your studio!

[@flatbatterymakes2495]

Ooooh Bearing in mind that I'd love for you to produce patterns for them all but don't want you to spend every hour of the next ten years doing so... I'd adore the picot collar cardi, the wrap front cardi, the coral cardi with the adorable collar, the pink ribbed 80's ish jumper (I'm a Brit!) So, maybe only the next 5 years?? Lol Special mention too for the orange ski sweater (which I'd also love to knit up as both jumper and dress). I love the addition of the zip in the back so the 60's ladies could dress cosily for Après Ski with that cute instructor & get the true roll neck look without messing up their bouffant hairstyles - Joyous!

[@soul00theeundead]

I would like the wrap sweater and yes, I had fun looking at the sweaters. The wrap sweaters was what caught my attention because not many wrap sweaters patterns I seen use buttons mostly a cord to tie together and are more open around the neck too. I like the one you showed.

[@das_moendchen3250]

I totally get why the heart shaped buttons remind you of "Lbekuchenherzen" from Germany! Can confirm they look like this! :D

[@c0ldlight1]

Yessss mix and match mohair! All of these are so beautiful. Oh my goodness that wrap around short sleeve green sweater is a DREAM

[@beebeemcv]

I'd love a pattern for the orange one with the pointed collar. It's so cute and a bit unusual! Lovely video ❤

[@DeeDeeCatMom]

I LOVE the Scandinavian sweaters, so my heart lies with those, and the purple miss stitch sweater 😍😍

[@elizabethlauricella7176]

You look gorgeous in that berry color cable slip over. Love all your sweaters. Enjoy your videos.

[@MsLieslieslies]

Oh my, that orange mohair cardigan is absolutely adorable. I would LOVE to knit a version of it!

[@annettebowersox1976]

I enjoyed this soooo much!!! I loved the orange sweater with the orange matching buttons with the pointed collar in the back! I NEED that sweater!!! 😂

[@shewsch]

So beautiful! Definitely need the Fair Isle vest and the orange mohair cardi with kerchief collar in a more useable color. Can't wait to see you knitting them!

[@aliceb6248]

I loooooove the green wrapped sweater and the mauve one with the puffy sleeves!!! Aaaaah so cute!

[@lenorewetzel]

I absolutely LOVE the green wrap-around sweater. I would love to see you recreate that one. I would be tempted to try recreating it but am not sure if I could. I will keep my eyes peeled for patterns that are remotely similar. Thoroughly enjoy all of your videos. Thanks for sharing

[@jacohrs88]

Purple Chunky Sweater and then Green Wrap!

[@highnoon9333]

The fair isle one is gorgeous!

[@ddb777]

Der Wickelpulli ist einfach atemberaubend! 😍😍😍

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

I had personalized tags exactly like those and I started hand crafting around 1970.

[@TheHeritageArtsPodcast]

I love that Raglan Bobble & Cable cardigan! I would love to see that one re-made!!!

[@ShanaH414]

I would love to hear your views on the differences between today's mohair and the vintage mohair. You don't seem itchy while modeling the vintage knits but I remember earlier mohair (albeit from the 80s) being so scratchy!

[@bathildat8136]

They all look so amazing 😃 However, I would LOVE to knit this baby Blue Cable Cardigan 🤩

[@mamelvik]

Beautiful knits and great video as always. maybe it would interest you to look into Swiss darning to potentially repair the Fair Isle vest? I'm just learning it, and it's a lot of fun and very fascinating how invisible and nice you can make it look.

[@carolroberts132]

All the jumpers also known as pullovers, ( I am British), and cardigans are lovely. If I had to choose, I would go for the deep peach / orange mohair cardi and the green wrap around. I have been catching up with your adventures over the last few weeks and am looking forward to what you have in store for us this year.

[@goodandgreen]

Yes! Knowledge and one of a kind! Please go viral with this unique information and collection!!! I would watch 50 of these ‘documenting lost arts’ videos a year. I’d be sad to lose your other videos though! 😂 what a great way to showcase your talents ❤

[@Leem1022]

The green wrap sweater and the purple one are both so beautiful

[@ravenouscuriosity]

That green one is sooooo nice. They all are, but I would probably cast that one on right now, if I could!

[@deborahmartin8990]

Fabulous collection. Very very envious. My favourite is the baby blue wide-collared cardi. I have long coveted that one!

[@RyanMercer]

Huzzah! I finally know for sure you're another member KZbinr :), my wife and I had our suspicions.

[@Kelli.Hicks.5]

I love the wrap-around sweater. That's so clever.

[@Redheadrachelm]

Wow - beautiful collection! I LOVE the idea of a mix n match mohair vintage inspired pattern! I would definitely knit one ❤

[@janisi9262]

That red sweater at 20:40: my dad has a VERY similar sweater! It doesn't have "special" embroidered on it, but it looks exactly the same otherwise. The green, wrap sweater is very cute, and will keep your boobs warm! I don't know if that's a concern anyone else has, but mine get chilly in the winter and the double layer would be great for that. As for the colour, Cascade's Eco+ yarn in 2445 Shire is similar, if darker. It's a lovely, soft wool that knits up well and is pretty hard-wearing. I have a pair of handwarmers I made using it in 2014 and I've worn them every winter since and they're in great shape. The only downside is that the yarn WILL felt if you put it in the washer. This is an upside if you want to create something felted, though! I've also used it for a (very silly) hat and a felted bag, and it's been great for everything.

