1. hobbies and interests
2. arts and crafts
3. knitting

Penny Straker Patterns
Inspired Classics with Contemporary Style
Penny Straker Patterns are the benchmark of hand knitting patterns. Knitter-friendly, with clean
graphics, including illustrations of techniques, they are written in a straightforward style. They
take the knitter one step at a time through each section of a garment and are complete and accurate.
They are the original generic patterns, written for weights of yarn, not specific brand names.
With a Penny Straker pattern any appropriate yarn that tests to required gauge can be used in
the project.
A prototype is knit from an idea and a rough sketch. The math is calculated for the size range of
the design and then rough drafts are written, proofread and re-written. Other sizes are then test
knit to check the fit and tailoring of each size and the wording of the directions. Only then is the
final draft ready to be published.
Knitters have come to trust in our patterns because of the extra time and care given to each design.
In addition our patterns go several steps further:
• Patterns are suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced knitting levels.
• Designs for six yarn weights: fingering, sport, DK (heavy sport), worsted, light bulky and
bulky.
• Yarn Notes on the grey flap educate the knitter in the varieties of texture, spinning methods
and yarn types commonly found in a yarn weight.
• A step-by-step eight-inch swatch, also on the grey flap, familiarizes the knitter with the pattern stitch and determines if required gauge is met.
• P.S. Pointers – little knitting lessons and tips for knitters of all levels.
• The back cover has helpful information regarding how to measure and determine sizing.
• A Yarn Chart listing yarn weights, and their corresponding range of yardages, optimum needle
sizes and gauges in Stockinette Stitch.
Our pattern sizing is based on traditional American tailors’ sizing. Every size from baby to
adult is determined by the fullest part of the chest. A size 40 sweater measures, after assembly,
40” around. This measurement is taken with a tape measure placed just below the underarms,
around the back and across the fullest part of the chest or bust.
The directions present average lengths for torso and sleeve. The knitter is encouraged within the
text to adjust the measurements to suit their personal sleeve and body lengths, and when appropriate to the design, their personal style.
1 Penny Straker Patterns
Inspired Classics with Contemporary Style
The yardages given in this chart are for 100% wool. The ratio of yards per ounce is
not an exact science as there are many variables, which determine this ratio. Spins, slubs, tweeds, quality and processes (Superwash), all alter the ratio of yards
per ounce per yarn weight category. Luxurious fibers, including alpaca, silk, mohair
and camel hair, as well as cotton, linen, rayon and blends of any of these fibers have
their own ratios of yards per ounce per weight. Regardless, any fiber, if it is true to a weight category, will obtain the required gauge
on the given needles in Stockinette Stitch, yielding a desirable fabric – one that is not
too dense (tight), or too open (Í). *The most frequently used needle size for this yarn weight. The other needle sizes
given are used for this yarn weight for certain pattern stitches, certain fibers or for
certain desired fabric densities appropriate to, or necessary for,
a specific pattern design. 2 Penny Straker Patterns
Fingering Weight
Inspired Classics with Contemporary Style
#B770 Baby Jennifer & Bonnet
Designed for fingering weight yarn.
Level: intermediate
A winsome and timeless set, which my mother designed
many years ago for my sister, Pamela.
The bonnet and sweater yokes are knit in the all-over
Mock Cable, a rhythmical and relatively easy stitch to knit. The
pattern does require a little attention when working the Raglan
decreases, because the decreases steadily break into the Mock Cable. The bonnet is a traditional shape, tied with ribbon or a wool
braid, and has stay-on power, too.
This set is knit on #1, #2 and #3 needles and works well
in the many wonderful yarns available in today’s market such as
cotton, blends of wool and cotton or Superwash wool. Superwash
wool not only guarantees an easily washable set, but also gives the
wool a silky-smooth, soft feel, perfect for babies.
Sizes 6, 12 & 24 Months.
Bonnet Sizes Small & Large.
#B818 Baby Owl & Bonnet
Designed for fingering weight yarn.
Level: intermediate No one knows who originally created the little owls made with Back
Crosses and Front Crosses. My mother, Janice Straker, designed this
charming baby sweater decades ago for my sister and me. In the early ‘80s
Mom designed the traditional ‘Owl’ bonnet, tied with 1⁄4” ribbon. The set is knit on #3 needles and is lovely in wool, cotton or cotton/wool blends. Superwash wools are wonderful for all baby knits because
this European process yields wool machine-washable and whisper-soft,
which does not irritate even the most sensitive baby’s skin. The Owls’ eyes are tiny 1⁄4” mother-of-pearl two-hole buttons.
The most challenging task in making Owl is sewing these tiny buttons on so
that they are perfectly placed as the owls’ eyes and vertical! Now in its
tenth printing, it continues to be a cherished baby set. Sizes 6, 12 & 24 Months.
