Knit It out

The author of Close Knit and the creator of the “Alone Together” sweater, which went viral during lockdown, returns with a new collection of hip, stylish patterns, and a powerful reflection on the healing power of knitting. One of Europe’s most popular and talented young textile stars, Lærke Bagger is also a vocal proponent of knitting as therapy. In her latest combination of memoir and knitting guide, she shares the poignant story of her relationship with her father— from his early abandonment of the family to their reconciliation and his death. Woven throughout these personal essays are a number of chic and quirky new patterns—including the Inner Child sweater, the Let It All Hang Out scarf, and Lærke’s version of the Scandinavian classic, which she calls the Family sweater. She shows how to adapt each pattern for a child, and—in a delightful tribute to her own obsession—for a Barbie doll as well. As Lærke knits her way through grief, an identity crisis, and the reconstruction of her family life, she offers support for knitters on their own journeys of self-acceptance: tips for embracing imperfection, clever project-saving strategies, and the encouragement to experiment with ribbons, beads, fringes and different types of yarn. Knitters familiar with Lærke’s joyfully laid-back attitude will be delighted to find new avenues for their creativity. A new crop of fans will discover a wise and encouraging teacher, who celebrates rule-breaking, innovation, and the practice of knitting through your feelings.