[@cynthiareagan6069]

I’m rabid for that purple 80s sweater 😭 I love it so much

[@JulietMorley]

I love the pink and green towards the end 😋

[@bobbinsandkalechips]

Those are all such cute sweaters! I really like the orange mohair and the purple cottagcore sweaters for future pattern ideas.

[@KnittingLulu]

that fair isle vest is gorgeous and i really hope you will make the whole set so that i can snatch those up! mz other favourite is the dark berry cable top. such a classic. and obviously the ski sweaters, because anything colour work is my jam :D what a lovely collection, thanks for sharing!

[@mimi_user]

i love mix-and-match choose-your-own-adventure kind of patterns! if you can pull it off that mohair cardigan idea could be really fun

[@kristalburns3490]

I love it when you share your vintage sweaters.

[@BboCanada-y2s]

Thanks so much for the show - wow! I would love to make up that sweet little orange mohair. Even though it's not your favorite colour, it looks amazing on you! Best wishes - Toni in Niagara

[@robinhutchings8865]

I loved them all, but I would to knit the ones with the fun collars.

[@Om-nom-nomigon]

I love all of them. I don’t feel confident enough to attempt a colour work garment at the moment, but I love the orange cardigan and would happily give that a go

[@ladypinkylee]

Your collection is amazing! I would love to see you tackle a recreation of some of these like you teased.

[@sophieinspired]

The purple one is amazing!! Yes, yes for a pattern please! 😱 you said you already made a pattern for the first one? 👀 You truely have an amazing sweater collection, lovely pieces 💖

[@cleverpaws9035]

I love the wrap one. In one of my vintage knit books I have one that is essentially two single shoulder tops, the inner one in the round, the outer one buttoned on the side.

[@poppy5986]

I love the ski sweaters, and anything with cable! 😊 I would love to see a pattern of the mauve 1980s jumper. I would enjoy making that one for sure 😊. I have a cardigan very similar to the light blue mohair one that I bought about 10 years ago from a high street fashion shop. I actually got it because it looks 40s/50s. I also enjoyed the shoe section, I like the shoes with the two tone body/toes.

[@tinakauder6605]

What a wonderful collection!! Being still a beginner at knitting, I do shy away from colour work but the "Victorian 70s" and the wrap style ones I would love to try out if you decide to make and sell the pattern. ♥️

[@KristiChan1]

Mohair is probably my favorite in sweaters. I have one that I believe was made in the 90s, and what I like is that it also has a scene of a pheasant on it, with a field and a sheep in the background. Super colorful too.

[@rimaporre2373]

The fairisle vest!

[@maleahlock]

The green wrap top! Pkease do that one! I have a vague memory of my mum's friend wearing the same type of wrap top when she was breastfeeding. . . but I could be misremembering. Thank you for the video and the detailed look at your collection.

[@Lillkatzino]

It was so lovely to see all of these in action! Honestly I think they are all gorgeous, but if you do decide to share another pattern, I‘d like to vote for the purple one!

[@lizh8041]

i would love the green wrap sweater! what a fascinating construction

[@bobbiebrannon1268]

I love the orange color

[@xiluvOreox]

Definitely do a pattern of the purple 80s ksh one w the cable down the front and I also the fair isle! They are stunning and I would buy the patterns in a heartbeat!

[@lesleyharris525]

All of the above 😂, I finally finished my vintage jumper 🎉, so it might have been years in the making but it's done. ❤

[@Kaelynn-ou8fu]

Would love a remake of the fair isle vest or the green wrap. Those are my favorites

[@uschilou]

I LOVE seeing all the little details. Thank you, lovely video!

[@vashtilives2469]

I have 12 skeins of vintage wool mohair blend yarn that was gifted to me by an older lady I know who was cleaning out her house. She told me she purchased it in the early 60s and started a sweater before abandoning it because well, life happened. I would LOVE if you ever wanted to convert one of your mohair sweaters into a modern pattern like you did with the dot sweater. I think my favorite in terms of design is the orange one but they’re all lovely! Obviously doing a pattern like this is a huge amount of work so I understand if you don’t want to but you’d have my support.

[@guillermodeltortle]

Oh man I love that green wrap sweater. My first thought was that it could be constructed that way for accessibility reasons and I love that green too. Knitpicks Palette in Forest Heather might be a close colour match for you. [Wash with conditioner and vinegar though. I have a lot of Palette items and they can be itchy]

[@MichiaMakes]

All the sweaters. We need them ALL 😂 But, please start with the wrap sweater ❤. I find wrap style everything more flattering for a feminine figure than anything boxy or bulky.