Bonnet Sizes Small & Large.
Available for older children in sport weight: Pattern #C818. Suggested Cascade Yarns for these patterns:
Heritage
Heritage Paints
3 Penny Straker Patterns
Sport Weight
#C757 Eye of the Partridge
Designed for sport weight yarn.
Level: seasoned beginner to
intermediate #C815 Christina & Cap
Designed for sport weight
yarn.
Level: intermediate
Set-in sleeves and a
crew neck (a double-crew neck
for the larger sizes) tailor this
handsome slipstitch design knit
on #6 needles for the intermediate knitter. The Eye of the Partridge is the easiest of the slipstitch patterns and looks best
when knit in smooth, evenly
spun (worsted spun method)
yarns. We recommend that the same yarn be used for both
main color and contrasting color for best results. The possible color combinations are endless. For
a dramatic effect, knit in two high-contrast colors. For a
more subtle result, use two colors of similar value. Panels of Wave of
Honey, Double Ring, Gordian Knot and Seed Stitch,
which are a few of the easier Aran patterns, make
Christina & Cap a relatively quick knit on #6
needles. Aran designs are
best suited for intermediate
and, of course, advanced needle workers.
To celebrate its sixth printing, I created a cap
for Christina – featuring a roll brim with the Aran
patterns around the crown of the cap.
Aran patterns have more depth and greater
stitch definition when they are knit with smooth
evenly spun yarns, the spinning method is called worsted spun.
Sizes 2 through 12.
Available in worsted weight in adult sizes with Raglan
sleeves: Pattern #757P Sizes 2, 4, 6 & 8.
Cap Sizes Small & Large.
#C818 Owl & Cap
Designed for sport weight
yarn.
Level: intermediate
#C876 Child’s Gretel
Designed for sport
weight yarn.
Level: intermediate
Owl, the young child’s version of Baby Owl, continues
to be a cherished and captivating design. Grown
women ask for an adult version! I’m thinking on that.
Now in its
ninth printing, Gretel is
a perennial favorite and
a well-loved design for
young girls. Knit in the
round on #5 Circular
needles, the body and
the shank of the sleeves
are worked in Plain
Knit. The yoke, worked on #4 Single Pointed needles,
is adorned with a border of raised hearts and Seed
Stitch. The smaller needles used on the yokes help the
knitter to keep the stitching crisp.
This is an easy pullover for the intermediate
knitter and has the additional Guernsey feature of no
seams. When your knitting is done, the sweater is
done!
Because the design features detailed stitching
and purls worked against a knit background, Gretel is
best worked in smooth, evenly spun yarns.
To celebrate Owl’s ninth
printing, I designed a matching cap with owls all around, topped with a small tassel.
Back Crosses and Front Crosses create the little owls sitting on tree branches.
Knit on #5 needles, the owls show to best advantage
worked in smooth worsted spun yarns in wool, cotton or
fiber blends. The hardest part of making Owl & Cap is
sewing on all 32 tiny pearl owls’ eyes, while keeping
each of them perfectly vertical!
Sizes 2, 4, 6 & 8.
Cap Sizes Small & Large.
Available for babies in fingering weight: Pattern
#B818.
Sizes 2 through 12.
Available in adult sizes in worsted weight: Pattern
#876.
4 Penny Straker Patterns
Sport Weight
#C882 John’s Guernsey
#760P Geoffrey PullDesigned for sport weight yarn. over
Level: intermediate
Designed for sport
weight yarn.
Level: intermediate
This Guernsey was
designed more than two decades
ago to celebrate the birth of my
A timeless
son. John’s Guernsey also gives design and another
a masculine mate for the Gretel hard-to-find design knit
(Pattern #C876), which is a
on #6 needles. The
popular design in our collection. detailing is created
The body, knit on #5
with panels of the
Circular needles, is worked in
Chain Stitch, Cables
Plain Knit decorated with bands and Stockinette Stitch.
of purl rows. The yoke, knit on #4 Single Pointed needles Geoffrey has a well(the smaller needle helps to keep the stitches crisp), is
tailored and deep vadorned with several handsome and ancient Scottish Fleet neck, creating a definipatterns.
tive classic for both
The Guernsey traits of knitting in the round, the
men and women, perfect for intermediate and addrop-shoulder and the decorated yokes all contribute to
vanced knitters.
make this a timeless design. Knitters also enjoy that enThe patterns are enhanced and highlighted
dearing ‘ganzee’ feature– when your knitting is done, your with a smooth spun yarn, but could span an array of
sweater is done. Not a single seam!
fibers, from wool blends, Shetland, cotton blends or
soft, airy and luxurious alpacas and cashmeres.
