Close Knit 15 Patterns and 45 Techniques from Beginner to Advanced from Europe's Coolest Knitter

Attention twenty-first century knitters! Put down your stitch markers, cable needles, and rulers, it’s time to dive into your scrap yarn bag and embrace your mistakes. Written by Europe’s hippest textile genius, this is definitely not your mother’s knitting book.

Are you tired of the same dowdy old knitting patterns and videos made by traditionalists with no sense of fashion? Are you freaked out by complicated patterns that leave no room for mistakes? Do you want to learn to knit fur? Laerke Bagger is here for you.
 
Known for her exuberant use of color and textures, the Danish artist has gained a worldwide following by proudly celebrating her flaws and proclaiming her humanity. In this unique guide she offers wisdom for knitters of every level, as well as fifteen basic patterns that can be varied infinitely to suit individual skill sets, tastes, and materials.
 
There are illustrated instructions for making socks, scarves and sweaters—but you’ll also find ideas for creating scrunchies, t-shirts and even a prom dress. In addition to eschewing perfection, the Laerke Bagger technique involves tying knots instead of sewing the ends of yarn, recycling every inch of wool, and letting mistakes be a part of the design. With names like the Carpe Diem sweater, the Bad Idea top and the Easy Peasy pillow, her knits are easily translated to fit whatever mood you’re in, or whatever leftover yarn is lying around your house.
 
Along the way, Laerke dispenses valuable pearls of wisdom for living in today’s world, turning adversity into strength, and shaping your life to fit your own needs instead of the other way around.  
 

Lærke Bagger is a trained textile designer specializing in hand knitting from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Her work has included knitting patterns and DIYS, books, workshops, lectures and collaborations with larger companies. In 2020 Laerke Bagger was nominated for the prestigious Elle Style Awards in Denmark in the category of “Newcomer of the Year.” During the first coronavirus lockdown Laerke Bagger shared a free knitting project under the hashtag #alonetogethersweater which has been knitted and shared around the world. She lives in Copenhagen, Denmark.