Product Review

Hip designs and simple patterns are hallmarks of the Yarn Girls’ style—the very things that made their first book, The Yarn Girls’ Guide to Simple Knits, a smash hit with knitters of every stripe. Now Julie Carles and Jordana Jacobs return with a whole new collection of fast-knitting, colorful patterns, this time for the littlest members of the family.

Forget about baby-weight yarn and fussy patterns for sweaters that are quickly outgrown. Created in the Yarn Girls’ signature style, with fabulous yarns and big needles, these projects are perfect for new knitters who want to see their creations shape up quickly. And for experienced knitters, more advanced patterns explore changes in color and texture and allow for plenty of experimentation on a manageable, kid-sized scale. Patterns include a variety of pullovers and cardigans, plus hats, dresses, blankets, and even ponchos, all perfectly suited to babies and toddlers. Best of all, the sweater patterns are great for boys and girls, making this collection versatile enough to use again and again.

Many of the projects take just days to complete, and all are presented with easy-to-follow steps accompanied by beautiful photography. With straightforward, jargon-free instructions, plenty of personal knitting stories, and old-fashioned encouragement, success is a foregone conclusion. Never will kids look more adorable, or more comfortable, than in these smart, easy-to-make knits.