Sizes 2 through 12.
Sizes 32 through 44.
Available in adult sizes in worsted weight: Pattern
Available as a Vest: Pattern #760V.
#882.
#B887 Innisfree
Designed for sport
weight yarn.
Level: seasoned intermediate
#739 Mac Pullover
Designed for sport
weight yarn.
Level: intermediate
The ancient
Aran patterns and the
Seed Stitch Eton collar
bespeak old-fashioned
quality in this baby’s
Aran cardigan.
Knit on #5
needles, using the
Blackberry Stitch, the
Gordian Knot and the
Diamond with Moss,
this design requires
smooth worsted spun
yarns to enhance these traditional stitches, and add depth
and impact to the intricate needlework. Buttons of bone
or mother-of-pearl are a good compliment to the design.
Innisfree, is especially wonderful knit in Superwash wool. It requires the skills of a seasoned intermediate knitter.
Sizes 12, 24 & 36 Months
5 As much
as things change,
the best things stay
the same and that
goes for Mac, a
timeless and hardto-find pullover
designed by my
mother when wonderful alpaca yarns
first became readily available in the
marketplace.
Detailed with a comfortable Raglan armhole
and a deep, well-shaped double-crew neck, Mac is an
elegant, dressy sweater for both men and women.
Although worked in the easy and rhythmical
Mock Cable, which requires a cable needle, Mac does
require many hours of knitting. Worked on #5 needles, Mac is best for intermediate and advanced knitters.
Penny Straker Patterns
Sport Weight
#770C Jennifer Cardigan
Designed for sport weight
yarn.
Level: intermediate
#765 Italian Shirt
Designed for sport weight yarn.
Level: intermediate
A time-honored design
on #4 needles for the patient
needle worker who enjoys working with small needles. Italian
Shirt is detailed with a placket
and collar that demand attention
and precise workmanship from
the intermediate knitter.
This hard-to-find tailored shirt can be dressed up
with silk, alpaca or linen blend
yarns and fine mother-of-pearl buttons, or made casual
with cotton, Shetland or tweed yarns and interesting
wood, bone or horn buttons.
Sizes 32 through 42.
This design has
been consistently popular
through the years. There’s
something about Jennifer that
just charms and pleases
women. The Mock Cable
decorates the yoke and cuffs
giving the knitter the opportunity to become familiar with
the pattern stitch before beginning the Raglan decreases which shape the armholes.
These decreases steadily break into the Mock Cable pattern.
This section of the cardigan requires a working understanding of the stitch. At the beginning of every right-side row,
the knitter has to calculate exactly where to resume the allover Mock Cable.
While smooth, evenly spun yarns enhance the
Mock Cables, the pattern is still distinct and attractive in
yarns having a little texture. Knit on #5 needles, it is a good
project for the intermediate knitter.
Sizes 32 through 44.
#777C MacAuslan Cardigan
Designed for sport weight
yarn.
Level: seasoned intermediate
This was collaboraKnit on #5
tion
between
Alan MacGary
needles, this is a
and
me!
The
MacAuslan
Mill
hard-to-find Aran
was
one
of
the
oldest
working
cardigan as it is knit
mills in Scotland, producing
with sport weight
lovely Shetland yarns. The
yarns, a lighter
MacGarys, who represented
weight than that
the mill, made regular visits
used for most Arans.
to the States to sell their ShetGalway is the result
land knitting yarns. We met
of customer requests
in
1962
soon
after
I
had
opened
my yarn shop.
from the early years
Fair
Isle
designs
are
a
British
Isles tradition
in my yarn shop!
The smaller needles and have been popular in the United Kingdom for decpaired with the Aran ades. Alan gave me an old copy of this yoke pattern,
patterns and the but- which was on file at the mill. I wrote the directions for
this cardigan integrating this beautiful old yoke design.
tonhole work in the Banjo Cable front bands demand attention to detail and the expertise of an advanced knitter. Knit on #4 needles, MacAuslan is perfect for Shetland.
Aran patterns show to best advantage, with great Today’s many wonderful alpaca sport weight yarns
stitch definition and clarity, knit in smooth worsted-spun would be delightful alternatives for this Fair Isle cardigan. Many of the antique yoke patterns are known to
yarns.
be of Spanish origin.
#788 Galway
Designed for sport
weight yarn.
Level: advanced
Sizes 34 through 44.
Sizes 32 through 40.
6 Penny Straker Patterns
Inspired Classics with Contem-
Sport Weight
#760V Geoffrey Vest
Designed for sport weight
yarn.
Level: intermediate #729V Jim Vest
Designed for sport weight yarn.