[@rachelrothgeb3097]

When you put on the wrap around cardigan my first thought immediately went to how much fuss a lot of sweaters would be for a nursing mom (gods know how much I wanted to scream with my littlest during the brief time he was) so that was my first thought on seeing the wrap cardigan for sure, but that probably wasn't the purpose of that design, it's far more likely it would have been for the reasons you brought up.

[@halliehasslinger9663]

Wow! I absolutely love vintage sweaters and enjoyed every minute of your video. My eyes popped when I saw the tag of your red acrylic sweater! I used to live in Monterey County in California and am very familiar with the city of Carmel. The tag is extra special because it shows the iconic trees that are by the central coast. I'm guessing it was a sportswear brand because Carmel is close to Pebble Beach. Anyway, just thought I'd share some fun tidbits!

[@DebbieBlue-dt1zx]

I love the orange mohair cardigan the collar is so cool and would love to see you reproduce it in a better colour. I also like the vest and hope you could recreate it. 😋😋😋 loved most of them to tell the truth.

[@Hippiechick11]

Me too! But other than that, love all of them!

[@pakedermsfavs9080]

The vest is my dream project ! ❤

[@Jasmine-cn4wc]

what a stunning collection!! the clasps look so cool! and I love the different neck styles!❤

[@pennyfawcett3643]

What a great collection! I would love to see you do a pattern of the green wraparound sweater. It has such interesting details and I’ve never seen anything like it.

[@christinefunk3591]

What great content!! I cannot wait until you do the pink one with moss sleeves. Omg!! So pretty. Love the idea of all the mohair cardigans. The blue and the orange one . Love the collars. I bought your last cardigan pattern but am waiting for spring to do cuz here in Canada it’s -25C

[@StetStitches]

I would love to knit the wrap sweater. I have seen vintage baby sweaters with similar styles and you usually dress them while they’re laying down, so it makes sense that you wrap it around rather than pull it over. I also wonder if I would have useful to have a sweater like that if one was breast feeding… My other favorites are the pointed collar and the fair isle vest. They’re all so lovely!

[@elanorogden4628]

I would totally buy a pattern for the green wrap sweater. I like that it uses buttons instead of a tie.

[@jimmydoesknitting]

Ohhh. So many design ideas.

[@goldensilver5475]

I think that green wrap around sweater is so beautiful and I love the comfortable fit of it with the ribbing and loose arms. I'd love if you could copy a pattern for it

[@maureenwilliford8985]

I love them all. The green one strikes me as very 1940’s which is why I love the look but all those side buttons would drive me insane and so would the back zipper one, lol.😊

[@halem6580]

My thought with the wrap-around sweater is maybe for a nursing mother? It seems like it would make the process a bit easier than having to sort out a pullover while still having a similar look.

[@kida4star]

I would love a recreation of the 80s pink sweater!

[@howcanikeepfromsinging]

Thanks for sharing. I *love* the idea of a pattern for vintage-inspired mix-n-match cardigan/jumper/vest. It does bug me a bit when you just say things like you can't remember the style of regular sleeve sewn onto the shoulder, instead of taking 5-10 min to do a quick bit of internet research. I use videos like yours as part of my research into vintage or more advanced knitting, and i'm sure others do too.

[@patterntreasures]

I loved seeing all your vintage knitwear. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm super interested in the green wrap around sweater. It's so unique and fascinating. It's also great to see real vintage knitwear up close in your videos because I don't come across it in real life. The colours are so vibrant which is something I don't always appreciate from images in old patterns.

[@rainieraine1192]

Thank you for sharing your vintage sweater collection, I really enjoyed seeing them all - is it possible to see them inside out too, intrigued about what the look like inside! I wondered if the green cross over ‘sweatergan’ was made in the 70s as they wore that style over a bell sleeve blouses.

[@elenaun]

Am I the only one who thinks the green wrap knit could have been a nursing top? I only crochet, so can't say which knit you should recreate but love the bold zip turtleneck in a crochet pattern lol

[@emilycreager2269]

I would love a pattern for that green wrap cardigan!!

[@resourcedragon]

Regarding the Fair Isle vest: knitting has undergone a bit of a revival (although it never quite went away) in the Shetland Islands and so you will be able to obtain authentic Shetland wool in the right weight and a wonderful range of colours to reproduce that lovely vest. As I write this, I have several balls of said Shetland wool all around me and a little colour work project on a set of DPNs. Indeed, the background colour I am using is very similar to that of your vest. EDIT: If I were you I'd be very chary about trying to write a "choose your own adventure" pattern - I am trying to write a pattern so that the little project mentioned above can be worked in a modular fashion according to the knitter's desires, skills and patience. Even without different sizes, it's proving quite challenging. At a guess, the different patterns you showed all repeat over a different number of stitches, so that writing that into a pattern that can also be made in a variety of sizes is going to be very challenging.

[@rebeccajones4617]

we need your next live steam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@georgiaocianain1683]

I love the green wrap cardigan! I would love to be able to buy a pattern for that but maybe with more fitted standard sleeves.

[@gretchentorrey5495]

I would buy a pattern for the orange one in a heartbeat 🥰