Level: intermediate
Years ago a young bass player
came into our Nantucket shop and
wanted to know if we would design a
comfortable vest for him, with armholes
that would not restrict his playing. My
mother created Jim’s vest and named it
after him.
Knit on #5 needles, the back
and front are exactly alike – Stockinette
Stitch, adorned with panels of the Tree of Life, and finished with
yokes in K1, P1 Raised Rib. The top edges of the neckline are
hemmed down for facings. These patterns are slow to work and
they require some attention; however the finishing is minimal as
the ribbed yoke finishes the armhole edges, leaving only the side
edges to be sewn. The Tree of Life, which is a handsome, ancient
Aran pattern, requires a cable needle. Best for the intermediate
knitter.
The Tree of Life pattern shows to advantage in relatively smooth yarns; however the vest can be dressed up knit in
alpaca, silk or wool/rayon blends or made casual, knit in Shetland, homespuns and cotton or wool blends.
Sizes 34 through 48.
#741S Basic VNeck Vest
Designed for sport
weight yarn.
Level: intermediate This versatile, easyto-knit vest is
worked on #5 needles. Like its counterpart, knit in worsted weight (pattern
#741W), this vest
can suit many wardrobe needs. Although photographed in homespun wool, Basic-V is
elegant and dressy in silk or rayon blends, is a seasonspanner in cotton or is soft, luxurious and elegant in alpaca or cashmere. A classic to suit the needs for both men
and women, be it day or night, work or play. Sizes 34 through 48. 7 Classic elegance and contemporary style. A timeless
design knit on #6 needles, it
is decorated with panels of
Chains, Cables and Stockinette Stitch, and best suited
to intermediate and advanced knitters. Knit in season-spanning
cottons or sporty tweeds,
Geoffrey is a casual vest.
Knit in sumptuous fibers of alpaca or cashmere, it’s a
splendid vest to wear with a blazer or sport coat.
Geoffrey is a well-tailored, wardrobe essential. Use
smooth worsted-spun yarns for best stitch definition. Sizes 34 through 50.
Available as a pullover: Pattern #760P. Cascade Yarns Suggested for
Sport Weight Patterns:
Bollicine Dolly
Arcadia
Penny Straker Patterns
DK Weight
#C796 Staithes Guernsey
Designed for DK (heavy sport) weight
yarn.
Level: intermediate
The traditional features of the
Guernsey (pronounced ‘gan-zee’) make
this a perfect sweater for kids. The easyfitting smock shape and comfortable drop
-shoulder give the wearer a wonderful
freedom of movement. The original
Staithes Guernsey is on permanent display in the Victoria & Albert museum in
London.
Staithes is worked on #6 circular needles. The body is
in Plain Knit, the yokes and upper sleeves are decorated with
Double Seed Stitch panels separated with bands of ridges
(Ridge & Furrow), and the bottom cuff is in Garter Stitch. These
simple yet elegant stitches make this an easy design for the intermediate knitter.
Another endearing Guernsey feature is that when your
knitting is done, your sweater is done – not a single seam. Traditionally Guernsey’s were knit in fine, smooth wool yarns,
usually grey/blue, dark blue or black, and worked on small needles, which compacted the yarn and created a dense fabric. The
stitches and traditional details of this sweater show best when
knit with smooth-spun yarns similar to the wools used for the
original ganzees.
#C886 Nashawena
Designed for DK (heavy
sport) weight yarn.
Level: seasoned beginner Knit on #6 needles, this clean, cabled
classic is written specifically to cotton, a comfortable fiber for children and a readily available fiber in yarns shops
across the country. Although written for cotton, this design can also
be knit in a number of
smooth, evenly spun
wools and fiber blends. Nashawena, with a comfortable, wide double
-crew neck, is detailed with cables, which might look
daunting to new knitters; however cables are a wonderful stitch for the ‘seasoned’ beginner, and cables
are always fun for the experienced needle worker. Sizes 2 through 12. Sizes 2 through 12.
Available in adult sizes in worsted weight: Pattern #796.
#811 Whit Vest
Designed for DK
(heavy sport) weight
yarn.
Level: intermediate
#872Phoebe's Filligree
Designed for DK (heavy sport)
weight yarn.
Level: advanced
Designed and cut with
the 40’s in mind – and a good
excuse to use some of my favorite Aran patterns albeit in a
nontraditional design. The
Blackberry Stitch, Gordian
Knot and Hollow Oak patterns
are paired with side panels of
Seed Stitch. The cuffs are
worked in a fabulous Blackberry & Rib pattern and the sleeves tops are detailed with
a slightly gathered cap.
Phoebe is knit on #6 needles, and as for all Aran
pattern stitches, it is best knit in smooth, worsted-spun
yarns, which yield the optimum stitch definition. Phoebe
is fun to knit for experienced knitters.
Sizes 32 through 40.
Whit is a time
-honored, traditional
vest for both men and
women, worked on #7
needles. With panels
of Stockinette and Cables, it is easy fare for
the intermediate knitter. The front band,
which is a long span of stitches, requires some extra
attention while working the pick-up row and knitting
the band in order to keep it crisp.
This is a versatile design, equally attractive,
whether in wools, tweeds and alpaca as a defense
against the cold, or in cotton and linen blends for the
warmer months or climes. Dress it up with alpaca and
exquisite buttons, or make it casual in a tweed yarn
with leather or wood buttons.
Sizes 34 through 48.
8 Penny Straker Patterns
DK & WorstedWeight
Inspired Classics with Contemporary Style
Cascade Yarns Suggested for
DK Weight Patterns:
220 Superwash
Dolce
Venezia Worsted
Arcadia Dk
Cotton Rich Dk
Pure Alpaca
Eco Alpaca
Cash Vero Dk
Cascade Yarns Suggested for
Worsted Weight Patterns:
Cascade 220
(Including Heathers, Tweeds,
Paints and Quatros)
Lana D’Oro
Sierra
Rustic
Cash Vero
9 Penny Straker Patterns
Worsted Weight
Inspired Classics with Contemporary Style
#C772 Child’s Johnny
Designed for worsted
weight yarn.
Level: intermediate
#C742 David’s Pullover &
Cap
Designed for worsted weight
yarn.
Level: intermediate
This is a chilly day,
cozy cap and sweater set
which is ideal for toddlers up
to bigger children. The cap is
knit on #7 needles and the
pullover on #8 needles, in
the Brioche Rib, sometimes
called the Shaker Stitch.
The directions include drawings, which illustrate the
stitch and show just how to work this textured, rhythmical
and easy stitch.
A wide double-crew neck, drop shoulders and
pick-up-and-knit sleeves create a comfortable and easy
fitting sweater. It is a fun, quick-to-knit project for the
intermediate knitter.
This hoodie, now
a wardrobe essential, is
knit on #7 needles, and is
a good design for the intermediate needle worker.
The cables are easy and
fun to work, but the
placket requires attention
to the detailing and a
good command of knitting tension to keep the
placket and buttonholes crisp and firm.
The directions include a collar as an alternative to the hood, making it a versatile pattern. Johnny
is equally charming in a wide array of yarns from textured tweeds and fiber blends, to worsted-spun machine-washable wools. This is an endearing and cozy
classic for any child, either boy or girl.
Sizes 2 through 12.
Cap Sizes Small & Large.
Sizes 2 through 12.
#C841 Boater
Designed for worsted
weight yarn.
Level: beginner
#C875 Child’s Andy
Designed for worsted
weight yarn.
Level: beginner
This is a beginner’s delight! Knit
on #7 needles, Boater is
a rugged and comfortable outdoor sweater.
Inspired by the old
‘letter sweaters’ from
another era, with its
easy, wide boat neck,
this design has an additional detail of a K1, P1
Raised Rib yoke knit on
#6 needles, which aids
in the armhole shaping. The directions include instructions
to assemble the pieces with Single Crochet worked on the
right side adding a raised detail to the seams.
Tradition would dictate smooth, evenly spun
wool, but it is such a basic pattern there is room for experimentation with textured tweeds, homespuns, cottons and
fiber blends.
Sizes 2 through 12.
10 With its easy
shape, wide crew neck
and comfortable dropshoulders, Andy is a
wonderful design for
toddlers and older children. Knit on #7 needles
in Garter Stitch, with
pick-up-and-knit-down
sleeves, it’s a snap to
knit for the beginner,
and fun for more advanced knitters.
This little classic knits up nicely in any number of yarns from textured tweeds, to homespuns, raw
wools and cottons and a variety of fiber blends.
Sizes 2 through 12.
Available in adult sizes in worsted weight: Pattern
#875.
Penny Straker Patterns
Worsted Weight
Inspired Classics with Contemporary Style
#794P Shalor Pullover
Designed for worsted
weight yarn.
Level: advanced
#738 Sasha
Designed for worsted weight
yarn.
Level: beginner
A beginner’s delight
knit on #10 needles in Garter
Stitch. The simple shape
lends itself to an array of
yarns and textures, each fiber
creating a different mood and
a different use for Sasha.
Toasty and warm knit in
homespun yarns or raw wools for layering, or a little
more elegant, and with some drape, in rayon, silk or alpaca blends. Try it in different yarns for different purposes.
Sasha is easy to finish as the back and front
shoulder and sleeve stitches are joined with the Knitted
Seam Method; only the side and sleeve edges are sewn
together.
Sizes 32 through 44.
Shalor Pullover,
forerunner to Shalor Cardigan, was designed years
ago and named after a big
Irish mare owned by an
acquaintance who was a
long-time member of the
U.S. Olympic Equestrian
Team.
Intricate Arans are fun and challenging for
the advanced knitter. Shalor is knit on #6 needles and
the stitching shows to advantage with smooth, worsted
-spun wools. Raw wool, a lanolin-rich fiber, adds extra body and warmth to the knitted fabric. Like the
Cardigan, this pullover is for the expert needle
worker.
Sizes 34 through 48.
#757 Eye of the Partridge
Designed for worsted weight
yarn.
Level: intermediate This rugged and
perennial favorite for the
needle worker is knit on #8
needles in the easiest of the
slipstitch patterns, Eye of the
Partridge, a centuries-old
pattern stitch originating in
France. This pullover was
designed in the ‘60s, which
speaks for the enduring quality of a timeless design. Updated in 2006, this design now
has additional large sizes up to Size 50. Slipstitch patterns are most effective when knit
with smooth, evenly spun yarns, and it is important to use
both the main color and the contrasting color of the same
yarn to achieve distinct and even patterning. Lanolin-rich raw wool, which adds extra body
and warmth, is a perfect match for this rugged outdoor
pullover; however any quality worsted weight wool will
do justice to your needlework. Sizes 34 through 50.
Available in children’s sizes in sport weight yarn: Pattern #C757. 11 #763 Inverness
Designed for worsted
weight yarn.
Level: advanced
Inspired by the
ancient Aran and Scottish
Fleet patterns reflecting
mans’ work on the land
and on the sea. I pulled
together pattern stitches,
which had personal meaning, integrating my passion for horses (the Hoofprint), for working the soil
(Seed Stitch), for the ocean (Raised Cables which suggest boat lines) and for early New England architecture
(King Charles Brocade, which represents the diamond
shaped windows albeit of much earlier times).
The intricate pattern stitches of Inverness, knit
on # 6 needles, show to best advantage when worked in
worsted spun yarns. The shoulders and sleeves are
joined with the Knitted Seam Method, making assembly and finishing a relatively easy task. Only the body
and sleeve edges need to be sewn together. A knitted
piece which requires hours of work and rewards the
advanced knitter with a great sense of accomplishment.
Size 36 through 42.
Penny Straker Patterns
Inspired Classics with
Worsted Weight
#740 Potomska
Designed for worsted
weight yarn.
Level: seasoned beginner
#794C Shalor Cardigan
Designed for worsted
weight yarn.
Level: advanced
This is the Aran
pattern, which so many
knitters have been inquiring about. It’s shown on
the cover of Taunton
Press’s Knitting Tips &
Trade Secrets. Fans from
around the country recognized the design and
wrote me informing me
that Shalor Cardigan was,
indeed, featured on the book cover!
Knit on #6 needles it is best worked with
smooth, evenly spun yarns. Raw wools add another dimension to Arans, as the lanolin-rich yarn gives body to
the design and a little water repellency to the garment. A
tour de force for the expert needle worker.
Originally designed in the ‘60s, this
easy-fitting Raglan pullover speaks for the enduring quality of classic designs. A good ‘seasoned’
beginner’s project, knit on
#8 needles, it is a staple
wardrobe piece for both
men and women.
Potomska, a versatile design, works in almost
any yarn – textured tweeds to raw wools, smooth worsted spun wools or fiber blends and luxurious fibers.
Each fiber will influence the look and use of Potomska.
Sizes 34 through 48.
Sizes 36 through 46.
#796 Staithes Guernsey
Designed for worsted weight
yarn.
Level: seasoned intermediate
#875 Andy
Designed for worsted
weight yarn.
Level: beginner
Knit on #5 needles,
compacting the worsted
weight wool into a sturdy
fabric, this Guernsey is my
interpretation of the original
Staithes on display in the Victoria & Albert Museum in
London, U.K.
In earlier centuries
the fishermen’s wives knit
some of the beautiful Scottish Fleet patterns into the
yokes of the fishermen’s’ ‘ganzees’. The particular pattern stitches used by each knitter identified their families
and the garments in turn helped to identify the fishermen.
The ancient smock shape, with its simple, clean
lines and underarm gussets, has been used worldwide for
centuries for traditional work clothes. Although relatively
easy to knit, this is not for the timid or faint-hearted, as it
requires many hours of knitting! The dense fabric adds to
the warmth of the garment. And like all Guernseys, when
your knitting is done, the Guernsey is done. It is seamless!
Sizes 34 through 44. Available in children’s sizes in
DK weight: Pattern #C796.
12 Detailed with a wide
crew neck and comfortable drop-shoulders this
design for both men and
women is worked on #8
needles in Garter Stitch.
Knit it in seasonspanning cottons, crisp
and textured tweeds, or
wools blended with a variety of fibers. Andy, a versatile design, works nicely in an array of fibers, and
each fiber changes the use of this easy-to-knit pullover. A great design for beginners as the instructions
are laced with illustrations and knitting tips – and it’s
a breeze for experienced knitters.
Sizes 34 through 50.
Available in Children’s sizes: Pattern #C875.
Penny Straker Patterns
Worsted Weight
Inspired Classics with Contemporary Style
#882 John's Guernsey
Designed for worsted
weight yarn.
Level: intermediate
#876 Gretel
Worsted Weight Designed for
worsted weight yarn.
Level: intermediate
Gretel is a well-loved
design for the intermediate knitter
and is now in its eighth printing.
The body and sleeves are knit on a
#8 Circular needle; the yokes are
worked on #7 Single Pointed needles. The smaller needle used for
the yokes helps keep the knitting
of the heart borders and yoke
stitches crisp and nicely defined. All these details are
created with purl stitches against a background of knit
stitches.
Being knit in the round, when your knitting is
done Gretel is done, not a single seam to sew. A bonus
for those who loathe finishing! It is best knit in smooth,
evenly spun yarns to enhance the stitching in the heart
borders and Seed Stitch yokes, the design lends itself to
many different fibers.
Sizes 34 through 42.
Available in Children’s sizes in sport weight: Pattern
#741W Basic VNeck Vest
worsted weight
This ever
-popular vest is
knit on #7 needles
and is another useful and versatile
pattern for the
seasoned beginner,
like its counterpart
in sport weight
(pattern #741S).
Knit in
raw wool, it is a
rugged, warm
work vest – good
for cool weather, great with jeans. The vest can work for
you in a multitude of worsted weight yarns and fibers,
each lending the vest its own flavor. Mohair and silk
blends create a dressier, more feminine vest. Cotton
makes it a transitional vest for spring and fall, or warm
climes. Change the look from day to night, work to play,
man to woman by choosing from a variety of tweeds,
boucles and designer yarns.
Sizes 32 through 46.
13 The loose-fitting smock
shape and drop-shoulder
of this Guernsey make it
comfortable to wear and
also easy to knit. The
yoke is worked on #7
Single Pointed needles in
Scottish Fleet pattern
stitches; the body is
worked on a #8 Circular needle in Plain Knit with two
rounds of purl stitches worked in every seventh and
eight rounds. A popular feature of this design is that it
has that wonderful round needle feature - when your
knitting is done the sweater is done! It is seamless!
John’s Guernsey is a suitable design for the intermediate knitter.
Sizes 34 through 46.
Available in Children’s sizes in sport weight: Pattern #C882.
#731H&LW Swiss
Check Trilogy
Designed for worsted
weight yarn.
Level: seasoned beginner
A hat, a cap and two different leg warmer designs
all in one pattern! Swiss
Check, Swiss Check
Stripe and Ribbon Pattern
are all easy slipstitch
patterns, which use one
color for two consecutive
rows. This feature eliminates the need to carry
two yarns along a row,
leaving fewer ends to weave in when your knitting is
done.
There are two designs for leg warmers, one to match
Swiss Check Hat and the other for John’s Cap in
Swiss Check Stripe. Both are fun to knit and colorful
and warm to wear!
Hat & Cap Sizes Petite, Small, Medium & Large.
Leg Warmer Sizes Petite, Small, Medium, Large &
X-Large.
Penny Straker Patterns
Light Bulky/BulkyWeight
Inspired Classics with Contemporary Style
#737P Becky Pullover
Designed for light bulky weight
yarn.
Level: beginner
Elegant and easy - an essential
raglan pullover for young and
old, men and women. Becky is
fast to knit in Stockinette Stitch
on # 9 needles, and is a terrific
beginner's project. This pattern is
also a useful one for beginner
knitting classes.
The directions are threaded with caveats, pointers and
illustrated techniques to help all knitters enjoy the knitting process of this pullover. It can be knit in an array of
yarns – chunky tweeds, alpaca (try a sport weigh alpaca
used double strand for a luxurious fabric), cottons, fiber
blends or indulge in one of those fabulous hand-dyed
yarns of many colors.
Cascade Yarns Suggested for
Light Bulky Weight Patterns:
Eco Wool and Eco +
Soft Spun
Pastaza
Jewel
Greenland
Sizes 34 through 50.
#880 Ashley
Designed for bulky weight
yarn.
Level: beginner
Cascade Yarns Suggested for
Bulky Weight Patterns:
Eco Wool and Eco +
128 Solids & Tweeds
Pastaza
Jewel
Elegant and easy in mohair –
Ashley is a fun and quick-toknit pullover worked on
#101/2 needles, making it a
good undertaking for a
‘seasoned’ beginner knitter.
The drop-shoulders create an
easy and comfortable fit, and
the directions are written to a
cropped length. The sleeves are picked up at the armhole
and knit down, which leaves only the side and sleeve
edges to be sewn.
Venezia Chunky
Baby Alpaca Chunky
The luxury of mohair, the elegance of simplicity and the
timelessness of a classic – this pattern is a perennial favorite.
Sizes 32 through 42.
14 Penny Straker Patterns
All–In-One
#892 Chloe’s Cap, Scarf &
Wristies
Designed for both DK
(heavy sport) & worsted
weight yarns.
Level: beginner This set is fun, fashionable and fast to knit in the
easy Twin Rib pattern stitch
on #6 needles with DK or on
#8 needles with worsted
weight yarns. Luxurious and
soft in alpaca or toasty and
casual in wool, the Chloe set
is designed with beginners in
mind; however fun to knit and useful for all knitters. The directions are individually written for each
of the two yarn weights, and include helpful illustrations,
as well as “P.S. Pointers”, knitting tips and techniques, a
feature in all of our patterns. The Wristies, with the need
to keep our thermostats down, provide a wonderful layer
of warmth while working in the house or office. Cap Sizes Small, Medium & Large.
Scarf Sizes Narrow, Medium & Wide widths; Short,
Medium & Long lengths.
Wristies Sizes Small, Medium & Large #732 Basic Cap & FourNeedle Mittens
Designed for worsted &
bulky weight yarns.
Level: beginner This popular and practical
pattern for a traditional
cap is written for both
worsted weights on #8
needles, and bulky
weights of yarn on #10
needles. The directions for
the four-needle mittens in
worsted weight are easy to
follow, even for beginners. And all knitters enjoy P.S.
Pointers, which are printed along side the pattern instructions. Adventurous knitters can play with color and
add stripes or a band of pattern just above the ribbed cuff.
Any fiber and any spin of yarn can be used providing you
have achieved the required gauges. Textured tweeds, boucles, raw wools, cotton blends, even mohair work and
each changes the look and feel of the finished caps and
mitts. Hat Sizes Small & Medium.
Mitten Sizes Small, Medium & Large.
Available for children: Pattern #C732. 15 #C732 Child’s Basic
Cap
& Four-Needle Mittens
Designed for worsted &
bulky weight yarns.
Level: beginner This children’s’ version
of our popular pattern for
a traditional cap is written for both worsted
weights on #7 needles,
and bulky weights of
yarn on #10 needles. The
directions for the fourneedle mittens in worsted weight are easy to follow, even
for beginners. Have fun adding stripes of many colors or a
band of pattern just above the ribbed cuff. Any fiber and
any spin of yarn can be used– textured blends, tweeds,
raw wools and cotton blends. Just remember to make
sure that you match the gauge in the instructions. The set
is especially lovely for toddlers in the soft, non-allergic,
machine-washable Superwash wools. Cap Sizes Toddler and Child’s.
Mitten Sizes Toddler, Child’s Medium & Child’s
Large.
Available for Adults: Pattern #732 #889H Hats-A-Plenty
Designs for bulky, light bulky & worsted weight yarns.
Level: beginner & intermediate Five hats in one pattern! These include Eye of the Partridge Cap, Penny’s Cloche and Zetty’s French Beret, Tam
and Tam-O-Shanter. The Eye of the Partridge, worked on # 8 needles with worsted weight yarn, the easiest of the slipstitch patterns,
looks best when knit in smooth, evenly spun (worsted spun method) yarns. We recommend that you use two colors
of the same yarn for the best effect of this stitch. The color combinations are endless. For a dramatic look, knit it in
two high-contrast colors. For a more subtle result, use two colors of similar value. Penny’s Cloche is quick-to-knit on #9 and #101/2 in a variety of bulky weight yarns. Use textured tweeds, variegated yarns or blends of wool with mohair, rayon and cotton. Zetty’s Beret, Tam and Tam-O-Shanter are knit in the round, in Plain Knit on #9 Double Pointed needles, in light
bulky weight yarns. Each is quick-to-knit with no seams or finishing. Smooth even spins will maintain the traditional look of these designs; however the tam design is also a natural for cottons, tweeds and textured yarns. The directions include the well-loved “P.S. Pointers”, knitting tips and little knitting lessons, which makes it a
good pattern for beginners and a handy pattern for all needle workers! Eye of the Partridge Cap Sizes Toddler, Child, Adult Small & Large.
Penny’s Cloche Sizes Small & Large.
Zetty’s Beret & Tams Sizes One size fits most. 16